b'GOVERNMENT RELATIONSGOVERNMENT RELATIONS UPDATEBY JIM WILKINSONONTARIO PROVIDING FREE NALOXONE KITSRecognizing that it may not be feasible to develop and implement IN WORKPLACES a full program all at once, the guide also helps workplaces to assess The Ontario government is launching a first-of-its-kind program tocurrent states with an easy-to-use, tactical checklist and approaches make free naloxone kits (and free training) available at workplacesprogram development one piece at a time, based on current need.where there is a risk of staff witnessing or experiencing anThe guide, program checklist and additional resources are available opioidoverdose. at www.pshsa.ca.For up to two years, Ontario will provide free nasal spray naloxoneONTARIO LAUNCHES SKILLED TRADES CAREER FAIRS kits to businesses at risk of opioid overdoses through the WorkplaceFOR STUDENTSNaloxone Program and free training to equip staff with the tools to respond to an opioid overdose. The Ontario government is working for workers by launching career fairs this fall to prepare the next generation of young people Businesses can determine if they are eligible for the program andfor rewarding and well-paying jobs in the skilled trades. These fairs find additional information on accessing naloxone kits and trainingaddress labour shortages in high-demand sectors and help deliver atontario.ca/workplacenaloxone. Once the requirement is inthe Provinces ambitious infrastructure plans, including building effect, the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills1.5 million homes by 2031.Developments inspectors will take an education-first approach toenforcement. Level Up!is a series of dynamic, multi-day career fairs highlighting the 144 different skilled trades. For the first time, students in grades ONTARIO INVESTING IN CONSTRUCTION SECTOR TOseven to 12will have the opportunity to learn about these trades COMBAT LABOUR SHORTAGEthrough interactive exhibitions and hands-on activities, while The Ontario government is working for workers by investing $3.7hearing directly from tradespeople and local employers about these million to help up to 2,500 workers start or advance in well-payinglife-changing careers.careers in the construction industry. This decade, Ontario will needAdditionally, the government is bringing the Provinces 100,000 more construction workers to help deliver the Provincesapprenticeship system into the 21st century.Skilled Trades ambitious infrastructure plans, including 1.5 million homes by 2031. Ontario(STO)the provincial agency leading the transition This investment will help Merit Ontario, an organization thatto a simplified, modernized skilled trades and apprenticeship supports contractors who employ both unionized and non- systemis introducing digital logbooks that allow apprentices to unionized workers, to expand theironline job bankto matchelectronically track their progress, instead of carrying paper books. thousands of people with construction jobs at more than 300 small,This new online solution coincides with the launch of the agencys medium and large employers in their communities. The job bankofficial logo and branding, now on their website.helps jobseekers assess their skills, access additional training andONTARIO PREPARING TO EXPAND HEALTH AND prepare for interviews. Furthermore, this funding continues toBENEFITS COVERAGEsupport Meritsonline training centre,which is helping up to 2,500The Ontario government is seeking public feedback as it moves construction workers train for the next step in their careers andforward with plans to expand benefits like health, dental, prescription earn more take-home pay. drug and vision care to more workers who need coverage. PSHSA: PSYCHOLOGICALLY HEALTHY ANDResults from an onlinepublic surveywill inform the design and SAFE WORKPLACESimplementation of a proposedbenefits planthat would make Ontario The Public Services Health & Safety Association (PSHSA)the first province in Canada to cover millions of precarious workers has released its psychological health and safety guide:Anin sectors such as retail, the gig economy and hospitality.Integrated Approach to Health and Safety in the Workplace. ThisExpanding health and benefits coverage is part of Ontarios ambitious free, downloadable resource provides information, tools andplan to attract the best workers from across Canadaand around innovative solutions that can be used to build a new psychologicalthe worldby making the province the best place to live, work and health and safety program or enhance program developmentraise a family. The governments Portable Benefits Advisory Panel is orimplementation. expected to release their recommendations in summer 2023.8THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SCAFFOLD INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF CANADA'