TORONTO — The Ontario government has tabled the Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025, a wide-reaching legislative package designed to protect workers, counter the economic impact of U.S. tariffs, and strengthen workplace safety across the province.
The new bill introduces 18 proposed measures that expand on previous Working for Workers legislation, including new requirements for automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) on construction sites, faster access to skills training through reduced red tape, and stronger protections against job scams.
“Our government is protecting Ontario workers by standing up for them when they need it the most,” said Labour Minister David Piccini. “This package underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting our province’s most valuable resource – our workers.”
Among the key proposals are enhanced employment standards for workers facing layoffs, and stricter regulations targeting job scams, which have surged in Ontario. In 2024, job fraud cost Ontarians nearly $15 million — the highest total among all provinces — according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Today, I was proud to introduce our seventh Working for Workers, continuing our mission to protect Ontario workers and strengthen our economy.
We’re putting forward new measures like requiring life-saving AEDs on construction sites, accelerating training centre builds, and… pic.twitter.com/uJRK3GLAvq
— David Piccini (@DavidPiccini) May 28, 2025
The legislation also proposes support for small construction businesses to purchase AEDs, a recommendation that emerged during stakeholder consultations held under Working for Workers Five. Ministry data shows that over 15 per cent of workplace inspection reports involving cardiac incidents originated in the construction sector.
Kate Ziegler, president of ACTRA Toronto, welcomed the proposed reforms, noting their relevance to the performing arts sector. “We’re especially encouraged by the emphasis on workplace safety, financial transparency, and expanding access to meaningful skills training,” Ziegler said in a statement.
The Working for Workers Seven Act builds on six previous legislative packages introduced by the Ford government since 2021, forming part of a broader strategy to equip Ontario’s workforce for future challenges. The government’s Skills Development Fund, which supports training centres across Ontario, continues to play a central role in this strategy.
The proposed changes come as Ontario faces heightened economic uncertainty and trade disruptions stemming from escalating tariffs in the U.S., prompting the province to double down on its “made-in-Ontario” approach to workforce resilience and job creation.
The legislation is expected to be debated in the coming weeks.
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