Mandatory training for employees in Ontario
In Canada, employers have an obligation to provide training on certain topics. This training must meet the needs of the workplace and should prevent health and safety incidents. Failure to provide mandatory employee training in Ontario may result in significant financial and legal consequences. For example, without training, employees may be placed in danger, resulting in increased workplace accidents (injuries, illness, or fatalities), financial losses, diminished productivity, and legal implications. By learning to understand risks and hazards through training, employees can protect themselves and others from injury or illness on the job.
What training is mandatory for employees in Ontario?
For most employers, Ontario legislation mandates certain types of training. Employers may also have additional training needs related to their industry or place of work. For example, workers in jobs with higher risk (such as jobs in construction and manufacturing) may require more frequent or intensive instruction, or specialized training.
Organizations must ensure all new and current employees complete the necessary training, and provide additional training when changes or updates are made. Refer to our Compliance Centre to keep on top of changing legal requirements for your jurisdiction. To start here are two of the training courses we list in our free guide.
Understanding Human Rights Training (AODA Edition)
This course explains how the Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) work together to protect people with disabilities from discrimination and ensure they can participate fully and equally in society.
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Training
This introductory course is based on the federal Hazardous Products Regulations and Hazardous Products Act. Canadian law requires that any person exposed to hazardous materials in the workplace be trained on WHMIS. This course teaches employees the basic principles and main components of WHMIS, including hazard identification, pictograms, labelling, safety data sheets, and more.
In December 2022, the Hazardous Products Regulations and Hazardous Products Act were amended, workplaces having a three-year transition period to implement the changes. Organizations must comply with either the former or new requirements, not both, during this transition period. As of December 2025, organizations must comply with the new requirements. We can support organizations throughout this transition period with our WHMIS courses designed to align with the former and new requirements.
Cost-effective training solutions
Organizations without dedicated resources often struggle to execute and maintain training programs. Creating effective training programs is an investment. The complexity of the content can be overwhelming, especially in the case of evolving legislation. To address these challenges, businesses need a time-saving, cost-effective solution.
We offer live HR support, a secure Human Resource Information System (HRIS) and hundreds of courses in our online training library. There is something for every organization and every jurisdiction in our growing course catalogue. The courses we offer align with legislative obligations and help employees develop and retain essential knowledge and skills.
Free guide to mandatory employee training in Ontario
This guide lists mandatory employee training in Ontario, as well as our recommendations for effective skills development. These recommendations include industry- and workplace-specific training, too. You’ll also learn how to track training progress and maintain training records.
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