Ontario Introduces Seventh Working for Workers Act

May 28, 2025

New measures help more workers train for in-demand jobs, strengthen worker health and safety and protect workers affected by U.S. tariffs

May 28, 2025

Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development

TORONTO — Today, the Ontario government introduced the Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025, which builds on the previous six Working for Workers acts with a suite of 18 new proposed measures that will, if passed, protect Ontario workers and the economy in the face of U.S. tariffs and create safer workplaces for a stronger workforce.

“Our government is protecting Ontario workers by standing up for them when they need it the most,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “We’re proposing changes that will prepare workers and businesses for the jobs of the future, while helping workers facing impacts from U.S. tariffs and economic uncertainty. This package underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting our province’s most valuable resource – our workers.”

In addition to protecting workers on construction sites by requiring automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) and helping workers access skills training faster by cutting red tape for Skills Development Fund Capital projects, this package would also enhance protections against job scams for prospective job seekers and expand entitlements for workers to provide better support in the event of layoffs.

The full llist of proposed changes in Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025, can be read here.

This proposed legislation follows the Working for Workers Six Act, 2024, which received Royal Assent in December 2024. It is the latest step in our plan to protect Ontario, give workers and employers the tools, support and opportunities they need in the face of U.S tariffs and economic uncertainty.

Quick Facts

In 2024, the federal Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) reported an increase in job opportunity fraud. The CAFC found that economic losses in Canada due to job fraud rose to $47 million in 2024, and losses in Ontario amounted to $14.86 million due to job scams – the highest among all provinces in Canada.
During consultations held as part of Working for Workers Five, construction industry stakeholders recommended AEDs as essential devices to have on site and highlighted the need for financial support to help small businesses with the purchase of these devices. Data from the Ministry shows that more than 15 per cent of inspection reports associated with “cardiac” or “heart attack” were in the construction sector.
The Skills Development Fund Training Stream, training and support centres and Employment Ontario are supported through labour market transfer agreements between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
The Skills Development Fund Capital Stream is funded exclusively by the Government of Ontario.

Quotes

“ACTRA Toronto applauds the Ministry’s continued efforts to prioritize fairness, financial safeguards, and opportunity for Ontario’s workers. The new measures proposed in the Working for Workers Seven Act recognize the real challenges performers face in a rapidly evolving industry and world. We’re especially encouraged by the emphasis on workplace safety, financial transparency, and expanding access to meaningful skills training.”

– Kate Ziegler,
President, ACTRA Toronto

“RCCAO commends Minister Piccini for continuously demonstrating a steadfast commitment to improving the lives of workers in Ontario, including the men and women building the critical infrastructure we all rely on. Working for Workers Seven Act contains important and positive steps for industry. By enhancing OINP with more flexible selection streams, mandating AEDs on construction sites, recognizing ISO/COR equivalencies and cutting red tape to accelerate the construction of training centres, the government is taking meaningful, worker-first action. These initiatives show real leadership in supporting skilled trades and ensuring safer and stronger workplaces across the province.”

– Nadia Todorova, Executive Director,
Residential and Civil Construction of Ontario (RCCAO)

“The Ontario Road Builders’ Association applauds Minister Piccini and the Government of Ontario for introducing practical, life-saving measures in the Working for Workers Seven Act. Requiring AEDs on large construction sites will save lives by ensuring timely intervention during cardiac emergencies—especially in remote or high-risk environments. Recognizing Chief Prevention Officer-accredited health and safety management systems in procurement will cut red tape, reduce duplication, and lower the cost of construction. Taken together, these changes will help Ontario’s road building industry deliver projects more safely and efficiently—benefiting workers, taxpayers, and communities across the province.”

– Walid Abou-Hamde,
CEO, Ontario Road Builders’ Association

“Working for Workers 7 is another step in the right direction for Ontario, growing the supports seen in previous legislation to protect workers, reduce red tape, and get more projects built. A number of important measures within this bill will accomplish these goals, including streamlining SDF Capital projects, mandating AEDs on large jobsites, and fighting WSIB premium fraud. The Carpenters’ Regional Council is proud to support this legislation which will help workers and strengthens our industry.”

– Tom Cardinal,
President and Chief of Staff, Carpenters’ Regional Council

“The Provincial Building Trades Council appreciates the commitment to further legislation to support workers. Automated External Defibrillators (AED) on construction projects will help save lives, ensuring that workers can be protected in emergency situations. “

– Marc Arsenault,
Business Manager & Secretary-Treasurer, Provincial Building & Construction Trades Council of Ontario

“The Mechanical Contractors Association of Ontario applauds Minister Piccini and the Ontario government for their continued leadership through the Working for Workers 7 legislation. Strengthening and harmonizing Ontario’s health and safety management system is a critical step toward protecting workers, lowering costs, and enhancing our industry’s overall competitiveness. We are particularly supportive of initiatives that deliver practical, measurable impact—such as the requirement for AEDs on larger construction sites. These changes reflect a shared commitment to fostering safer, more resilient job sites across the province.”

– Jeff Spitzig,
Executive Vice President, Mechanical Contractors Association Ontario

“Skills Ontario applauds the Ontario government’s continued investment in the skilled trades. We’re proud to partner on initiatives like the expanded Trades & Tech Truck Program, giving more young people hands-on opportunities to explore rewarding careers. These investments—driven by the leadership of Premier Ford, Minister Piccini, and this government—demonstrate a clear commitment to building the skilled workforce our economy needs.”

– Ian Howcroft,
CEO, Skills Ontario

“In the face of U.S. tariffs, protecting our economy starts with protecting our workers. The Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025 is a multipronged effort to build a strong and sustainable workforce in Ontario. By enhancing workplace safety, supporting smoother transitions for laid-off workers, and ensuring access to skilled labour through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, we are not only protecting our economy, we are investing in long-term resilience and stability.”

– Nick Simone,
President and CEO, Pace Law

“Premier Ford and Minister Piccini are taking decisive action to recognize the thousands of construction companies that are investing in and creating safe workplaces for their employees. This legislation will ensure that all construction companies with a Ministry-accredited health and safety management system in Ontario have the opportunity to bid and build the critical public infrastructure Ontarians rely on.”

– Patrick McManus,
Executive Director, Ontario Sewer and Watermain Construction Association

“These new measures are a strong signal that Ontario is serious about building a future-ready workforce while supporting employers through practical, forward-thinking labour policies. HRAI applauds the government’s commitment to streamlining training centre development, extending layoff flexibility, and reducing red tape—steps that will allow our HVACR sector to remain resilient, competitive, and prepared for growth. These changes offer our members greater clarity and flexibility to manage their workforce, invest in skills development, and access the talent they need to drive innovation and meet the evolving demands of the built environment.”

– Sandy MacLeod,
President & CEO, HRAI

“PCA has long advocated for a level playing field and competitiveness in procurement. We are delighted that the government is making improvements to construction procurement by ensuring our members’ significant investments in health and safety are recognized across all publicly tendered projects.”

– Karen Renkema,
Vice President, Ontario, Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA)

“The Ontario Trucking Association applauds Minister Piccini for introducing Working for Workers Seven, which includes critical measures to enhance protections for workers across the province. Strengthening compliance with the WSIB is a significant step toward ensuring all employers meet their responsibilities and that workers receive the protection they deserve. These actions help level the playing field for law-abiding businesses and reinforce Ontario’s commitment to fair and safe workplaces.”

– Stephen Laskowski,
President and CEO, Ontario Trucking Association

Ontario Introduces Seventh Working for Workers Act

Table of Contents

Quick Facts

Quotes

Additional Resources