‘Updating the First Aid Program is a critical step forward to strengthen workplace first aid training’
The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board has launched a modernized First Aid Program in Ontario, effective June 22, 2026, bringing the province's workplace first aid training requirements in line with the national standard set by the Canadian Standards Association.
The updated program aligns with CSA Z1210:24, First aid training for the workplace — Curriculum and quality management for training agencies — the national benchmark governing first aid training content and quality management for training providers. The change ensures that workers across Ontario receive instruction consistent with the highest national standards, regardless of where in the province that training is delivered.
The WSIB's First Aid Program covers 76% of Ontario businesses under First Aid Regulation 1101, which establishes how many trained first aiders must be present on worksites and sets minimum requirements for first aid kits and stations. OHS professionals responsible for training compliance will need to confirm that their current provider arrangements meet the updated program criteria.
Provider network expanded, verification badges introduced
As part of the overhaul, the WSIB has expanded its network of approved first aid training providers to 65 across Ontario, an increase intended to address long-standing accessibility gaps, particularly in remote and underserved communities. Only WSIB-approved providers and their affiliates are permitted to deliver workplace first aid training in the province.
To help employers and workers distinguish legitimate providers from unapproved operators, the board is introducing First Aid Program badges. These badges serve as a verification mechanism, allowing workplaces to confirm at a glance that a training provider holds current WSIB approval before committing to a course.
"By bringing our program up to national standards and expanding our network of approved providers, we're breaking down barriers for businesses," said Carrie Briley, Director, Health and Safety Program Design at the WSIB. "We're also making it easy for people to spot and access WSIB approved providers so it's easier than ever for workplaces to get the training they need."
Interprovincial barriers removed, existing certificates honoured
The modernized program eliminates a significant obstacle for workers moving between provinces. The WSIB will now accept first aid certificates issued by training providers anywhere in Canada, provided those certificates meet the CSA Z1210 standard, removing the requirement for workers to repeat training solely to satisfy Ontario-specific credentialling rules.
"Updating the First Aid Program is a critical step forward to strengthen workplace first aid training," said Rod Cook, Vice President, Workplace Health and Safety Services at the WSIB. "Our goal is to make sure that people have access to the highest quality first aid training, no matter their location, so they're prepared to respond in a medical emergency."
First aid certificates issued by previously WSIB-approved providers on or before June 21, 2026, will remain valid until their stated expiry date. Employers are not required to arrange retraining for workers who hold certificates under the previous program, provided those certificates have not yet lapsed.
Further information on the modernized program, the list of approved providers, and frequently asked questions is available at wsib.ca.
