Canada
This article was added by the user . TheWorldNews is not responsible for the content of the platform.

Penalties to be boosted for Ontario employers who withhold workers’ passports

Labour Minister Monte McNaughton is tabling an omnibus bill today

Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development speaks at Queen's Park, in Toronto, Wednesday, June 24, 2020.
Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development speaks at Queen's Park, in Toronto, Wednesday, June 24, 2020. Photo by Richard Lautens /The Canadian Press

Employers who withhold the passports or work permits of foreign nationals could soon face hundreds of thousands of dollars in new penalties under legislation being introduced in Ontario today.

Labour Minister Monte McNaughton is tabling an omnibus bill today that includes the protections for migrant workers, expanding the reasons military reservists can take job leave, and requiring more washrooms on construction sites as well as some for women only.

From our newsroom to your inbox at noon, the latest headlines, stories, opinion and photos from the Toronto Sun.

By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. You may unsubscribe any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of our emails or any newsletter. Postmedia Network Inc. | 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4 | 416-383-2300

Currently, labour inspectors can levy penalties of $250 for each passport or work permit that is withheld, but with the proposed changes, that would rise to $100,000.

As well, if an individual employer is ultimately convicted by the courts of such an offence, they would also be subject to a fine of up to $500,000, up to 12 months in jail or both, while corporations could be fined up to $1 million.

The current fines are $50,000 for individuals and $100,000 for corporations.

McNaughton is also proposing to boost the fine for corporations convicted of any offence under the Occupational Health and Safety Act from $1.5 million to $2 million.