On Dec. 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 Nov. 27, 2024, signaling to employers the ease with which the Ontario, Canada, government can introduce game-changing measures to the employment landscape.
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 act include: 1) 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 2) the codification of long-term illness leave for employees with serious medical conditions, effective for six months following the day the act receives Royal Assent—on or around June 19.
Many changes implemented by the Working for Workers Six Act, 2024, already became effective on Dec. 19, 2024. Most notably, they include: 1) a new requirement for employers to ensure employees have properly fitting personal protective equipment in all sectors; and 2) a new minimum fine of Can$500,000 for corporations convicted of repeated offenses that result in death or serious injury for employees within a two-year period.
Moving Forward
With just over three weeks between its 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.
Matthew Demeo is an attorney with DLA Piper in Toronto. Brianne Upshaw is an articling student at DLA Piper in Toronto. © 2025 DLA Piper. All rights reserved. Reposted with permission of Lexology.
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