Ontario Law Takes Effect Requiring Coverage For Construction Contractors, Subcontractors

OTTAWA—Ontario construction contractors face expanded mandatory worker’s compensation insurance requirements under amendments to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act that took effect Jan. 1.

The amendments, passed by the Ontario Legislature in July 2012, extend mandatory Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) coverage to nearly all individuals working in the construction sector, including independent operators, sole proprietors, partners, and executives.

The amendments also require principals or owners hiring a contractor or subcontractor to obtain a WSIB clearance certificate before construction work commences. In response to the legislative changes, the WSIB has also established new rules on the calculation of insurable ...