The Ford government says it wants to level the playing field for junior hockey players across Canada.
The PC government announced Thursday its intentions to exempt Ontario Hockey League (OHL) players from the Ontario Employment Standards Act. This covers all 425 players in the OHL, including those with the Windsor Spitfires, London Knights, Sarnia Sting and Owen Sound Attack.
Premier Doug Ford said it all has to do with nurturing players and protecting the national pastime.
"Hockey is central to so many childhoods, so many great family moments, part of all our communities," Ford said in a media release. "Our government is proud to take action and cut red tape to provide clarity and help make sure the OHL is able to continue training players and showcase this great sport."
Michael Tibollo, Ontario's Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, said the move by Queen's Park is essential to promoting a piece of Canadian culture.
"Major junior hockey is essential to the development and promotion of one of Canada's most important sports," said Tibollo.
By making these players exempt, they keep their amateur status, rather than become employees. OHL hockey clubs will be able to help players develop their skills at an elite level, as well as provide educational opportunities during their OHL careers and beyond. Players will still be covered under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
The movement to exempt OHL players is a statement of support for the league by the Ford government, as the OHL is embroiled in a $180 million class-action lawsuit filed against them and the other leagues in the Canadian Hockey League, seeking minimum wage, vacation pay, overtime, and other benefits provided under the ESA.
Goldblatt Partners and Charney Lawyers are the law firms representing litigants in the class-action lawsuit. Goldblatt's Joshua Mandryk told the London Free Press that the exemption is a bad idea.
“We’re deeply disappointed that the government has decided to strip these young workers of their rights at work,” he said.
OHL Commissioner David Branch also told the Free Press that the lawsuit could hurt the league, which is a showplace for future NHL players, and he wholeheartedly supports the government's decision.
"I want to thank the government for its leadership in ensuring that our 17 Ontario teams can continue to be leaders in the community and contribute to the economic development of the communities in which we play,” said Branch in a media release provided to the paper.
According to the National Post, similar legislation is already in place in seven other provinces, along with the U.S. states of Michigan and Washington. The OHL has two teams in Michigan, the Saginaw Spirit and the Flint Firebirds.
OHL players currently have an education and development package that they sign when they join a club, according to the league's official website. Their hockey equipment is covered, along with their medical and dental. They also have expense reimbursement and other benefits.