LAW COMMISSION OF ONTARIO RELEASES CONSULTATION PAPER ON
VULNERABLE WORKERS IN ONTARIO

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TORONTO, February 17, 2011 — The Law Commission of Ontario (LCO) seeks input from workers, employers, government, academics and the public at large on a Background Paper and Consultation Paper released today for its project on Vulnerable Workers and Precarious Work. Among other things, this project will examine the degree of legal protection afforded to persons in part-time work, temporary positions, (in)dependent contractors and other forms of “precarious” work in Ontario. It will also consider the impact of precarious work on the daily lives of vulnerable workers.

Precarious work is typically insecure, features low wages, a lack of benefits, or involves a greater risk of illness and injury. Studies have shown that these jobs are disproportionately held by women, members of racialized communities, newcomers to Canada, temporary migrant workers and non-status workers.

Based on broad consultations, including responses to the Consultation and Background Papers, the LCO will make recommendations in a Final Report that seek to ameliorate the situation of vulnerable workers, taking into account the needs of employers and the benefits to Ontario society at large. 

The Background and Consultation Papers summarize key issues and potential areas of reform. Some people may choose to read only the shorter Consultation Paper which can be read separately from the Background Paper. The LCO encourages those with a view on issues related to this project to deliver written submissions by April 1, 2011.

“The number of people in precarious jobs has increased and is expected to grow even further,” says Dr. Patricia Hughes, Executive Director of the LCO. “It is crucial that we hear the views and experiences of vulnerable workers and employers so that law reform recommendations can be effective.”

Launched in September of 2007, the LCO operates independently of government to make recommendations that enhance access to justice and make laws more relevant and more efficient.

 

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Contact:
Mohan Sharma, Head of Project
Tel: (416) 650-8406 or toll free: 1 (866) 950-8406
TTY: 1 (877) 650-8082
Fax:  (416) 650-8418         
E-mail:  LawCommission@lco-cdo.org

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http://www.lco-cdo.org