Bill 18 Receives Royal Assent

In past editions we have noted the progress of Bill 18 - Stronger Workplaces for a Stronger Economy Act, 2014 (formerly Bill 146). Bill 18 passed third reading in the legislature on November 6, 2014,  with all party support and received Royal Assent on November 20, 2014.

Key features of the Bill include:

• Tying future minimum wage increases to the Consumer Price Index for Ontario which will be announced by April of each year, and come into effect on October 1;
• Ensuring Occupational Health and Safety Act ("OHSA") coverage for unpaid co-op students and other unpaid learners, which will give them protection under the OHSA such as the right to know about workplace hazards and the right to refuse unsafe work;