Bottom Line

On June 5, 2019 the Ontario Government tabled Bill 124, entitled Protecting a Sustainable Public Sector for Future Generations Act, 2019. The Bill was introduced as part of the Government's stated plan to address the debt burden and restore fiscal balance in the province.

Key Components

As currently drafted, Bill 124 proposes establishing a three-year moderation period, the start and end of which would vary as between employee groups. Increases to public sector employees' compensation would be limited to one percent (1%) every twelve months during the prescribed moderation period. "Compensation" is broadly defined as including salary, benefits, perquisites, and all forms of discretionary and non-discretionary payments.

Bill 124 does not, however, propose to prohibit salary increases which are based on an employee's (i) length of service, (ii) performance, or (iii) completion of a program or course of professional or technical education, where such increases are authorized by a collective agreement or compensation plan.

These proposed wage restraint measures would apply to both unionized and non-unionized workers, employed by any of the following:

  • Crown agencies, authorities, boards, commissions, corporations, offices or organizations of persons, a majority of whose directors, members or officers are appointed or elected by the Ontario Government;
  • School boards;
  • Universities and colleges;
  • Hospitals;
  • Long-term care homes;
  • Ornge;
  • Children's aid societies; and
  • Not for profit organizations that received at least $1,000,000 in funding from the provincial government in 2018.

Bill 124 also outlines various anti-avoidance measures and oversight mechanisms to monitor and ensure compliance with the proposed Act. Included among these is a ministerial right to make an order declaring that a collective agreement or arbitration award is inconsistent with the Act.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.