The ministry and the Ontario Labour Relations Board worked effectively to help resolve a number of complex transitional labour relations issues brought on by restructuring. Overall, bargaining agent and unit issues are being resolved expeditiously. The Ministry of Labour's goal is to advance safe, fair and harmonious workplaces. Further measures, including the passage this spring of the Fairness is A Two Way Street Act , have been initiated as the government takes action to level the playing field for Ontario. Our government will continue to take a tough stand to ensure that Ontario workers and contractors receive fair access to Quebec projects.
Partnerships are the key to Ontario's new health and safety culture.
The ministry will continue to work closely with the WSIB and the SWAs in a unified effort to reduce and prevent workplace injuries and illness. The ministry will also be looking at making greater use of performance-based approaches to legislation and regulation so as to meet client needs better. The ministry also plans a consultation process to establish a permanent process for updating Ontario's occupational exposure limits. Increased use of mobile technology has increased flexibility and productivity of field staff. The changing nature of the global economy is impacting on Ontario's workforce and workplace relationships.