New legislation proposed by the Ontario government this week will make sure military reservists who are training or deployed cannot be fired from their jobs.
According to the Ford government, the Working for Workers Act 2 would expand job protections to include training requirements and would also make leave available after three months on a job, down from the current requirements of six months.
"We owe our reservists and the dedicated women and men in uniform to make this change. We want to make sure that jobs are protected when people take up the call of duty," said Minister of Labour, Training, and Skills Development Monte McNaughton.
As of March 2020, the Canadian Forces had about 27,000 members in the reserve, with about 11,000 of those living in Ontario.
"I think it's a wonderful move and I thank you, Minister, on behalf of all those who have served that you are looking at providing great support to us," said Retired Lt.-Col. Morris Brause.
The proposed legislation also includes a mandatory minimum wage for gig workers and a requirement for employers to disclose their electronic monitoring of employees.
