Bill 266: Support Workers Pay Act, 2021
Summary: The Bill, the Support Workers Pay Act, 2021, will increase the amount support workers will be compensated for work performed. The Act also requires those who employ support workers to provide travel payments for each kilometer traveled between worksites. The Act also details responsibilities for the Minister of Long-Term Care, specifically the Minister will develop training, education and professional development programs for support workers and long-term care staff. Support workers will be paid for their participation in these programs. The Act also establishes the Support Worker Wage Review Commission. (Source: Bill 266, Support Workers Pay Act, 2021)
Why This Matters:
Support workers are predominately Black and/or racialized. Furthermore, support workers are predominately women and/or queer. If this Bill becomes law, this would be a step forward in ensuring people who work in this space are adequately compensated for their work.
Conclusion: Lost on vote at the second reading. This means that this bill will not become law.