What is the Ministry of Labour?

The Ministry of Labour is responsible for employment and labour issues for workers in Ontario. Its mandate is to advance safe and fair labour practices while supporting the social and economic well-being of workers. It also works to:
  • Prevent workplace injuries and illnesses
  • Promote and enforce employment standards
  • Help settle workplace disputes and collective agreements
  • Support apprenticeships, skilled trades, industry training and employment services
  • Administer employment & labour legislation, compliance, enforcement, complaints, investigations, and settlements

What employers need to know about the ministry

As an employer, it is critical you know the purpose of the Ministry of Labour and what it can do. The main duty of the Ministry is to administer 25 employment and labour legislation acts. These fall into three broad groups:
  • Employment Rights and Responsibilities
  • Occupational Health & Safety
  • Labour Relations
The Ministry ensures regulations are followed by:
  • Providing compliance support
  • Conducting proactive inspections of payroll records and workplace practices
  • Investigating and resolving complaints
  • Enforcing the ESA and its regulations
The Ministry also ensures compliance through Employment Standards Officers. Officers wield a variety of powers. They can issue fines, orders of closure, and can even initiate prosecutions. All of which could be disastrous for a small business. That’s where we come in.

We’re here to help you 24/7

In case of an inspection, you may be asked for a list of records or other documents. We can help you prepare for this. Leaving you to run your business and fulfill your duties as an employer. Our experts can also offer advice and answer any questions you may have about the Ministry of Labour. We’ll help ensure your policies and procedures are compliant with the law. And our complimentary advice line is here to help 24/7. Don’t wait. Call us for advice right away at. 1-888-219-8767.