Bill 69 explained in plain English

Bill 69 requires Ontario's Minister of Labour to take steps to improve working conditions for personal support workers, homemakers, and workers in health care settings through minimum wage increases, permanent full-time employment targets, paid leave, and benefits.

Bill 69, the Respecting Workers in Health Care and in Related Fields Act, 2025, is a private members' bill that directs Ontario's Minister of Labour to improve working conditions for certain health care and related workers. The bill has three main requirements: 1. **Permanent and full-time employment targets**: For hospitals, long-term care homes, home care agencies, and health care providers that employ more than 20 people, at least 70 per cent of employees must be employed on a permanent and full-time basis. 2. **Personal support worker compensation and benefits**: Personal support workers must receive at least $8.00 per hour more than Ontario's minimum wage. Full-time personal support workers must receive at least 10 days of paid leave per calendar year for illness, injury, or medical emergencies. Part-time workers receive a pro-rated amount based on hours worked. All personal support workers (full-time and part-time) must receive health benefits and be enrolled in a pension plan. 3. **Homemaker compensation and protections**: Homemakers (people employed to provide homemaking services in someone else's private residence) must receive at least the minimum wage. Employment Standards Act rules about hours of work, eating periods, and overtime pay must apply to them. The bill applies to individuals who are members of a College under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and are acting within their scope of practice. The Minister is instructed to take "all necessary steps, including introducing legislation if necessary" to achieve these goals. The bill comes into force one year after it receives Royal Assent.