Ontario Government Introduces COVID-19 Worker Income Protection Benefit

Written by Local 793 Staff

Under the weight of mounting public and political pressure to address paid sick leave, the Ontario government has introduced and passed new legislation to provide three paid sick days as part of a provincial program to help curb the spread of COVID-19. Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development Monte McNaughton and Minister of Finance Peter […]

Under the weight of mounting public and political pressure to address paid sick leave, the Ontario government has introduced and passed new legislation to provide three paid sick days as part of a provincial program to help curb the spread of COVID-19. Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development Monte McNaughton and Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy made the announcement on Wednesday.

The program will require employers to provide employees with up to three days of paid leave because of certain reasons related to COVID-19, including:

  • going for a COVID-19 test
  • staying home awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test
  • being sick with COVID-19
  • going to get vaccinated
  • experiencing a side effect from a COVID-19 vaccination
  • having been advised to self-isolate due to COVID-19 by an employer, medical practitioner, or other authority
  • taking care of a dependent who is sick with COVID-19 or has symptoms of COVID-19

The program will allow eligible employers to apply for a reimbursement of up to $200 per day. The program will be retroactive from April 19 and extend to September 25.

The program will not require sick notes and workers will not have to fill out any forms or applications. Instead, the employer will pay the employee out of pocket and will be reimbursed by the province through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).

RESOURSES:

National Day of Mourning: Remembering Lives Lost or Injured In The Workplace – Renewing Our Commitment To Prevention

Written by Local 793 Staff

Marked annually in Canada on April 28, the National Day of Mourning is dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives, suffered injury or illness on the job. It is also a day to collectively renew our commitment to improve health and safety in the workplace and prevent future workplace tragedy. Terribly, hundreds of […]

Marked annually in Canada on April 28, the National Day of Mourning is dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives, suffered injury or illness on the job. It is also a day to collectively renew our commitment to improve health and safety in the workplace and prevent future workplace tragedy.

Terribly, hundreds of Canadians lose their lives in the workplace each year, with many more work-related deaths not accounted for. Recent data shows that construction had the most fatalities of any other industry in 2019, with 204 people killed in construction site accidents in Canada according to the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC).

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and public health directives, Local 793 is unable to host a National Day of Mourning ceremony at the head office memorial garden and monument. Instead, we encourage members of Local 793 to watch this Day of Mourning feature video:

Tragically on February 24, 2021, 29-year-old Local 793 member Cody Proulx was killed in a workplace fatality in Sudbury.  His crane slid off an unsafe road.

Brother Cody was a 10-year member with Local 793.  He was a well-respected crane operator and sat on the Union’s provincial bargaining committee in 2019.

Cody left behind his wife Stephanie and their two young daughters.

If you would like to support the Proulx family during this difficult time, visit the GoFundMe link below.

Many virtual events are also being held by labour councils and their communities. To view a listing of the 2021 Day of Mourning virtual events, visit the appropriate link below.

The Local 793 memorial garden and monument was built to honour members who died as a result of a construction site accident or occupational illness. To explore the memorial garden and monument in 3D visit the link below.

IN MEMORY OF CODY PROULX

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Sources:

How the 2021 Federal Budget Impacts Local 793 Members

Written by Local 793 Staff

The federal government unveiled its highly anticipated spring budget on Monday, April 19, 2021, titled A Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth, and Resilience. Proposing $101.4 billion in new spending, the plan aims to support Canadian families and businesses during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, lay out a strategy for a post-pandemic economic recovery, […]

The federal government unveiled its highly anticipated spring budget on Monday, April 19, 2021, titled A Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth, and Resilience. Proposing $101.4 billion in new spending, the plan aims to support Canadian families and businesses during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, lay out a strategy for a post-pandemic economic recovery, and make Canada’s economy greener.

In the days ahead, the budget will be debated in Parliament, which may lead to changes being introduced by the minority Liberal government.

Key elements of the 2021 Budget, of interest to Local 793 members:

  • Infrastructure Investment: The budget highlighted few new infrastructure investments initiatives but highlighted over $13 billion on various projects including:
      • $2.5 billion investment and $1.3 billion reallocation in existing funding to speed up the construction, repair, or support of 35,000 affordable housing units.
      • $491.2 million over six years, starting in 2021-22, to VIA Rail Canada for infrastructure investments that would support the overall success of the high frequency rail project between Toronto and Quebec City.
      • $6.0 billion over five years, starting in 2021-22, with $388.9 million ongoing, to support infrastructure in Indigenous communities.
      • $35 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to the National Capital Commission to support the acquisition and upkeep of federal assets, green infrastructure, and spaces in the National Capital Region.
      • $1.9 billion over four years, starting in 2021-22, to recapitalize the National Trade Corridors Fund (Infrastructure work on airports, ports, railway, transportation facilities and access roads).
      • $1 billion over six years, starting in 2021-22, to the Universal Broadband Fund to support a more rapid rollout of broadband projects in collaboration with provinces and territories and other partners.
      • Infrastructure Canada will conduct Canada’s first ever National Infrastructure Assessment with an investment of $22.6 million over four years. This assessment would help identify needs and priorities for Canada’s built environment.
  • EI Changes and Recovery Benefits Extensions to Support Workers: The budget proposed $3.9 billion over three years for a suite of legislative changes to make EI more accessible for Canadians over the coming year while the job market begins to improve. Additionally, proposed was up to 12 added weeks of the Canada Recovery Benefit, for a maximum of 50 weeks. The first four of these additional 12 weeks will be paid at $500 per week and the remaining 8 weeks of this extension will be paid at a lower amount of $300 per week claimed, available up until September 25, 2021.
  • Investments in Indigenous Communities: More than $18 billion over the next five years, to improve the quality of life and create new opportunities for people living in Indigenous communities. These investments will support continued action on infrastructure and clean water.
  • Increased Skills Training: A proposed $470 million over three years, to Employment and Social Development Canada to establish a new Apprenticeship Service.
      • The service will help 55,000 first-year apprentices in construction and manufacturing Red Seal trades connect with employment opportunities.
      • Employers would be eligible to receive up to $5,000 for all first-year apprenticeship opportunities to pay for upfront costs such as salaries and training.
      • To boost diversity in the construction and manufacturing Red Seal trades, the employer incentive will be doubled to $10,000 for employers who hire those underrepresented, including women, racialized Canadians, and persons with disabilities.
  • Community Workforce Development Program: A proposed $55 million over three years for a Community Workforce Development Program. The program will support communities to develop local plans that identify high potential growth organizations and connect their employers with training providers to develop and deliver training and work placements to upskill and reskill jobseekers to fill jobs in demand.

Other significant budget highlights include the following:

  • National Child Care System: A proposed $30 billion over the next five years to ensure that all families have access to high-quality, affordable, and flexible early learning and child-care no matter where they live. Part of this plan is to lower child-care cost to an average of $10/day within the next 5 years.
  • Mental Health: A proposed $45 million over two years to help develop national mental health service standards as well as to support projects for innovative mental health interventions for populations disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, including health care workers, front-line workers, youth, seniors, Indigenous people, and racialized Canadians.
  • Substance Use and Addictions Program: On top of the $66 million invested in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, a proposed $116 million over the next two years for the Substance Use and Addictions Program to support a range of innovative approaches to harm reduction, treatment, and prevention at the community level.
  • Rebuild Vaccine Development/Production: Canada’s bio-manufacturing and life-sciences sector will be rebuilt with $2.2 billion towards national capacity in bio-manufacturing and vaccine development and production.

 

Resources:

The Federal Budget 2021 Click Here

Ontario Construction Secretariat (OCS) Click Here

Union Issues Joint Letter of Support for Baffinland’s Phase 2 Mine Expansion

Written by Local 793 Staff

Mike Gallagher, IUOE Local 793 Business Manager and Lionel Railton, IUOE Canadian Regional Director submitted a joint letter to the Nunavut Impact Review Board on April 9, 2021 expressing their strong support for the Phase 2 Mary River Mine Expansion Project on Baffin Island, Nunavut. Many union stewards at the mine and other contributors provided […]

Mike Gallagher, IUOE Local 793 Business Manager and Lionel Railton, IUOE Canadian Regional Director submitted a joint letter to the Nunavut Impact Review Board on April 9, 2021 expressing their strong support for the Phase 2 Mary River Mine Expansion Project on Baffin Island, Nunavut.

Many union stewards at the mine and other contributors provided excellent testimonials which were all included and highlighted in the joint support letter.

Approval of the Phase 2 Expansion Project will allow Baffinland to increase its annual production tonnage of iron ore from 6 million to 12 million tonnes.

CLICK HERE to read the joint letter of support in English.

CLICK HERE to read the joint letter of support in Inuktitut.

New Ontario Restrictions – What is Essential Construction

Written by Local 793 Staff

Last Friday the Ontario government announced new rules for construction work as part of its response to the rising cases of COVID-19. The bottom line is most construction work in the province is allowed to continue.  The sector most impacted by the new rules is ICI sector construction, but only private ICI construction (anything not […]

Last Friday the Ontario government announced new rules for construction work as part of its response to the rising cases of COVID-19.

The bottom line is most construction work in the province is allowed to continue.  The sector most impacted by the new rules is ICI sector construction, but only private ICI construction (anything not funded by one level of government) related to non-essential purposes, such as malls, hotels, casinos, car dealerships, plazas, movie theatres, etc.

Below is a detailed list of what is considered essential construction work, and therefore can continue, under the new government order:

Construction activities or projects and related services, including land surveying and demolition services, that,

(a) are associated with the health care sector or long-term care, including new facilities, expansions, renovations and conversion of spaces that could be repurposed for health care space;

(b) ensure safe and reliable operations of, or provide new capacity in,
(i) municipal infrastructure, or
(ii) provincial infrastructure, including but not limited to, the transit, transportation,
resource, energy and justice sectors;

(c) support the operations of, or provide new capacity in, electricity generation, transmission, distribution and storage, natural gas distribution, transmission and storage or in the supply of resources;

(d) support the operations of, or provide new capacity in, schools, colleges, universities or childcare centres within the meaning of the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014;

(e) are required for,
(i)  the maintenance and operations of petrochemical plants and refineries,
(ii)  significant industrial petrochemical projects where preliminary work commenced before April 17, 2021, or
(iii) industrial construction and modifications to existing industrial structures limited solely to work necessary for the production, maintenance or enhancement of personal protective equipment, medical devices such as ventilators and other identified products directly related to combatting the COVID-19 pandemic;

(f) would provide additional capacity in the production, processing, manufacturing or distribution of food, beverages or agricultural products;

(g) were commenced before April 17, 2021 and that would
(i) provide additional capacity for businesses that provide logistical support, distribution services, warehousing, storage or shipping and delivery services,
(ii) provide additional capacity in the operation and delivery of Information Technology (IT) services or telecommunications services, or
(iii) provide additional capacity to, or enhance the efficiency or operations of, businesses that extract, manufacture, process and distribute goods, products, equipment and materials;

(h) support the operations of broadband internet and cellular technologies and services;

(i) are residential construction activities or projects and related services;

(j) preparing a site for an institutional, commercial, industrial or residential development, including any necessary excavation, grading, roads or utilities infrastructure;

(k) are necessary to temporarily close construction sites that have paused, or that are not active, to ensure ongoing public safety;

(l) are funded in whole or in part by,
(i) the Crown in the right of Canada or in right of Ontario,
(ii) and agency of the Crown in right of Canada or in right of Ontario, or
(iii) a municipality; or

(m) are,
(i) intending to provide shelter or supports for vulnerable persons or affordable housing, and
(ii) being funded in whole or in part by, or are being undertaken by,
(A) The Crown in the right of Canada or in the right of Ontario,
(B) An agency of the Crown in the right of Canada or in the right of Ontario,
(C) A Municipality,
(D) A service manager as defined the Housing Services Act, 2011,
(E) A registered charity within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada), or
(F) A non-for-profit corporation

RESOURCES

Official Order in Council: Click Here

The OCS Summary of the Order: Click Here 

COVID-19 Safety Inspection Blitz

Written by Local 793 Staff

On Thursday, April 15, the Ontario Government announced that they would begin targeted provincewide inspections of construction sites. Today (April 16), 200 workplace inspectors started visiting more than 1,300 construction sites to enforce safety requirements. The inspection campaign will focus on enforcing COVID-19 safety rules. Violations of COVID-19 restrictions may result in a fine of […]

On Thursday, April 15, the Ontario Government announced that they would begin targeted provincewide inspections of construction sites. Today (April 16), 200 workplace inspectors started visiting more than 1,300 construction sites to enforce safety requirements.

The inspection campaign will focus on enforcing COVID-19 safety rules. Violations of COVID-19 restrictions may result in a fine of up to $750 for individuals and $1,000 for businesses.

To help ensure that you are upholding proper COVID-19 safety requirements follow the Local 793 Safety Protocol for Jobsite Measures and checklist (see below), which cover the four Ps: Preparation – Prevention – Protection – Policing.

RESOURCES:

CALLING ON ALL MEMBERS TO SUPPORT FUTURE JOBS

Written by Local 793 Staff

  Engage with the federal government and show your support for investment in infrastructure ahead of the 2021 Federal Budget on Monday.   Investment in the construction sector will help get the economy on track, keep money in your pocket, and create thousands of jobs.   Visit Building 2021 and show your support now by sending a […]

 

Engage with the federal government and show your support for investment in infrastructure ahead of the 2021 Federal Budget on Monday.

 

Investment in the construction sector will help get the economy on track, keep money in your pocket, and create thousands of jobs.

 

Visit Building 2021 and show your support now by sending a letter to government and local MPs through the website. The letter is already drafted; you only need to provide your name, email, and postal code to submit it.

 

Please share this campaign with your Brothers and Sisters to encourage them to participate.

 

For more information:

 

  • Letter to all IUOE Canadian Business managers by Canadian Regional Director, Lionel Railton

https://iuoelocal793.org/wp-content/uploads/2021-04-14-Memo-CBTU-Campaign-for-the-2021-Federal-Budget.pdf

 

  • Government of Canada Announces Date of Budget 2021

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2021/03/government-of-canada-announces-date-of-budget-2021.html

 

Business Manager Gallagher receives a COVID-19 vaccination

Written by Local 793 Staff

Today Business Manager Mike Gallagher received a COVID-19 vaccination in Halton Region. “I encourage all members to get a vaccine as soon as it’s their turn for the health of their family, and themselves.” For information on how to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment, visit: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/


Today Business Manager Mike Gallagher received a COVID-19 vaccination in Halton Region. “I encourage all members to get a vaccine as soon as it’s their turn for the health of their family, and themselves.”

For information on how to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment, visit: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/

Construction continues as Ontario imposes stay-at-home order

Written by Local 793 Staff

Ontario Premier Doug Ford issued a province-wide, stay-at-home order from Queen’s Park on Wednesday in an effort to control the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The stay-at home order will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, April 8, 2021. Construction activities or projects and related services can continue to work under the […]

Ontario Premier Doug Ford issued a province-wide, stay-at-home order from Queen’s Park on Wednesday in an effort to control the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The stay-at home order will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, April 8, 2021.

Construction activities or projects and related services can continue to work under the stay-at-home order, therefore construction sites remain open.

On Wednesday morning, Business Manager Mike Gallagher, on behalf of Local 793, sent a letter to Premier Ford urging the government to include construction workers as a priority group in Phase 2 of Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccination plan. Gallagher stated that “IUOE Local 793 members cannot work from home, and together with the thousands of other building trades workers, have been the backbone of Ontario’s economy during this challenging past year.”

Read the letter in its entirety here or in the link below.

Ontario is reporting 3,215 new COVID-19 cases and 17 additional deaths on Wednesday. The province also reported a COVID-19 test positivity rate of 8.9 per cent a day ago, the highest rate in three months.

Throughout the pandemic, Local 793 has worked hard to stay on top of the rapidly evolving crisis. Drastic measures were taken to ensure safety and prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as closing area offices, having staff work from home, cancelling general membership meetings and all monthly meetings.

“COVID-19 Fatigue” is to be expected, but it is important to remain vigilant and continue to use personal protective equipment (PPE), follow physical distancing guidelines, and implement hand hygiene practices to prevent COVID-19 transmission to ourselves, our families, and our co-workers. Most importantly, get vaccinated as soon as you are eligible to do so. See the link below for age eligibility in your area and how to book an appointment.

As always, stay safe and stay vigilant.

Other Helpful Information:

Happy Easter Long Weekend

Written by Local 793 Staff

Local 793 wishes all members and their loved ones a Happy Easter. Easter symbolizes a sense of joy, renewal, and new beginnings. These sentiments have never been more important as we continue to overcome the challenges of the pandemic. While public health restrictions will disrupt many of our Easter plans with family, friends and our […]

Local 793 wishes all members and their loved ones a Happy Easter.

Easter symbolizes a sense of joy, renewal, and new beginnings. These sentiments have never been more important as we continue to overcome the challenges of the pandemic. While public health restrictions will disrupt many of our Easter plans with family, friends and our communities, this provides us with a great opportunity to reflect and appreciate our loved ones over the holiday weekend. There is of course hope and light at the end of the tunnel with the availability of vaccines. Let’s continue to support each other and stay safe and stay vigilant.

This excerpt from Pope Francis’ message about encouragement and strength captures the essence of Easter perfectly:

“Even if we are isolated, thought and spirit can go far with the creativity of love. This is what we need today: the creativity of love.”

Have a Happy and Healthy Easter weekend!