British Columbia Legislation Introduces Minimum Wage and Other Rules for “Online Platform Workers”

July 30, 2024 | Aicha Raeburn-Cherradi, Tatiana Kosikova

First-of-its-kind legislation in Canada regarding “online platform workers” will take effect in British Columbia on September 3, 2024. Online platform workers include workers who – via an online platform – pick up and deliver online orders (such as food) or transport passengers.

Bill 48, Labour Statutes Amendment Act, 2023 (“Bill 48”) and B.C. Reg. 140/2024 (“Regulation 140”) will enact a minimum wage, job security standards, and other rules regarding online platform workers. In addition, B.C. Reg 141/2024 (“Regulation 141”) will bring online platform workers within the scope of WorkSafeBC (worker’s compensation) coverage. The legislation only applies to online platform workers and operators in BC. 

Bill 48 and Regulation 140 define “online platform worker” as a person who performs the following type of work the person accepts through an online platform: (1) picking up and delivering an online order (a “delivery service worker”) or (2) transporting of passengers whose transportation is ordered through a ride-hail online platform (a “ride-hail services worker”).

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