Ontario Introducing Legislation to Protect Ontario by Cutting Red Tape and Supporting Workers
April 20, 2026
Province taking next step to reduce delays and regulatory burdens to build a stronger, more competitive and more resilient economy
Red Tape Reduction
Table of Contents
Content Quick Facts Quotes Media Assets Related Topics
Content
TORONTO — Today, the Ontario government introduced the Protecting Ontario’s Workers and Economic Resilience Act, 2026 (POWER Act) .
“This legislation is the next chapter in our government’s work to help build a more resilient and self-sustaining economy that can withstand disruption and make Ontario the best place in the G7 to invest, do business and create jobs,” said Andrea Khanjin, Minister of Red Tape Reduction. “By cutting red tape, we’re creating the certainty and confidence businesses need to invest and grow here in Ontario.”
Since the introduction of the Building a More Competitive Economy Act in fall 2025, Ontario has made significant progress in addressing key business permitting issues, including reducing and streamlining permissions, simplifying system navigation and improving accountability. With over 150 permits completed or currently under review, the province is on track to eliminate or streamline at least 35 per cent of all business-facing permits by the end of 2028.
By reducing unnecessary delays and regulatory burden, Ontario is building a predictable, investment‑ready environment that supports job creation, boosts economic competitiveness and secures long‑term growth.
The POWER Act and associated measures would also bring forward a series of changes that would protect workers’ health and safety in Ontario, support harmonization of health and safety training across provinces and help put more money back into the pockets of Ontario workers. These initiatives would support a stronger, more flexible workforce by harmonizing requirements to improve labour mobility across Canada and by expanding worker protections and benefits.Ontario medical residency positions for Ontario‑connected international medical graduates , helping protect the future of Ontario’s physician workforce, particularly in communities that need doctors the most. Legislative changes would also amend the Ombudsman Act to require the Ombudsman to be proficient in English and French.
Quick Facts
Protecting Ontario’s Workers and Economic Resilience Act, 2026 (POWER Act) and related measures include 23 initiatives to protect workers, safeguard our economy by getting workers into high-demand jobs faster, improve labour mobility and streamline approvals while maintaining strong protections.Since 2018, Ontario has taken approximately 700 actions to eliminate unnecessary red tape, saving people, businesses, municipalities, hospitals, universities, colleges and not‑for‑profit organizations an estimated $1.3 billion.
Quotes
Workers are the backbone of our economy, and the POWER Act is about making sure they are protected, prepared and positioned to succeed. These proposed changes will strengthen workplace health and safety, reduce unnecessary barriers to labour mobility and help more people move quickly into good-paying, in-demand jobs. That is how we protect workers while building a more competitive and resilient province.
– Hon. David Piccini
Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
Now more than ever, government needs to find ways to support our growing communities and secure the investment and jobs that will keep our economy thriving for generations to come. By streamlining processes and speeding up approvals, we are making it possible for housing and infrastructure projects to get started faster, while maintaining key environmental protections.
– Hon. Todd McCarthy
Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
Our government is protecting Ontario’s health-care system by taking bold action to strengthen Ontario’s physician workforce now, and into the future. By prioritizing medical residency spots for Ontario students, this proposed change would make it easier for Ontarians studying medicine abroad to return home and have a career as a doctor back here in Ontario.
– Hon. Sylvia Jones
Deputy Premier and Minister of Health
We are fortifying our economy by eliminating needless red tape, boosting our productivity and strengthening our economic resilience, meeting the global challenges we face head-on. By reducing unnecessary delays, supporting labour mobility and making it easier for projects to move forward, we are giving workers and employers the certainty they need to invest, grow, and do business here in Ontario.
– Joseph Racinsky
Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Red Tape Reduction
The POWER Act is about making government work better for people and smarter for businesses. From helping workers keep more of what they earn, to improving pathways into in-demand jobs, to making approvals more efficient, these are practical reforms that cut red tape, lower barriers, and help keep Ontario strong, competitive and ready for the future.
– Logan Kanapathi
Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Red Tape Reduction
Media Assets
Media Briefing: Protecting Ontario’s Workers and Economic Resilience Act, 2026
Related Topics
Business and economy
Information about Ontario’s economy and how to do business here. Includes economic development opportunities, research funding, tax credits for business and the Ontario Budget. Learn more
Jobs and employment
Find resources and supports for job seekers and employers. Learn more