The Ontario government intends to introduce legislation, that if passed, will require temporary help agencies and their recruiters to have a license to operate in the province.
Inspections administered by Ontario ministry officers, have shown multiple temporary help agencies, illegally paying people below minimum wage, and denying other basic employment rights.
“From day one, my ministry has worked to ensure any employer who abuses the rights of their workers – no matter their passport – will quickly find our officers at their front door.”
said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development.
“Today’s announcement sends a clear message to anyone who still thinks they can break the rules that time is up. This legislation would, if passed, be the toughest of its kind in Canada – ensuring every worker in Ontario has unprecedented protection today and, in the years to come.”
The proposed changes, would enable ministry officers to give penalties against an unlicensed temporary help agency, or a business who is using an unlicensed operator.
If passed, the government intends to require licenses as early as 2024.
