Representatives from the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) met with Brandon Crandall, Senior Manager of Stakeholder Relations, Ministry of Immigration, Labour, Training & Skills Development on February 24, 2023, to discuss Ontario’s Bill 88, “Working for Workers Act, 2022,” which passed in the Ontario Legislature and is awaiting Regulations for enactment. The purpose of the bill is to establish certain worker rights for workers, regardless of whether those workers are employees.

The CFA discussed the common employer issue with special references to labour as it pertains to the franchisor/franchisee arrangement, stressing the similarities and differences between the franchisor and franchisees, and how grouping the two can lead to unfair economic treatment for small business owners. The CFA offered valuable input and will continue to update the Ministry of Labour on specific concerns. Both parties expressed the desire to continue to nurture small business and maintain a positive ongoing dialogue.