Working For Workers Five Act, 2024

The Working for Workers Five Act, 2024, introduced by the Ontario government, includes several key provisions aimed at supporting and protecting workers in the province. Here are the main elements of the act:

• Focused Apprenticeship Skills Training (FAST) Program: This initiative is designed to help high school students enter skilled trades by providing them with the necessary training and apprenticeship opportunities.
• Online Job-Matching Portal: The act proposes creating an online platform to match individuals with apprenticeship opportunities, facilitating easier access to careers in trades.
• Alternative Pathways for Second Careers: For those seeking to transition into a trade as a second career, the act aims to provide alternative pathways to make this process more accessible.
• Streamlined Registration for Internationally Trained Workers The act plans to simplify the process for internationally trained professionals to register and work in their field in Ontario, making the foreign credential system more focused on outcomes.
• Expansion of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)**: The act proposes to expand the list of eligible occupations under the OINP to attract a more diverse range of skilled workers to the province.
• Trusted Employer Model: To reduce administrative burdens, the act introduces a Trusted Employer Model that would minimize paperwork for businesses with a proven track record.
• Integrated Employment Services: The act confirms the appointment of service system managers across various regions to ensure employment services are integrated, streamlined, and outcomes-oriented.

These provisions collectively aim to create a more inclusive and efficient workforce, remove barriers to employment, and provide new opportunities for workers in Ontario. If passed, the Working for Workers Five Act, 2024, will represent a significant step forward in the province’s commitment to its workforce.