BREAKING NEWS FROM ONTARIO – WORKING FOR WORKERS SEVEN ACT 2025

On May 28, the Ontario government officially introduced the Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025 – featuring 18 new proposed measures that continue a series of reforms to protect workers, boost skills training, and respond to the impacts of U.S. tariffs.
💥 If passed, this legislation would bring significant changes such as:

✅ ENHANCING WORKPLACE SAFETY

• Mandatory installation of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) on construction sites with 20 or more workers lasting three months or longer – enabling timely intervention during cardiac emergencies and saving lives. 
• Financial support through WSIB to help constructors recover the cost of AEDs. 
• Recognition of certified Health and Safety Management Systems (HSMS) in procurement – reducing red tape and lowering business costs. 
• Establishing a new Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMP) regime to better enforce workplace safety regulations. 

💼 COMBATING JOB SCAMS – PROTECTING JOB SEEKERS

• Job posting platforms must implement mechanisms to report fraudulent job listings. 
• Cracking down on WSIB fraud such as hidden payrolls or misinformation – ensuring injured workers receive proper compensation. 
• Consulting on regulation of talent agents and industry representatives, as well as employer access to workers’ electronic personal data. 

🔧 SUPPORTING WORKERS AND BUSINESSES

• Workers affected by mass layoffs can take up to 3 unpaid days off to job hunt or access employment services. 
• Employers must provide information on government skills training and job support programs to affected employees. 
• Extending temporary layoffs beyond 35 weeks to help maintain the employment relationship. 
• Streamlining permits and approvals for building new training centres under the Skills Development Fund (SDF). 
• Proactively launching Action Centres to support laid-off workers with flexible, data-driven services. 
• Increased investment in mobile training programs to give youth more hands-on skilled trades experience. 

🌍 MODERNIZING THE ONTARIO IMMIGRANT NOMINEE PROGRAM (OINP)

• Allowing immigration officers to conduct in-person interviews for greater program integrity. 
• Enabling the government to return applications that no longer align with labour market needs. 
• Launching a new online OINP employer portal in Summer 2025 – making application submission easier and more efficient. 

📊 Key Highlights:

• In 2024, Ontario lost $14.86 million due to job scams – the highest of any province in Canada. 
• 15% of cardiac-related incidents in inspection reports occurred in the construction sector. 
• Initiatives like mobile training units, prioritizing apprentices on public projects, and simplifying the SDF process are strongly supported by industry stakeholders. 

📌 These proposed measures aim not only to give workers more peace of mind, but also help businesses retain talent and reduce long-term risks.
📌 Note: These measures are still in the proposal stage and must be passed by the Ontario Legislature before taking effect.

📢 This is a valuable opportunity for Ontario workers in 2025 – especially for those in construction, manufacturing, logistics, or anyone looking to reskill or transition careers.

👉 Are you working in Ontario and wondering:

• Am I eligible for any support? 
• How do I access new skills training programs? 
• Can my business apply for any government support? 

💬 Message SICON now for answers to your questions!