This month’s newsletter focuses on advocacy, government relations, labour market trends, and upcoming industry events.

1. Urgent Call to Action: WSIB SIEF Program Cancellation

COCA is urging employers to contact the Premier, the Minister of Labour, and WSIB leadership to oppose the cancellation of the Second Injury and Enhancement Fund (SIEF). The newsletter argues that the decision was made without stakeholder consultation and could increase employer costs, lead to more compensation claim disputes, and negatively affect injured workers. Employers are encouraged to advocate for reinstatement of the program pending proper consultation.

2. Progress on COCA Lobby Day Recommendations

COCA reports positive movement on the 16 health and safety recommendations submitted through the Provincial Labour Management Health and Safety Committee. Several items, including rope access, scaffolding/formwork, skylight protection, and rod worker fall protection requirements, are receiving ministry attention and may result in regulatory changes in the near future.

3. Ontario Cabinet Shuffle

The newsletter reviews Premier Ford’s cabinet changes, highlighting the appointment of Trevor Jones as Ontario’s new Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. COCA notes that his leadership of the labour portfolio will be closely watched by the construction industry.

4. Level Up! Skilled Trades Career Fairs

The Ministry of Labour and Enterprise Canada are launching the fifth year of the Level Up! Skilled Trades Career Fairs, with 12 events scheduled across Ontario between September and December 2026. Organizers are seeking exhibitors and sponsors and encourage industry stakeholders to promote the events through their networks.

5. Construction Employment Update

According to Statistics Canada’s August 2026 Labour Force Survey:

• Ontario construction employment fell by 2,600 jobs (0.5%) from July 2026.
• Construction employment was down 6,700 jobs (1.2%) compared to August 2025.
• Overall Ontario employment declined slightly month-over-month but remained higher than a year ago.

6. Highway 413 Procurement Announcement

The Ontario government has issued a procurement notice for the eastern section of Highway 413 and the Highway 427 extension. The project is expected to become the largest infrastructure procurement ever undertaken by the Ministry of Transportation.

7. Ontario By-Elections

Three provincial by-elections were held on September 3, 2026. The Progressive Conservatives retained York-Simcoe and Hamilton East-Stoney Creek, while the NDP retained Scarborough Southwest. The overall balance of power in the legislature remains largely unchanged.