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 […]
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).
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 […]
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.
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 […]
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.
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 […]
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.
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 […]
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.
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 […]
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
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 […]
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.”
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.
On Wednesday, March 24, 2021, the Finance Minister of Ontario, Peter Bethlenfalvy, released Ontario’s 2021 Budget titled: Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy. The Ontario Construction Sectariat (OCS) has summarized the 2021 Ontario Budget, and it contains some initiatives and spending plans that are of interest to Local 793 and OETIO. Here are some highlights: Investment in Infrastructure One of the key drivers of the government’s plan is to create growth through investment in infrastructure. This includes strategic investments in transit, highways, schools, hospitals and broadband. Planned […]
On Wednesday, March 24, 2021, the Finance Minister of Ontario, Peter Bethlenfalvy, released Ontario’s 2021 Budget titled: Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy. The Ontario Construction Sectariat (OCS) has summarized the 2021 Ontario Budget, and it contains some initiatives and spending plans that are of interest to Local 793 and OETIO. Here are some highlights:
Investment in Infrastructure
One of the key drivers of the government’s plan is to create growth through investment in infrastructure. This includes strategic investments in transit, highways, schools, hospitals and broadband. Planned investments over the next 10 years total $145.4 billion, including $16.9 billion in 2021-22. Key highlights include:
$30.2 billion over the next 10 years in hospital infrastructure.
More than $21 billion over 10 years to support the planning and/or construction of highway expansion and rehabilitation projects.
$200 million to provide infrastructure funding to larger, strategic projects and to sports facilities.
Doubling investments in the Indigenous Community Capital Grants Program, which will help address long-term infrastructure needs and fast-track shovel-ready on and off reserve projects.
Helping Workers with the Cost of Training
Ontario is committed to helping workers learn new skills to further their careers. This includes:
An estimated $260 million in support to about 230,000 people in 2021, the government is proposing a new Ontario Jobs Training Tax Credit, which would provide $2,000 per recipient for 50 percent of eligible expenses.
$85 million to support the Skills Development Fund to help training and employment organizations assist workers during the province’s economic recovery. The funded projects will give laid-off workers immediate access to training supports or new jobs, improve the quality of training, and support traditionally underrepresented groups.
Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades
Ontario is investing a total of $288.2 million in 2021-22 in its Skilled Trades Strategy, which includes the following improvements:
Providing an additional $38.6 million over three years to expand the Specialist High Skills Major program.
Investing $3 million over three years in a new pilot bursary program for hands-on learning in the skilled trades.
Expanding the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP).
Developing a digital portal that will enable secure and convenient access to online information and services for apprentices.
Protecting Workers
Over the past year, Ontario initiated and implemented a wide range of measures to promote workplace health and safety, protect workers and help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in workplaces. Ontario is building on these efforts by ensuring that resources are available for employers and workers through initiatives that include:
Providing free occupational health and safety training for health and safety representatives in up to 60,000 small businesses by investing $3.5 million annually over a three-year period.
Increasing funding for the Ontario Mine Rescue program by $2.9 million in 2021-22.
Renewing the occupational health and safety strategy for 2021-26.
Providing Employment & Training Supports
Ontario continues to support workers hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic by investing an additional $614.3 million during 2020-21 and 2021-22 to provide targeted employment and training supports. This includes:
$85 million to support Skills Development Fund to help training and employment organizations assist workers during the province’s economic recovery.
$117.3 million to assist women, racialized individuals, Indigenous peoples, youth and people with disabilities who are facing the highest rates of unemployment during the pandemic.
$194 million to further support Ontarian workers with additional employment and training programs and services that are responsive to the province’s economic recovery.
CLICK HERE to view the complete copy of the 2021 Ontario Budget
CLICK HERE to view the OCS Bulletin on the 2021 Ontario Budget
The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, and Pam Damoff, member of Parliament for Oakville North-Burlington, joined Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher at the Union’s head office and training campus in Oakville on Monday, March 15, to announce a substantial federal government investment in two projects. CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE ANNOUNCEMENT Joining Gallagher and a limited number of guests for the announcement were Local 793 President Joe Redshaw, Treasurer/Executive Director of OETIO Rick Kerr, as well as OETIO apprentices and instructors. All COVID-19 safety protocols were […]
The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, and Pam Damoff, member of Parliament for Oakville North-Burlington, joined Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher at the Union’s head office and training campus in Oakville on Monday, March 15, to announce a substantial federal government investment in two projects.
Joining Gallagher and a limited number of guests for the announcement were Local 793 President Joe Redshaw, Treasurer/Executive Director of OETIO Rick Kerr, as well as OETIO apprentices and instructors. All COVID-19 safety protocols were adhered to for the event, including gathering limits, social distancing, mandatory face mask-wearing, and having hand sanitizer stations readily available.
“The overall objective of the funds is to improve the quality of training in the skilled trades and help tradespeople prepare for available jobs in the workforce as our economy continues to grow – especially post-pandemic,” Anand said.
Funding for the two projects comes through the Ministry of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion. It is part of the Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) 2020 call for proposals that allocated $63.5 million over five years for 68 projects across Canada.
Both projects are funded 50 per cent through UTIP and 50 per cent through the Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO).
The first project provides $698,000 to enable OETIO to purchase new equipment to ensure heavy equipment apprentices can meet the Ontario College of Trades Apprenticeship Standards and evolving industry standards.
Heavy equipment upgrades include the purchase of a track excavator, a tractor-loader-backhoe, a bulldozer, and an autonomous remote-controlled excavator. These will allow OETIO to adapt to current technology and replace aging capital assets.
Minister of Public Services and Procurement Anita Anand
The second project is designed to respond to the impacts resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure safety for all staff and students by shifting a portion of its learning to a virtual environment and adapting classroom settings.
The project received $633,700 to support program optimization in a post-COVID-19 environment, promoting innovation through apprenticeships. It will allow for the purchase of video equipment to record instructor lectures, demonstrations and tutorials, migration to Office 365, upgrades to classroom equipment and tablets, WIFI upgrades, classroom furniture and video recording of field exercises.
“We appreciate the support of the federal Liberal government allowing us to continue to provide high-quality training to both new apprentices entering the industry and to existing members seeking to upgrade their skills on the latest equipment,” Business Manager Gallagher said. “This investment is matched by the Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario, which represents an investment in OETIO and the entire construction industry to ensure we are able to purchase the latest equipment and train our apprentices.”
The investment from UTIP will also help reduce barriers in the trades among under-represented groups and ensure that skilled trades workers have the supports they require to succeed.
“The funding will also aid the participation of key groups in our labour force, like persons with disabilities, racialized minorities, Indigenous people and newcomers,” Anand said.
Local 793 has a long history of training those from key groups facing barriers and helping them get the training needed to launch well-paying careers in the trades.
“As Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services, I have been so proud of the work Local 793 has done in the Indigenous communities,” Damoff said. “Keep up the great work. Your reputation is second to none when it comes to training.”
Member of Parliament for Oakville North-Burlington Pam Damoff
Income tax receipts representing Union and working dues for the 2020 taxation year, as well as other taxable benefit receipts from OEBAC (T4A’s), are now available to download or print on the Union website. All tax receipts and T4A’s were mailed out to members’ home addresses by Thursday February 18, 2021. If you do not receive your Union dues tax receipts and/or T4A slips by Friday, March 12, 2021, please contact the OEBAC Member Call Centre at 1-844-793-1919 To access your receipts online, log into your member profile on the Local […]
Income tax receipts representing Union and working dues for the 2020 taxation year, as well as other taxable benefit receipts from OEBAC (T4A’s), are now available to download or print on the Union website.
All tax receipts and T4A’s were mailed out to members’ home addresses by Thursday February 18, 2021. If you do not receive your Union dues tax receipts and/or T4A slips by Friday, March 12, 2021, please contact the OEBAC Member Call Centre at 1-844-793-1919
