New rules crack down on uniform costs for workers and talent agency abuses
Ontario is moving to ban mandatory uniform charges at large employers.
The government is proposing amendments to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 that would stop employers from requiring workers to pay for mandatory, employer-specific uniforms or deducting those costs from their wages, except in limited situations.
“Whether you work in a restaurant or hotel, no one should have to pay out of pocket for a uniform just to earn a paycheque,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
The changes would apply where uniforms are mandatory and employer-specific, such as branded or logo apparel that is not reasonably usable outside work. The government notes that while the cost of uniforms can vary, some employees can pay upwards of $50, an amount it describes as a “common but often overlooked cost barrier,” particularly in entry-level sectors such as retail, hospitality and food service.
If the legislation passes, the ministry would also consult on possible exemptions, including for small businesses.
Roughly 383,900 people worked in the restaurant and bar sector in Ontario in 2025, where uniforms are often required. Seven other Canadian jurisdictions, including British Columbia, Quebec and Manitoba, already limit or prohibit employers from charging workers for uniforms.
New STAR Act to protect performers’ pay
Ontario is also looking to introduce new rules for talent agencies, in a bid to “put more money back in workers’ pockets” and protect paycheques in the entertainment industry.
The Strengthening Talent Agency Regulation (STAR) Act would tighten oversight of agencies that handle payments for performers and other entertainment workers. It would introduce several financial rules for talent agencies:
- capping commission rates
- banning all fees other than commissions and any fees explicitly allowed by regulation
- requiring timely payment to entertainment workers
- mandating a separate bank account for funds owed to those workers.
“These proposed changes will help ensure artists and entertainment workers are treated fairly and paid properly, while strengthening confidence in the industry. By protecting the people behind our creative sector, we’re helping Ontario remain a leading destination for arts, culture and entertainment,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming.
The province notes that nearly 178,000 people were employed in arts, entertainment and recreation in Ontario in 2024.
Red tape, labour package in Ontario
The reforms are part of a broader red tape and labour package the government is rolling out.
“At a time of global economic uncertainty, our government is protecting Ontario by making government work better for people and smarter for businesses. Through this broader package, we are taking practical action to protect performers through stronger transparency and oversight for talent agencies, while helping employees keep more of their pay by prohibiting charges for required uniforms. These reforms are about fairness, lower costs and making Ontario the most competitive place in the G7 to invest, create jobs and do business,” said Andrea Khanjin, Minister of Red Tape Reduction.
The measures are being introduced as part of a larger legislative package that includes prior “Working for Workers” bills and the 2026 Ontario budget, which the government bills as “A Plan to Protect Ontario.” The stated goal: making the province a place where businesses can invest and grow while workers see more of their earnings stay in their pockets.
