New measures help more workers train for in-demand jobs, strengthen worker health and safety and protect workers affected by U.S. tariffs
On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, 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.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
