Ontario will require defibrillators on large construction sites and mandate compensation disclosure in job postings under new workplace regulations taking effect Jan. 1, 2026.
Construction sites with 20 or more workers on projects lasting at least three months must have defibrillators available, with at least one worker trained in CPR and defibrillator operation present during work. The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board will reimburse eligible employers up to $2,500 per device, which typically cost about $2,300 each.
The requirement stems from the Working for Workers Seven Act and marks the first time Ontario has mandated automated external defibrillators on construction sites.
Job posting transparency rules expand
Certain employers must now include expected compensation in job postings and disclose if artificial intelligence is used in hiring, under rules from the Working for Workers Four Act.
Additional requirements under the Working for Workers Five Act will force some employers to state whether a posted vacancy actually exists and respond to candidates within 45 days of an interview.
The job posting changes aim to help workers make informed career decisions and reduce barriers for immigrants seeking positions matching their qualifications.
Labour mobility framework launches
Ontario’s new “As of Right” framework under the Ontario Labour Mobility Act will allow certified professionals from other Canadian jurisdictions to begin working within 10 business days for up to six months while completing full registration with Ontario regulatory authorities.
The framework applies to more than 50 non-health regulatory authorities covering 300 certifications. Ontario becomes the first province to implement this approach to interprovincial labour mobility.
Regulatory authorities must now publish labour mobility requirements and timelines on their websites and report to government on applicant success rates and service standards. Authorities that fail to comply with the Act can face administrative penalties.
The regulation also makes it an offence to knowingly provide false information to obtain deemed certification under the “As of Right” rules.
Washroom cleaning records mandatory
Ontario will require constructors at construction projects and employers at all other workplaces to post cleaning records for washroom facilities provided to workers, making it the first province in Canada with this requirement.
Temporary help agency licensing extended
Temporary help agencies and recruiters can now renew their licences every two years instead of annually, reducing administrative burden.
Fraudulent job posting protections
Public job posting platforms must establish procedures for users to report fraudulent job advertisements and maintain written policies addressing fraudulent postings.
Health and safety management system changes
A new regulation ensures Chief Prevention Officer-accredited Health and Safety Management Systems receive equivalent treatment in government and public sector procurement. The regulation includes administrative monetary penalties to promote compliance.
International credential assessment updates
Amendments to the Fair Access to Regulated Professions and Compulsory Trades Act introduce requirements for regulated professions and third-party assessment organizations to assess applicant qualifications in a fair, transparent, objective and impartial manner.
The changes aim to streamline registration for internationally trained professionals.
Immigration program expansion
Ontario expanded its Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program to include additional licence classes for self-employed physicians, broadening eligibility for foreign national doctors.
