About the Ministry

Established in 1919 to develop and enforce labour legislation, the Ministry of Labour's mission is to advance safe, fair and harmonious workplace practices that are essential to the social and economic well-being of the people of Ontario.

Through the ministry's key areas of occupational health and safety, employment rights and responsibilities, and labour relations, the ministry's mandate is to set, communicate and enforce workplace standards while encouraging greater workplace self-reliance. The Ministry also develops, coordinates and implements strategies to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses and can set standards for health and safety training.

A range of specialized associations, agencies, boards and commissions assist the ministry in its work.