What you need to know
UPDATE: On Wednesday, November 21, 2018 Bill 47 Making Ontario Open for Business received Royal Assent.
The provincial government has released its planned changes to labour regulations through the Open for Business Act, Bill 47.
This bill is designed to make amendments to Bill 148. During the discussions around Bill 148 the Peterborough Chamber maintained the following position:
That government should put in place:
The chart below, in part, from Wilson Vukelich LLP, details the rules in place before and during Bill 148 and then what is proposed under Bill 47. There are several pieces from Bill 148 that will not be changing including:
It is anticipated there will be opportunity for public comment on Bill 47 and as we learn more we will pass on the information on how to connect with government committee going over the bill.
We will also be looking to our members for feedback around what's being changed in order to submit our recommendations.
Details of Changed and Repealed Items:
This bill is designed to make amendments to Bill 148. During the discussions around Bill 148 the Peterborough Chamber maintained the following position:
That government should put in place:
- A longer implementation runway
- Income tax reductions for low wage earners
- Sector-specific solutions around scheduling provisions
- Complete the Basic Income Guarantee pilots in order to have fulsome data to assess the program
The chart below, in part, from Wilson Vukelich LLP, details the rules in place before and during Bill 148 and then what is proposed under Bill 47. There are several pieces from Bill 148 that will not be changing including:
- Extended Parental Leave
- Domestic and Sexual Violence Leave
- Child Disappearance or Death
- Minimum Shift Pay
- Vacation Pay
- Overtime Pay
- Family Medical Leave
It is anticipated there will be opportunity for public comment on Bill 47 and as we learn more we will pass on the information on how to connect with government committee going over the bill.
We will also be looking to our members for feedback around what's being changed in order to submit our recommendations.
Details of Changed and Repealed Items:
Details of Unchanged Items:
From the Chamber of Commerce:
Steering Through Change This report helps employers identify the policy changes of Bill 148 and ways to communicate these changes to employees. Read the report. |
More questions?
There are Peterborough Chamber members who can help: Human Resources Professionals
There are Peterborough Chamber members who can help: Human Resources Professionals
From the Government of Ontario
Read the legislation: Bill 148 Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act
Read the guide of changes: A Plan for Fair Workplaces and Better Jobs
Read the guide of changes: A Plan for Fair Workplaces and Better Jobs
Is your industry sector impacted? Exemptions or Special Rules
Reach the Ministry of Labour on employee and employer rights and responsibilities
Call toll-free:
1-800-531-5551 8:30am - 5:00pm Monday - Friday
Websites:
ontario.ca/EmploymentStandards
ontario.ca/EmploymentRights
Call toll-free:
1-800-531-5551 8:30am - 5:00pm Monday - Friday
Websites:
ontario.ca/EmploymentStandards
ontario.ca/EmploymentRights
Employers are required to post the most recent version (7.0) of the Employment Standards Poster published by the Minister of Labour in the workplace where it is likely to come to the attention of employees.
Employers are also required to provide employees who are covered under the ESA with a copy of the most recent version of the Employment Standards Poster.
Employers are also required to provide employees who are covered under the ESA with a copy of the most recent version of the Employment Standards Poster.
Timeline Of Bill 148 Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act
- May 30, 2017: Provincial Government announces proposed changes to workplace legislation including an increase in minimum wage in Bill 148 Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act
- June 1, 2017: Voice of Business Article
- June 8, 2017: Voice of Business Article
- June 16, 2017: Roundtable with Small Businesses and Minister of Small Business Jeff Leal
- July 6, 2017: Voice of Business Article
- July 13, 2017: Voice of Business Article
- July 10-22, 2017: Standing Committee of Finance and Economic Affairs hold 10 meetings across the province; Peterborough Chamber of Commerce submits written report to Standing Committee
- August 14, 2017: Release of independent economic analysis commissioned by Keep Ontario Working Coalition
- August 15, 2017: Any proposed amendments to Bill 148 must be submitted
- August 17, 2017: Voice of Business Article
- August 21, 2017: Committee Hearing to consider amendments
- September 11, 2017: Return of Legislature
- September 12-13, 2017: Debate on Second Reading
- September 14, 2017: Voice of Business Article
- September 27, 2017: Peer-reviewed Economic Analysis released; Peterborough Chamber issues News Release
- October 2-4, 2017: Debate on Second Reading cont'd
- October 12, 2017: Voice of Business Article
- October 16, 2017: Peterborough Chamber of Commerce and Little Lake Cemetery attend small business roundtable in Toronto with Minister Leal
- October 18, 2017: Debate on Second Reading Ends and Bill 148 passes Second Reading on Division and is referred to Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs
- October 19, 2017: Voice of Business Article
- October 30 - November 2, 2017: Second Reading Hearings by Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs
- November 2, 2017: Peterborough Chamber submits written report to Committee
- November 14, 2017: Fall Economic Statement released
- November 16 and 17, 2017: Consideration by MPPs; Bill 148 ordered to Third Reading on division
- November 22, 2017: Bill 148 passes 3rd Reading will come into effect January 1, 2018
- November 30, 2017: Voice of Business Article: Bill 148 is official. What business needs to know.
- January 1, 2018: Legislation is now in effect
- April 1, 2018: Certain pieces of legislation now in effect
- June 7, 2018: Provincial Election - Conservative Government voted in
- November 21, 2018: Bill 47 receives Royal Assent and replaces Bill 148