Proposed legislation aims to boost worker protections and transparency in entertainment sector
TORONTO — The Ontario government is proposing new legislation that would prohibit large employers from charging workers for mandatory uniforms while introducing stricter oversight of talent agencies, in a move aimed at strengthening worker protections and improving transparency across key sectors of the economy.
The measures, announced Tuesday by David Piccini, form part of a broader strategy to enhance affordability for workers and reinforce Ontario’s competitiveness as a place to invest and create jobs.
“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 Piccini. “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.”
Ban on uniform charges targets cost burden on frontline workers
Under proposed amendments to the Employment Standards Act, 2000, employers would be barred from requiring workers to pay for uniforms or deducting those costs from wages, except in limited circumstances. The change would apply specifically to mandatory, employer-branded clothing that is not reasonably usable outside the workplace.
While uniform costs vary, some workers currently pay upwards of $50, a burden that disproportionately affects employees in entry-level roles across retail, hospitality and food services. In 2025, Ontario’s restaurant and bar sector alone employed nearly 384,000 people.
The province said it may consult on exemptions for smaller businesses before finalizing the rules.
The move would align Ontario with at least seven other Canadian jurisdictions — including British Columbia, Quebec and Manitoba — that already limit or prohibit such charges.
STAR Act introduces new rules for talent agencies
Alongside labour reforms, the government is proposing the Strengthening Talent Agency Regulation (STAR) Act, which would introduce tighter controls on how talent agencies handle payments to performers in film, television and other entertainment industries.
The proposed legislation would cap commission rates, prohibit unauthorized fees, require timely payments and mandate that agencies maintain separate trust accounts for funds owed to performers.
The changes come as Ontario’s entertainment sector continues to grow, employing nearly 178,000 people in arts, entertainment and recreation as of 2024.
Government frames reforms as economic strategy
Officials positioned the dual measures as part of a broader economic plan to improve fairness while strengthening Ontario’s global competitiveness.
“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.
Industry and labour groups voice support
Stakeholders across Ontario’s entertainment industry and labour organizations broadly welcomed the proposed changes, citing long-standing concerns about wage protections and financial transparency.
“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,” said Stan Cho.
“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,” added Rudy Cuzzetto.
Industry leaders also emphasized the importance of strengthening trust within Ontario’s film and television ecosystem.
“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. ” said Magali Simard of 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. ” said Kate Ziegler, President of 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. ” said Alistair Hepburn of the 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. ” said Tovah Small of 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.” said Cynthia Lynch of 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. ” said Victoria Harding of the Directors Guild of Canada (Ontario).
Next steps
The proposed legislative changes are expected to be introduced in the coming days as part of a broader policy package. If passed, they would mark a significant shift in workplace standards for Ontario’s service sector and introduce new compliance requirements for talent agencies operating in the province.