ARTICLE · 15 NOVEMBER 2023

Ontario, Canada's Bill 79, Working For Workers Act, 2023 Is Now In Force

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On October 26, 2023, Ontario's Bill 79, Working for Workers Act, 2023 (Bill 79) received Royal Assent and came into force.

CanadaEmployment and HR

On October 26, 2023, Ontario's Bill 79, Working for Workers Act, 2023 (Bill 79) received Royal Assent and came into force. The statutes amended by Bill 79 include the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA), the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and the Employment Protection for Foreign Nationals Act, 2009 (EPFNA).

ESA Amendments

Bill 79 made the following amendments to the ESA:

Expansion of Reservists Leave

Bill 79 expands eligibility for Reservist Leave by providing such leave to recover from a physical or mental health illness, injury or medical emergency that results from participation in a military operation or training. Bill 79 also reduces the eligibility period from three to two months of consecutive employment.

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