Ontario Government passes Bill 229, the Working for Workers Six Act, 2024 before the holidays

On December 19, 2024, Bill 229, the Working for Workers Six Act, 2024 received Royal Assent. Bill 229 was passed in its original form as proposed on November 27, 2024, signaling to employers the ease with which the Ontario Government can introduce “game-changing measures” to the employment landscape.

Earlier this month, we wrote about the Ontario government’s proposed amendments to numerous pieces of employment legislation through the Working for Workers Six Act, 2024.

The Working for Workers Six Act, 2024 has now passed, without any amendments to the original bill.

Key upcoming changes to be introduced by the Working for Workers Six Act, 2024 include: 

• a new unpaid parental leave for employees who become parents through adoption or surrogacy, effective for a date to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor; and
• the codification of a long-term illness leave for employees with serious medical conditions, effective for six months following the day the Working for Workers Six Act, 2024 receives Royal Assent – on or around June 19, 2025.

Many changes implemented by the Working for Working for Workers Six Act, 2024 already became effective December 19, 2024, most notably: 

• a new requirement for employers to ensure employees have properly fitting personal protective equipment in all sectors; and
• a new minimum fine of $500,000 for corporations convicted of repeated offences that result in death or serious injury for employees within a two-year period.

Moving forward

With just over three weeks between introduction and Royal Assent, the Working for Workers Six Act, 2024 may be one of the fastest “Working for Workers” bills passed by the Ontario legislature. Given the speed of its passing, we anticipate that the Ontario government may be introducing more Working for Workers bills in 2025.

For more information regarding the Working for Workers Six Act, 2024, do not hesitate to contact Matthew Demeo, or any lawyer in our Ontario Employment and Labour Law Group.