Ontario is looking at ways to set up comprehensive health benefit plans for low-income workers and people who work in the gig economy.
The province said it is seeking advice on creating a plan that would provide for health, dental and vision care benefits for people even if they have to change jobs frequently.
A provincial news release said the government intends to create and appoint an advisory panel to recommend a system that would make Ontario the first province in Canada to pursue such a comprehensive benefits program.
Monte McNaughton, Ontario's Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development said the idea is to have necessary benefits within reach of all workers.
“Whether you’re bussing tables, working the cash, or giving rides, we are making sure necessities like dental care and affordable medication is within reach for more families,” McNaughton.
“The future of work is here, and our government is working for workers to make sure no one is left behind," he added.
The province said most workers in Ontario with full-time, permanent jobs have medical insurance and dental coverage. By comparison, less than a quarter of those who work part-time or in precarious jobs have similar benefits, which means these workers, and their families, often have to make difficult choices between their health and other necessities like food and shelter. Independent contractors, low-wage workers, newcomers, younger workers, and racialized people are also less likely to have workplace benefits, said the release.
The proposed advisory panel will look at how benefits could reside with the worker and will provide recommendations on how best to administer the new program. This could be especially beneficial for digital platform and gig workers, and others in the service industry, who switch jobs more frequently, said the province.
Establishing the advisory panel was a key recommendation in the Ontario Workforce Recovery Advisory Committee’s final report. The Committee was responsible for several items in the government’s recent Working for Workers legislation, including being the first province in Canada to introduce the “Right to Disconnect,” as well as the banning of non-compete clauses.
