Ontario is taking a stand against bad actor employers by increasing fines for their actions. The province announced on Tuesday that it will be implementing stricter penalties for employers who violate workplace laws and put their employees at risk.
Under the new legislation, employers who are found guilty of violating the Employment Standards Act or the Occupational Health and Safety Act will face significantly higher fines. The maximum fine for individuals will increase from $100,000 to $500,000, while corporations will face a maximum fine of $1.5 million, up from $500,000.
The changes are part of the government’s efforts to protect workers and ensure that employers are held accountable for their actions. “We are committed to creating a fair and safe workplace for all Ontarians,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. “These increased fines will send a strong message that bad actor employers will not be tolerated in our province.”
The new legislation will also give the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development the power to publicly name employers who have been convicted of violating workplace laws. This will serve as a deterrent for other employers and provide transparency for workers.
In addition to the increased fines, the government is also investing $50 million over the next four years to hire more employment standards officers and occupational health and safety inspectors. This will help to improve enforcement and ensure that employers are complying with the laws.
The changes have been welcomed by workers’ rights advocates, who have long been calling for stricter penalties for bad actor employers. “This is a step in the right direction towards creating a fair and safe workplace for all workers in Ontario,” said Deena Ladd, coordinator of the Workers’ Action Centre.
The new legislation is expected to come into effect later this year. Employers are urged to review their workplace practices and ensure that they are in compliance with all laws and regulations. Failure to do so could result in significant fines and damage to their reputation.
Ontario is taking a strong stance against bad actor employers and sending a clear message that the safety and well-being of workers will not be compromised. With these increased fines and stricter enforcement, the province is taking a crucial step towards creating a fair and safe workplace for all Ontarians.
