Industry Employees and Workers

This website does not comprehensively address all the legal requirements that are applicable to the sector. It is not intended to provide advice in individual circumstances. If you require assistance in determining what laws apply to you or how to comply with those laws, please contact a ServiceOntario Centre or the Law Society of Upper Canada's Lawyer Referral Service.


Employment Standards

Employment standards are enforced under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) which sets out the minimum standards that employers and employees must follow.

Are you an employee under the ESA?

Some individuals/workers such as performers may be self-employed and may not be considered employees under the Employment Standards Act, 2000. A self-employed person is not covered under the ESA. Here are some factors to consider:

You are likely an employee if the company you work for:

  • supervises the way you do your work
  • provides you with a work schedule for a specific number of hours
  • gives you the tools and equipment you need to do your job

You are likely self-employed if you:

  • control the way you do your work
  • bring your own tools and equipment to do your job
  • have “profits” and “losses” of your own from your work

An employer may ask you to sign a contract saying that you are self-employed or an independent contractor. You could be asked to get a goods and services tax number (GST Number) from the government. But even if you sign such a contract, or get a GST number, it does not necessarily mean you are self-employed for purposes of the ESA. If you're an employee, you still have rights under the ESA.

Information on the Employment Standards Act

Terms and Conditions of Employment in Defined Industries - Live Performances, Trade Shows and Conventions - A Regulation under the Employment Standards Act, 2000

Publications and other related information


Occupational Health and Safety

The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) sets out the rights and duties of all parties in the workplace. Its main purpose is to protect workers against health and safety hazards on the job. The Act establishes procedures for dealing with workplace hazards and provides for enforcement of the law where compliance has not been achieved voluntarily. 

Important Health and Safety Regulations for the industry

Designated Substances Regulations

General Regulations

For a complete reference to the Regulations made under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, please see the Table of Regulations which is published in print form in The Ontario Gazette every January and July, and is published on the e-laws website under Reference Tables. The website edition is frequently updated.

Health and Safety Guidelines

Safety guidelines for Ontario’s Live Performance and Film and Television industries are developed by two joint management/labour committees. Ministry of Labour inspectors may refer to measures in these guidelines. However, it is important to remember that the inspector's responsibility is to apply and enforce the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and its regulations.

These guidelines are intended to facilitate the identification of workplace hazards and do not replace the laws that are in place. To determine your workplace rights and duties, please refer to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).

Health and Safety Partners

Safe Workplace Associations (SWAs)

The Ontario health and safety associations, funded by the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB), provide training programs, products and services to the province's employers and workers. These partners include 12 industry-based safe workplace associations, the Workers Health and Safety Centre, and the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers.

The Ontario Service Safety Alliance (OSSA) is the designated safe workplace association providing health and safety services to the service sector in Ontario, which includes the entertainment industry.


Workplace Insurance

Ontario’s Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) plays a key role in the province’s occupational health and safety system. The WSIB administers no-fault workplace insurance for employers and their workers and is committed to the prevention of workplace injuries and illnesses. The WSIB provides disability benefits, monitors the quality of healthcare, and assists in early and safe return to work for workers who are injured on the job or contract an occupational disease.

 

 
 
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