Latest news with #DavidPiccini
Toronto Star
29-05-2025
- Business
- Toronto Star
Ontario unveils changes to provincial immigration nominee program
Ontario has introduced changes to its popular provincial immigration program to meet evolving economic needs. On Wednesday, the government tabled new legislation which, if passed, will give the provincial immigration minister the ability to establish or remove immigrant nomination streams to quickly respond to the changing job market and labour demand. The proposed changes to the provincial immigration program would also: •Allow officials to return applications that no longer match current job market needs or raise concerns; ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW •Grant inspectors the authority to require in-person interviews with applicants through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, to improve program integrity and prevent fraudulent claims; •Further digitalize the application process by letting employers hoping to sponsor foreign workers for permanent residence submit applications directly and electronically to a new employer portal, starting this summer. These are among 18 new proposed measures in the Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025 that the Conservative government hopes to adopt to meet changing economic needs and build a stronger workforce. 'We're proposing changes that will prepare workers and businesses for the jobs of the future, while helping workers facing impacts from U.S. tariffs and economic uncertainty,' said David Piccini, minister of labour, immigration, training and skills development, in a statement. 'This package underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting our province's most valuable resource — our workers.' The Ontario immigration program, which allows the province to select and nominate prospective permanent residents for federal processing, has grown in capacity from 6,650 spots in 2019 to 21,500 last year, becoming a significant driving force of economic immigrants to the province. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW However, the Office of the Auditor General last December also identified numerous problems with the management of the program. Not only did few nominated immigrants have jobs or work experience in occupations with the highest vacancies, it found that verification processes were weak, particularly where documents are susceptible to misrepresentation or forgery. 'Results of inspections pointed to weaknesses in the Ministry's processes and mechanisms to prevent and catch misrepresentation before an application is approved and candidates are nominated,' said the report, noting that most inspections took the form of desk audits. Other proposed measures in the Working for Workers Seven Act include: requiring automated external defibrillators on construction projects; demanding job posting platforms to have a mechanism to report fraudulent publicly advertised job postings to the platform; speeding up referrals to in-demand training such as micro-credentials; and increasing support for workers in response to tariff-related terminations and layoffs.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
ONTARIO BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION TRADESWOMEN HEAD TO QUEEN'S PARK TO PUSH FOR SAFER, MORE INCLUSIVE JOB SITES
TORONTO, May 26, 2025 /CNW/ - On Monday, May 26, the Ontario Building and Construction Tradeswomen (OBCT), will host its first-ever Advocacy Day at Queen's Park. Tradeswomen from across the province will gather to meet with Members of Provincial Parliament, including Minister of Labour David Piccini, to advocate for progress in the skilled trades for tradeswomen. OBCT's top priorities include: Legislate mandatory Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment (ADAH) training as part of all apprenticeships in Ontario Ensure mandatory access to properly fitting PPE for all workers, especially women and non-standard-sized tradespeople Inspect and enforce new access and clean washroom regulations to ensure OSHA compliance and hot water access "We've made real strides in improving safety and inclusion on job sites," said Karen Pullen, Chairperson of the OBCT, "But there's more work to do. Culture change doesn't happen overnight—and by making ADAH training a standard part of apprenticeship, we're setting the tone from day one." ADAH training, created by OBCT and delivered free across Ontario, addresses the root causes of workplace harassment and discrimination. But while it's proven effective, it remains optional. Without a legislative requirement, too many job sites still leave tradespeople—particularly women and marginalized workers—vulnerable to unsafe and unwelcoming conditions. "This is about building a stronger, skilled trades workforce—for everyone," Pullen said. "When workers feel safe, respected, and seen, they stay. And that's what Ontario needs." Quick Facts Harassment on job sites in construction is still an issue today: 64% of women in construction report discrimination; nearly half report sexual harassment. ADAH works: The OBCT-developed ADAH training, delivered free across Ontario, educates workers, employers, and union reps on recognizing, preventing, and addressing discrimination. Current law isn't enough: Ontario's OHSA mandates policies—not training. Other provinces (BC, Alberta, Quebec) already require it. 90% of tradeswomen report being hampered at work by PPE that doesn't fit. Ill-fitting gloves, harnesses, and overalls increase injury risk. Only 6% of women surveyed said their PPE is designed for them. Standard-issue PPE is often made for the average male body—leaving women and others unprotected. About OBCT Ontario Building and Construction Tradeswomen (OBCT) is a network committed to advancing, supporting, and advocating for women in the skilled trades. OBCT connects tradeswomen across Ontario, provides leadership opportunities, and works to build an inclusive, respectful industry where all workers thrive. The OBCT is a program of the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario which represents over 150,000 construction workers throughout the province. SOURCE Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario, The View original content:
Cision Canada
26-05-2025
- General
- Cision Canada
ONTARIO BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION TRADESWOMEN HEAD TO QUEEN'S PARK TO PUSH FOR SAFER, MORE INCLUSIVE JOB SITES
TORONTO, May 26, 2025 /CNW/ - On Monday, May 26, the Ontario Building and Construction Tradeswomen (OBCT), will host its first-ever Advocacy Day at Queen's Park. Tradeswomen from across the province will gather to meet with Members of Provincial Parliament, including Minister of Labour David Piccini, to advocate for progress in the skilled trades for tradeswomen. OBCT's top priorities include: Legislate mandatory Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment (ADAH) training as part of all apprenticeships in Ontario Ensure mandatory access to properly fitting PPE for all workers, especially women and non-standard-sized tradespeople Inspect and enforce new access and clean washroom regulations to ensure OSHA compliance and hot water access "We've made real strides in improving safety and inclusion on job sites," said Karen Pullen, Chairperson of the OBCT, "But there's more work to do. Culture change doesn't happen overnight—and by making ADAH training a standard part of apprenticeship, we're setting the tone from day one." ADAH training, created by OBCT and delivered free across Ontario, addresses the root causes of workplace harassment and discrimination. But while it's proven effective, it remains optional. Without a legislative requirement, too many job sites still leave tradespeople—particularly women and marginalized workers—vulnerable to unsafe and unwelcoming conditions. "This is about building a stronger, skilled trades workforce—for everyone," Pullen said. "When workers feel safe, respected, and seen, they stay. And that's what Ontario needs." Quick Facts Harassment on job sites in construction is still an issue today: 64% of women in construction report discrimination; nearly half report sexual harassment. ADAH works: The OBCT-developed ADAH training, delivered free across Ontario, educates workers, employers, and union reps on recognizing, preventing, and addressing discrimination. Current law isn't enough: Ontario's OHSA mandates policies—not training. Other provinces (BC, Alberta, Quebec) already require it. 90% of tradeswomen report being hampered at work by PPE that doesn't fit. Ill-fitting gloves, harnesses, and overalls increase injury risk. Only 6% of women surveyed said their PPE is designed for them. Standard-issue PPE is often made for the average male body—leaving women and others unprotected. About OBCT Ontario Building and Construction Tradeswomen (OBCT) is a network committed to advancing, supporting, and advocating for women in the skilled trades. OBCT connects tradeswomen across Ontario, provides leadership opportunities, and works to build an inclusive, respectful industry where all workers thrive. The OBCT is a program of the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario which represents over 150,000 construction workers throughout the province.
CTV News
23-05-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Ontario to require defibrillators on construction sites
Labour Minister David Piccini attends Question Period at Queen's Park in Toronto on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston Ontario is planning to require certain construction sites to have automatic external defibrillators. Labour Minister David Piccini says the proposal will be part of a larger piece of legislation, following six previous omnibus labour bills introduced by Premier Doug Ford's government. Piccini says the recommendation for AEDs on construction sites came from industry stakeholders during consultations for a previous labour bill. Proposed regulatory amendments under the Occupational Health and Safety Act would require AEDs on construction projects expected to last longer than three months and employing at least 20 workers. A program through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board would reimburse companies for the cost, which is on average $2,300. Andrew Pariser, the vice-president of RESCON, which represents residential builders, says this move will save lives. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 23, 2025. Allison Jones, The Canadian Press
Global News
23-05-2025
- Health
- Global News
Ontario to require defibrillators on construction sites
See more sharing options Send this page to someone via email Share this item on Twitter Share this item via WhatsApp Share this item on Facebook Ontario is planning to require certain construction sites to have automatic external defibrillators. Labour Minister David Piccini says the proposal will be part of a larger piece of legislation, following six previous omnibus labour bills introduced by Premier Doug Ford's government. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Piccini says the recommendation for AEDs on construction sites came from industry stakeholders during consultations for a previous labour bill. Proposed regulatory amendments under the Occupational Health and Safety Act would require AEDs on construction projects expected to last longer than three months and employing at least 20 workers. A program through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board would reimburse companies for the cost, which is on average $2,300. Andrew Pariser, the vice-president of RESCON, which represents residential builders, says this move will save lives.
