Ontario Government Reversal on Legislative Commitment to Improve Workplace Health and Safety

Engineers Canada shares Professional Engineers Ontario’s concerns over a decision by the Ontario government to reverse a three-year legislative commitment that would have brought Ontario in line with other provinces and territories in terms of health and safety in the workplace.

“This is a disappointing decision, for PEO, Engineers Canada and for the 11 other regulators of the engineering profession across the country,” said Kim Allen, FEC, P.Eng., chief executive officer of Engineers Canada. “It is difficult to understand why it is acceptable for Ontario to have a lower standard than other provinces and territories when it comes to protecting its workers.”

The repeal of section 12(3)(a) would prevent individuals who are not professional engineers from undertaking work that falls within the practice of professional engineering in relation to machinery or equipment for use in the facilities of the person’s employer, in the production of products by the person’s employer.

“I urge the Government of Ontario to reconsider their position and proclaim this section of the Open for Business Act, 2010 as soon as possible,” said Allen.

The repeal of section 12(3)(a) of the Professional Engineers Act in Ontario, as passed in the Open for Business Act, 2010 would bring Ontario in line with other Canadian jurisdictions.