Labour & Worker Safety

On September 21, Bill C-39: Building Canada Strong Act was introduced in parliament with the aim to put measures in place to strengthen the Canadian economy. The most impactful proposed changes for the feed industry would likely be the four-year extension of the ongoing extended rail interswitching pilot in the Prairies as well as amendments to the Canada Labour Code which governs all federally regulated industries including railways, ports and feed mills.

The federal government has proposed updates to the occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations under the Canada Labour Code that specify requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) and fall prevention.

Public Safety Canada (PSC) recently sent out a reminder that annual reports mandated under the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act (Bill S-211) are due May 31, 2026. 

Recently published amendments to regulations under the Canada Labour Code add new provisions that are intended to ensure equal treatment for employees regardless of their employment status.  

The Government of Canada recently launched a consultation to assess if updates to Canada’s federal labour legislation are needed to support a modern and fair labour relations framework. Federally regulated industries (including feed mills) would be impacted by any legislative changes.

With Emergency Preparedness Week (May 3-9) being well underway, now is an ideal time for you, your customers and your colleagues throughout the feed value chain to ensure your emergency plans are in place and up to date. 

Employers of federally regulated industries (including feed mills) should adjust their payrolls on April 1, 2026 to reflect the new federal minimum wage of $18.15 per hour.