As part of Open Ontario, the province is taking steps to support economic growth and foster simpler, better and faster interaction between government and business.

Today the province introduced the Open for Business Act that would, if passed, create a more competitive business climate, while protecting the environment and public interest. Among the over 100 proposed amendments, the Act would:

• Establish a modern, risk-based approach to environmental approvals, which could save businesses as much as 25 per cent of their project application costs.
• Enable faster and more efficient resolution of Employment Standards claims by addressing the current backlog, providing more powers to Employment Standards Officers and encouraging early resolution of disputes between employees and employers.
• Make it easier for professionals, such as internationally trained engineers, to work in Ontario by removing the citizenship requirements for a Professional Engineer Licence

The proposed changes would also harmonize Ontario’s business practices with other North American jurisdictions, and were developed in consultation with stakeholders, including businesses as well as environmental and agriculture groups, labour organizations, engineers and architects.

The proposed Open for Business Act supports the Open Ontario Plan to create new opportunities for jobs and growth.