RE: Portable Benefits Program Consultation Overview

Key Considerations for Stakeholder Engagement The OCC and our members support the government’s intention to develop and implement a portable benefits program in Ontario for workers who fall outside of traditional employer-provided benefit programs and have greatly appreciated the opportunity to provide initial feedback to the Portable Benefits Advisory Panel. [...] Key Considerations for Program Design Defining the Scope Recognizing the vast diversity of non-standard workers in Ontario – from part-time workers in the retail and hospitality sectors to independent contractors working for app-based companies – it will be critical for the government to clearly define the scope and governance of a new portable benefits program. [...] This could include exploring opportunities to leverage private sector products and capabilities, in addition to working closely with the federal government and industry stakeholders on the roll-out of the national dental care program and forthcoming pharma care agreement to explore program integration and funding options and ensure appropriate guard rails are in place to avoid unintended impacts. [...] A year and a half after the program first came into effect in 2018, changes were made to the OHIP+ program in Ontario to focus on filling prescription drug coverage gaps for children and youth without access to existing benefits (initial program design extended coverage to all people under the age of 25, regardless of access to coverage). [...] Conclusion The development of a portable benefits program for Ontario workers will play a critical role in shaping the future of work in this province by helping to create a more equitable, productive, and competitive labour market, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, protecting the health and wellbeing of all workers, and safeguarding capacity in our health care system.