On May 30, 2025, Ombudsperson Marc-André Dowd sent a letter to the Commission de l’économie et du travail in which he commented on Bill 101, An Act to improve certain labour laws.
Mr. Dowd appreciates that, thanks to this bill, important legal regimes related to labour law will be reviewed and improved. He particularly welcomes certain amendments, including one that aims to grant fairer income replacement indemnities (IRR). This will be the case, in particular, for those based on minimum wage. Mr. Dowd also highlights a step forward for workers who experience several relapses, recurrences or aggravations after an employment injury. It is expected that their indemnity will be calculated each time based on their highest gross income before the event. Finally, a negotiation process will be offered to people who dispute a decision made by the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST). Mr. Dowd supports this new settlement method, which will avoid legal procedures.
The Protecteur du citoyen will follow the progression and implementation of this new bill with interest.
