Bill 86: Meredith Act (Fair Compensation for Injured Workers), 2025

This bill affects every employer in Ontario that has employees — from sole operators with a single hire to large manufacturers, construction firms, healthcare providers, mines, and service businesses. Day-to-day impacts include registering all employment relationships with the new Workers' Compensation Commission within 15 days, reporting workplace accidents and diseases promptly, continuing to provide non-taxable benefits and accommodations for injured workers, and paying employer premiums into the compensation fund. Premiums will be set by the Commission based on industry class and risk level, potentially increasing costs for higher-risk sectors like construction, manufacturing, mining, and transportation. Small employers (under 20 employees) get dedicated advisory support through the Office of the Employer Adviser, but all employers face stricter accommodation duties, enhanced reporting obligations, and anti-reprisal provisions that could involve police referrals.