Working for Workers Four Act

NEWMARKET – On Wednesday, November 23rd, MPP Gallagher Murphy spoke on the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development’s Working for Workers Four Act in the House. This act encompasses four main themes:

  1. Supporting workers in the service sector by clarifying existing provisions and adding new provisions to better protect workers.
  2. Striving for fairer treatment in the hiring process by ensuring increasing transparency and access to employment opportunities for all workers, including newcomers.
  3. Creating enhanced worker protections by strengthening employment standards and health and safety protections and supporting injured workers.
  4. Encouraging labour market mobility by removing barriers to accessing good jobs/pathways in regulated professions and compulsory trades.

“On November 9th, I attended the 2023 Central York Fire Services Recognition Ceremony. It was an amazing event, so well attended by our local Newmarket and Aurora Fire Fighters, their families, as well as local dignitaries all in support of our local firefighters,” said Dawn Gallagher Murphy, MPP for Newmarket-Aurora, “These individuals choose a higher risk profession, they are a unique brand of people who voluntarily place themselves in harm’s way in service for others. As Edward Croker, the fire chief of the New York City Fire Department at the end of the 19th century recognized, ‘When a person becomes a firefighter their greatest act of bravery is accomplished. What they do after is all in the line of duty.’ I also recognize the families for their unwavering support. It may not seem like a lot, but without their support, the Firefighters could not make the difference they have made and continue to make for the benefit of our community members. After the ceremony, I had a conversation with Jason Beuving, the President of the Central York Professional Fire Fighters Association who was pleased with the Minister’s announcement the day before regarding the improvements being proposed, and I quote, ‘We’re very thankful to this government for recognizing that our current legislation needs to be amended. Reducing the latency period from 25 years to 15 years means the fallen firefighter’s death is recognized as a line of duty death and ensures that they, and their families, will have security moving forward should they succumb to esophageal cancer.’ I would also like to highlight the feedback I received from Ian Laing, Fire Chief of Central York Fire Services, ‘Firefighters are dedicated to serving their communities, and unfortunately, despite continually evolving safety measures, this job puts them at risk for various types of cancers. Continued support and enhanced policies that further protect the firefighters that put their life on the line to protect us all is very important. I am proud that Central York Fire Services recently introduced a wellness program that promotes early detection of medical issues.  The program offers all firefighters an extensive annual medical exam based on the unique risks and adverse working environments that firefighters face daily.’”

Watch my statement here:  MPP Gallagher Murphy – Working for Workers 4 – November 22nd, 2023 – YouTube