Provincial cabinet minister makes announcement in Amherstburg regarding temporary help agency licenses

work with law enforcement agencies and community partners to detect and address illegal practices and recover unpaid wages for exploited employees. The province states their work has resulted in multiple investigations helping remove hundreds of vulnerable and migrant workers from hazardous working situations. Ontario also recently introduced legislation to strengthen penalties for withholding worker passports.

McNaughton praised Jack’s Organics, stating “businesses like yours are the lifeblood of the economy.” He added farmers are “the engine that keeps the economy going.”

Jamie Lefaive, general manager of Hazel Farms Growers and Jack’s Organics, said they welcomed McNaughton to their Concession 3 North business and said they take great pride in the products. He praised their workforce, stating they can’t do what they do without them.

By Ron Giofu

A provincial cabinet minister was in Amherstburg last week to make an announcement regarding temporary help agency licenses.

Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Monte McNaughton was at Jack’s Organics last Wednesday afternoon for a press conference to announce that temporary health agencies (THAs) and recruiters will need to have a license to operate in the Province of Ontario as of Jan. 1, 2024.

McNaughton said there have been instances the government has discovered across the province where employers have paid people below minimum wage, denied basic employment rights and even withheld passports.

“While temporary help agencies are vital to Ontario’s businesses and jobseekers looking to get their foot in the door, for too long they have operated in a grey zone that allows criminals to prey on vulnerable workers,” said McNaughton. “Our government’s licensing system will ensure lawabiding businesses can have confidence in the THAs and recruiters they work with and that those who abuse workers face the harshest fines in Canada and are banned from operating in our province.”

According to McNaughton, many businesses and jobseekers in Ontario are often unaware if an agency or recruiter they are working with is meeting their employment standards obligations or has a history of violations. It was pointed out people will now be able to check the ministry’s online database before working with one, to see if they have met the province’s stringent licensing requirements. The province states it will be against the law for companies to knowingly use unlicensed businesses for staffing, “and those who hire deceitful recruiters will be required to repay workers for any illegal fees charged to them.”

To operate their businesses, McNaughton announced that THAs and recruiters will need to provide $25,000 in the form of an irrevocable letter of credit that can be used to repay owed wages to employees. Offenders could face up to a $50,000 penalty based on repeat violations –the highest amount in Canada.

“Breaking the law carries real consequences,” said McNaughton. “Those who abuse workers rights will not be allowed to operate in Ontario.”

In 2022, the provincial government stated it launched a task force to

Ongoing roadwork impacting local drivers

By RTT Staff

By RTT Staff

If anyone hasn’t come across the intersection of Sandwich St. N. and Alma St. yet this week, be advised to try another route.

There is sewer work being done in that intersection, with the Town of Amherstburg announcing via social media last Thursday it was a one-week project. It got underway this past Monday and is supposed to conclude at the end of this week.

The town states full access to all residences and businesses is expected to be maintained during construction with Transit Windsor also announcing temporary bus route detours and bus stop relocatoins. More information is available on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Kentucky Ave, Thorn Ridge, Briar Ridge, Cedar Ridge and Fern Ridge are also under construction for the next few weeks due to a mill and pave project. Drivers are also reminded of the closure of the Concession 5 North bridge over River Canard, with that project expected to last into next year.

Lefaive added they work closely with all levels of government and everyone believes the rules should be followed by all.

Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Trevor Jones, the parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, voiced his support of the announcement.

“This licensing system is welcome news for all of Ontario’s temporary foreign workers, including our International Agri-food workers.

These changes will ensure all workers have access to resources that protect them, while facilitating growth and prosperity in industries across the province,” said Jones.

Essex MPP Anthony Leardi remarked how he grew up in the area near Jack’s Organics, which he said is one of the biggest organic greenhouses in Canada.

“This is one more way that the Doug Ford government is working for workers,” he said of the announcement.