Ontario Protecting Workers’ Paycheques by Banning Uniform Charges at Large Companies

Proposed STAR Act would also strengthen oversight and transparency of talent agencies to protect entertainment workers

April 14, 2026

TORONTO — As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario and build a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy, Ontario is taking action to put more money back in workers’ pockets with proposed changes to the Employments Standards Act, 2000 to ban employers from charging employees for required uniforms. In addition, the proposed new STAR Act would improve the transparency and oversight of talent agencies to better protect performers’ paycheques in the entertainment industry.

“Ontario workers are the backbone of our province and they deserve to keep more of what they earn. 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. “At the same time, Ontario’s entertainment and creative industries showcase our talent to the world and support thousands of good jobs. That’s why we’re improving fairness and transparency to ensure performers are paid what they’re owed.”

The government will be proposing changes to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 that, if passed, would prohibit employers from requiring employees to pay for uniforms or deducting those costs from their wages except in limited situations, ensuring employees are not forced to pay out of pocket just to do their jobs. While the cost range of uniforms can differ, some employees can pay upwards of $50. The change would apply where uniforms are mandatory and employer-specific, including branded or logo apparel and not reasonably usable outside of work. If passed, the ministry would also consult on certain exemptions, such as small businesses. This change would address a common but often overlooked cost barrier, particularly in entry-level sectors like retail, hospitality and food service.

In addition, the government is proposing to establish the Strengthening Talent Agency Regulation (STAR) Act to strengthen transparency and oversight of payments handled by talent agencies. The proposed legislation would set a limit on commission rates, prohibit fees other than commissions and fees that are allowed by regulation, require timely payment to entertainment workers and mandate a separate bank account for funds owing to those workers.

These proposed changes are part of a broader package of measures the government is introducing in the coming days to continue delivering on its plan to protect workers and make Ontario the most competitive place in the G7 to invest, create jobs and do business.

Quick Facts

·                Nearly 178,000 people were employed in the arts, entertainment and recreation sectors in Ontario in 2024.

·                Although the cost range of uniforms can differ, some uniforms can cost upwards of $50.

·                There were 383,900 people employed in the restaurant and bar sector in Ontario in 2025, where uniforms can often be required.

·                Seven other Canadian jurisdictions already limit or prohibit employers from charging employees for uniforms, including British Columbia, Quebec and Manitoba.

Quotes

"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."

- Andrea Khanjin,

Minister of Red Tape Reduction

"Ontario’s performers and creative professionals help bring our stories to life and showcase the incredible talent across our province. 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."

- Stan Cho,

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming

"Hardworking people should never have to pay out of their own pockets just to show up and do their job. By banning charges for required uniforms, our government is making life easier and more affordable, especially for workers just starting out in the retail and hospitality sectors. This is a simple but meaningful change that respects workers and helps to support a stronger, more competitive economy."

- Rudy Cuzzetto,

MPP for Mississauga—Lakeshore

"Ontario’s success as a global centre for film and television is built on a strong ecosystem of talent, productions and industry partners. The proposed STAR Act is an important step in reinforcing trust, transparency and confidence across the entertainment industry. Measures that strengthen the foundation of the industry help ensure that Ontario remains one of the best places in the world to create, work and invest. "

- Magali Simard,

Vice-President, Global Industry & Brand, Cinespace Studios

"ACTRA Toronto applauds the Government of Ontario’s Strengthening Talent Agencies Regulation (STAR) Act, which will have a significant and positive impact on how performers working in Ontario’s screen-based industries are paid, protected and supported. ACTRA Toronto has long advocated for enforceable rules to protect all performers against wage theft, particularly for background performers, and to ensure that all performers receive fair and timely compensation for their work. We thank Minister Piccini for providing clear and enforceable standards that will do just that. "

- Kate Ziegler,

President, ACTRA Toronto

"I believe that this legislation will be meaningful for creative workers across Ontario. I have worked on this issue alongside performers during my time at ACTRA Toronto, and now, in my new role with the DGC, I see its importance on a broader level. These new protections reflect years of advocacy and collaborative efforts, and will help further ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability throughout the talent representation system. "

- Alistair Hepburn,

National Executive Director, Directors Guild of Canada

"The Talent Agents and Managers Association of Canada (TAMAC) fully supports Minister Piccini’s policy to protect on-camera performers and create regulations requiring financial transparency. "

- Tovah Small,

Heritage, TAMAC

"FilmOntario welcomes and appreciates Minister Piccini’s continued support for the sector at a critical and uncertain time for the industry. This recognition is an important signal of the value of film and television production to Ontario’s economy and creative landscape. FilmOntario encourages the government to build on this momentum with continued and strengthened measures that ensure the sector remains competitive, resilient and positioned for long-term growth."

- Cynthia Lynch,

Managing Director and Counsel, FilmOntario

"We are encouraged to see the government taking meaningful steps to strengthen Ontario’s entertainment industry by enhancing protections for workers. Measures like the STAR Act reinforce Ontario as a leading jurisdiction in a globally competitive entertainment industry, a position built on both creative excellence and fair treatment for workers. "

- Victoria Harding,

Executive Director, Directors Guild of Canada (Ontario)

Additional Resources

·                Learn about rights and responsibilities under the ESA.

·                Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025

·                Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy

·                2026 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario