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WSIB Update
Ontario’s new First Aid Program takes effect June 22, 2026.
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WSIB First Aid Program Changes, June 2026: What Every Ontario Employer Must Know Before the Deadline
Quick Answer: The WSIB is launching a modernized First Aid Program on June 22, 2026. Course names are changing. Only approved providers can issue valid certificates from that date. Your existing certificates remain valid until they expire. Here’s everything you need to know.
Table of Contents
- What Is Changing on June 22, 2026?
- The New Course Names — Basic and Intermediate First Aid
- What Stays the Same
- Will My Existing Certificate Still Be Valid?
- What Is the CSA Z1210:24 Standard?
- How to Find a WSIB-Approved Provider After June 22
- Are Online-Only First Aid Courses WSIB Approved?
- What Should Ontario Employers Do Right Now?
- Our Training Locations — Newmarket and North York
- How F.A.S.T. Rescue Is Ready for the 2026 Update
- Related Courses — Public and Private Training
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Changing on June 22, 2026?
The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) is launching a modernized First Aid Program on June 22, 2026. This is one of the biggest updates to Ontario’s workplace first aid training in many years.
Here is a simple summary of what is changing:
| What Is Changing | Details |
| New national training standard | All first aid training must now follow CSA Z1210:24 |
| New course names | Emergency First Aid → Basic First Aid / Standard First Aid → Intermediate First Aid |
| New approved provider list | Only providers approved under the new program can issue certificates |
| New provider badges | All approved providers will display an official WSIB First Aid Program badge |
| Easier provider search | New filters on the WSIB website — search by location, language, and delivery method |
| Out-of-province certificates | Ontario will now accept valid first aid certificates from other Canadian provinces that meet the CSA Z1210 standard |
The goal of this update is to make Ontario workplaces safer by improving the quality and consistency of first aid training across the province.
The New Course Names — Basic and Intermediate First Aid
This is the part that confuses most employers. Here is the simple explanation.
The courses themselves have not disappeared. Only the names have changed.
| Old Name | New Name |
| Emergency First Aid | Basic First Aid |
| Standard First Aid | Intermediate First Aid |
Your workplace’s legal obligations under Regulation 1101 have not changed. The regulation still uses the old names — Emergency First Aid and Standard First Aid. But when you book training on or after June 22, 2026, your provider will issue a certificate that says Basic First Aid or Intermediate First Aid.
These new names are the updated course and certificate names used by the WSIB program, while Regulation 1101 still refers to the legacy course names.
So if your workplace needs Standard First Aid certified employees, you now book Intermediate First Aid training with a WSIB-approved provider.
What Stays the Same
There is a lot of noise around this update. Here is what has not changed:
1. Regulation 1101 Legal Requirements Are Unchanged
You still need the same number of certified first aiders based on your workforce size. Nothing in Ontario’s workplace first aid law has been altered by this program update.
2. Certificate Validity Remains 3 Years
Certificates are still valid for 3 years from the date of issue. This applies to certificates issued both before and after June 22, 2026.
3. Your Current Certificates Remain Valid
All first aid certificates issued by WSIB-approved providers before June 22, 2026 will remain valid until their expiry date. You do not need to retrain any employee whose certificate has not yet expired.
4. Employer Responsibilities Are Unchanged
You are still required to provide trained first aiders, proper first aid equipment, and first aid room access where needed. None of these duties have changed.
5. Blended Learning Is Still WSIB Approved
The blended format — online theory followed by an in-person skills session — remains a valid WSIB-recognized delivery method. F.A.S.T. Rescue’s blended courses in Newmarket and North York are fully compliant under the updated program.
6. CPR Training Is Not a Substitute for First Aid
CPR certification does not replace or substitute a workplace first aid certificate. Both are valuable, but only a full first aid certificate satisfies Regulation 1101.
7. Recertification Rules Are the Same
You must recertify before your certificate expires. If your certificate has already expired, you must retake the full course — not just the recertification module.
Will My Existing Certificate Still Be Valid?
Yes — 100%. The WSIB has confirmed this clearly.
If your current certificate was issued by a WSIB-approved provider before June 21, 2026, it is valid until the expiry date printed on it. There is nothing you need to do right now for certificates that are still active.
When You Do Need to Take Action
Here is when action is required:
- If your certificate expires after June 22, 2026: You must renew it through a provider that is approved under the new WSIB program.
- If your certificate has already expired: You cannot do a recertification course. You must retake the full program — Basic or Intermediate First Aid — with an approved provider.
- If you are booking training for June 22 or later: Make sure your provider is approved under the updated WSIB program, not just the old one.
⚠️ Important: Some providers may have been removed from the approved list because they did not reapply or did not meet the new standards. Always check that your provider is on the updated WSIB approved list before booking on or after June 22.
What Is the CSA Z1210:24 Standard?
CSA Z1210:24 refers to the Canadian Standards Association standard for first aid training in the workplace, published in 2024.
This is a national standard that sets out exactly what must be taught in workplace first aid courses across Canada. Before this update, Ontario had its own internal WSIB guidelines. Now Ontario is aligning with the same standard used across the country.
What This Means for Your Employees
- More practical, hands-on learning. The new standard puts a stronger focus on actually doing first aid — not just reading about it.
- Clearer skill requirements. Instructors must teach specific topics and assess specific skills.
- Better consistency. No matter which WSIB-approved provider you use, the training content meets the same national standard.
- Integration of workplace safety thinking. The new curriculum brings Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) principles into first aid training, helping employees understand workplace-specific risks.
For employers, this is good news. It means the first aid certificate your employee earns after June 22, 2026 reflects a higher, more consistent level of training than ever before.
How to Find a WSIB-Approved Provider After June 22
This is one of the most important steps employers need to take.
Starting June 22, 2026, the WSIB is launching a searchable, updated list of approved training providers at wsib.ca/en/firstaid.
New Search Filters on the WSIB Provider List
New search filters will let you find providers by:
- Location — find training near your workplace or employees
- Language — find providers who teach in your preferred language
- Delivery method — in-class, blended (online + in-person), or other formats
- First aid level — Basic (Emergency) or Intermediate (Standard)
All approved providers will also display an official WSIB First Aid Program badge. This badge tells you the provider is authorized to issue valid workplace first aid certificates under the updated program.
⚠️ Warning: Some providers who were approved before June 22 may not be on the new list. Always verify your provider’s approval status for any training booked on or after June 22, 2026.
F.A.S.T. Rescue Inc. is approved under the updated WSIB First Aid Program. Our blended Standard First Aid (Intermediate First Aid) courses in Newmarket and North York remain fully valid and compliant from June 22 onward.
Are Online-Only First Aid Courses WSIB Approved?
No. Online-only first aid certificates are not valid for WSIB compliance in Ontario.
The WSIB has confirmed this clearly:
“There are currently no approved online-only programs that meet the criteria for first aid training. Online-only programs don’t allow participants to show that they’ve learned the required skills.” — WSIB.ca
To meet Regulation 1101 requirements, your employees must complete a course that includes in-person, hands-on skills training assessed by a qualified instructor.
What Is Blended Learning — and Why It Is WSIB Approved
Blended learning is different from online-only and is WSIB approved. A blended course combines two components:
Step 1 — Online theory modules completed at home at your own pace. You study the knowledge component online on any device, in evenings, weekends, or lunch breaks. Most students finish in 4 to 6 hours.
Step 2 — An in-person skills day where you practice CPR, AED use, wound care, and other hands-on skills with a certified instructor. This is the part that makes the certificate valid for WSIB.
F.A.S.T. Rescue offers WSIB-approved blended Intermediate First Aid (formerly Standard First Aid) training at two convenient Ontario locations:
- Newmarket: Blended Standard First Aid With CPR & AED Level C — Newmarket — Newmarket Public Library, 438 Park Ave, Newmarket, Ontario, L3Y 1W1
- North York: Blended Standard First Aid With CPR & AED Level C — North York — 750 Oakdale Rd., Suite 56, North York, ON, M3N 2Z4
⚠️ If you or your employees have purchased a low-cost “first aid certificate online,” please check whether it includes a mandatory in-person skills component. If it does not, it will not be accepted for WSIB workplace first aid compliance.
What Should Ontario Employers Do Right Now?
Here is a simple, step-by-step action plan for every Ontario employer.
Step 1 — Check Your Employees’ Certificate Expiry Dates
Look at every first aid certificate in your workplace. Write down the expiry dates. Certificates expire 3 years from the date of issue. Anyone whose certificate expires in 2026 or 2027 will need to renew under the new WSIB program.
Step 2 — Check How Many Certified First Aiders You Need
Under Regulation 1101, the number of first aiders you need depends on the number of workers on each shift:
| Workers Per Shift | Minimum Requirement |
| 1 to 5 workers | 1 person with Basic (Emergency) First Aid |
| 6 or more workers | 1 person with Intermediate (Standard) First Aid |
| Larger workplaces | Additional first aiders required based on workforce and risk |
⚠️ Note: At least one certified first aider must be present at all times during every shift.
Step 3 — Book Training With a Provider Approved Under the New WSIB Program
If you are booking any training for June 22, 2026 or later, make sure your provider is on the updated WSIB approved list. Check the WSIB website or contact your provider directly to confirm their approval status.
Step 4 — Choose a Blended or In-Class Course — Not Online-Only
Make sure your employees’ training includes an in-person, hands-on skills component. Online-only certificates are not accepted by WSIB, no matter how inexpensive or convenient they appear.
Step 5 — Keep Records
Ontario employers are required to keep records of all first aid certifications. Store copies of all employee certificates and track their expiry dates. A simple spreadsheet with names and expiry dates prevents compliance gaps.
Our Training Locations — Newmarket and North York
F.A.S.T. Rescue offers public first aid training at two Ontario locations, both fully approved under the updated WSIB program.
Newmarket Training — Newmarket Public Library
Our Newmarket public training sessions are held at the Newmarket Public Library — a central, accessible, and comfortable venue right in the heart of Newmarket.
- Address: 438 Park Ave, Newmarket, Ontario, L3Y 1W1
- Parking: Free, reserved for course attendees
- Who it serves: Newmarket, Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Keswick, Bradford, Stouffville, and all of York Region
Available public courses at our Newmarket location:
- Blended Standard First Aid With CPR & AED Level C — Newmarket — $135 +Tax — 3-year WSIB-approved certificate
- Standard First Aid and CPR/AED Level C Recertificate — Newmarket — $115 +Tax — renew before your certificate expires
North York Training — 750 Oakdale Rd
Our North York training centre is our original and primary location, centrally located with easy access from across Toronto, Vaughan, Markham, Scarborough, Brampton, and the GTA.
- Address: 750 Oakdale Rd., Suite 56, North York, ON, M3N 2Z4
- Parking: Free, reserved for course attendees
- Who it serves: Toronto, North York, Etobicoke, Scarborough, Vaughan, Markham, Brampton, and all of the Greater Toronto Area
Available public courses at our North York location:
- Blended Standard First Aid With CPR & AED Level C — North York — $135 +Tax
- Blended Standard First Aid with CPR & AED Level BLS — North York — $160 +Tax — for healthcare professionals requiring BLS
- Standard First Aid and CPR/AED Level C Recertificate — North York — $115 +Tax
- Standard First Aid with CPR & AED Level BLS Recertification — North York — $120 +Tax
- CPR/AED Level BLS Training — North York — $85 +Tax
- Working at Heights Certificate — North York — $149 +Tax — required for Ontario construction workers
- Working at Heights Refresher — North York — $95 +Tax
- Emergency Medical Responder — North York — $1,050 +Tax
- Advanced Marine First Aid — North York — $600 +Tax
- Mask Fit Test — North York — $55 +Tax
See All Public Training Courses →
How F.A.S.T. Rescue Is Ready for the 2026 Update
F.A.S.T. Rescue Inc. has been a WSIB-approved first aid training provider since 1998. We completed the reapplication process required by the WSIB for the updated 2026 program and are approved to deliver first aid training under the updated program from June 22, 2026.
What This Means for You
- Certificates we issue are fully valid — before and after June 22, 2026
- Our Newmarket and North York blended courses offer online theory you do at home, plus a hands-on skills day at your chosen location
- We serve individuals and businesses across Newmarket, Aurora, East Gwillimbury, York Region, Toronto, the GTA, and all of Ontario
- Group and on-site private training is available for businesses with 4 or more employees
- Trusted by leading Ontario employers including Meta, Mattamy Homes, Smurfit WestRock, Cargill, Trent University, and Maple Leaf Consumer Foods
If your team’s first aid certificates are expiring soon, now is the best time to book. You can get them certified before June 22 under the current program, or from June 22 onward under the new program — either way, your certificates will be valid for 3 years.
Book Your Seat in North York →
Request a Group Training Quote →
Related Courses — Public and Private Training
Whether you need individual certification, a group booking, or full workplace safety training for your team, F.A.S.T. Rescue covers every need.
Public Training Courses — Open Enrollment
These courses are open to anyone. Book a seat online for yourself or a colleague and attend at our Newmarket or North York location.
First Aid Courses — Newmarket:
- Blended Standard First Aid With CPR & AED Level C — Newmarket — WSIB-approved, $135 +Tax, 3-year certificate
- Standard First Aid and CPR/AED Level C Recertificate — Newmarket — $115 +Tax, renew before expiry
First Aid Courses — North York:
- Blended Standard First Aid With CPR & AED Level C — North York — WSIB-approved, $135 +Tax
- Blended Standard First Aid with CPR & AED Level BLS — North York — for healthcare professionals, $160 +Tax
- Standard First Aid and CPR/AED Level C Recertificate — North York — $115 +Tax
- Standard First Aid with CPR & AED Level BLS Recertification — North York — $120 +Tax
- CPR/AED Level BLS Training — North York — $85 +Tax
Other Public Courses:
- JHSC Certification Part 1 — Distance Learning Online — required for Joint Health & Safety Committee members
- JHSC Certification Part 2 — Distance Learning Online
- JHSC Refresher Training — Distance Learning Online
- Working at Heights Certificate — North York — $149 +Tax — required for Ontario construction workers
- Emergency Medical Responder — North York — $1,050 +Tax
See All Public Training Courses →
Private Training — We Come to You
For groups of 4 or more, on-site private training is the smarter option. We deliver WSIB-compliant first aid and workplace safety training at your Newmarket, North York, or any Ontario location.
First Aid and CPR Private Training:
- Standard First Aid & CPR Training — Private / On-Site — most popular for Ontario workplace compliance
- Emergency First Aid & CPR Training — Private / On-Site
- CPR/AED Training — Private / On-Site
- Intermediate First Aid Training — Private / On-Site
- Basic First Aid Training — Private / On-Site
Workplace Safety Private Training:
- Working at Heights Training — required for Ontario construction workers
- WHMIS Training — required for all Ontario workplaces handling hazardous materials
- Joint Health & Safety Level 1 Training
- Joint Health & Safety Level 2 Training
- Fire Extinguisher Training
- Forklift / Lift Truck Training
- Confined Space Safety Training
Online Courses — Available Anytime, Anywhere:
- JHSC Part 1 Online Learning — now live — start today
- WHMIS Online Training
- CPR/AED Awareness Online
- Worker Awareness Training Online
- Workplace Violence & Harassment Online
See All Private Training Options → See All Online Courses →
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the June 22, 2026 change affect my current first aid certificate?
No. If your certificate was issued by a WSIB-approved provider before June 22, 2026, it stays valid until the expiry date on the certificate. You do not need to do anything until it is time to renew.
What is the difference between Basic First Aid and Intermediate First Aid?
These are just new names for the old courses. Basic First Aid is the new name for Emergency First Aid. Intermediate First Aid is the new name for Standard First Aid. The legal requirements under Regulation 1101 have not changed.
Can I still book first aid training before June 22, 2026?
Yes. All current WSIB-approved providers and requirements remain in place until June 22. Any certificate issued before that date by a WSIB-approved provider is valid for 3 years from its issue date.
What happens if I book training on or after June 22 with a provider not approved under the new program?
Your certificate may not be accepted by the WSIB. Always check that your provider is on the updated approved list for any training booked from June 22 onward.
Is blended first aid training still valid after June 22, 2026?
Yes. Blended training — online theory plus an in-person skills session — remains a WSIB-approved delivery method under the new program. F.A.S.T. Rescue’s blended courses at both our Newmarket and North York locations are fully compliant.
What if my employee’s certificate expires and they miss the renewal deadline?
They must take the full course again — they cannot do the shorter recertification course. There is no grace period once a certificate has expired.
Will Ontario accept first aid certificates from other Canadian provinces?
Yes. Starting June 22, 2026, the WSIB will accept workplace first aid certificates from other Canadian provinces, as long as they meet the CSA Z1210 standard.
Is F.A.S.T. Rescue approved under the updated WSIB 2026 program?
Yes. F.A.S.T. Rescue Inc. is approved to deliver first aid training under the updated WSIB First Aid Program from June 22, 2026. We have been WSIB-approved since 1998 and completed the 2025–2026 reapplication process. Our Newmarket and North York locations are both approved training centres.
How many first aid certified employees does my Ontario workplace need?
Under Regulation 1101, workplaces with 1 to 5 workers per shift need at least 1 person with Basic (Emergency) First Aid. Workplaces with 6 or more workers per shift need at least 1 person with Intermediate (Standard) First Aid, plus additional first aiders based on total workforce size and workplace risk level.
Where can I take blended first aid training near me in Ontario?
F.A.S.T. Rescue offers blended Intermediate First Aid (Standard First Aid) training at two Ontario locations. Our Newmarket location at the Newmarket Public Library, 438 Park Ave serves York Region, Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Keswick, and Bradford. Our North York location at 750 Oakdale Rd., Suite 56 serves Toronto, the GTA, Vaughan, Markham, Scarborough, Etobicoke, and Brampton. Both locations offer free parking and courses for $135 +Tax.
Do you offer private on-site first aid training for businesses?
Yes. F.A.S.T. Rescue offers private on-site Standard First Aid and CPR/AED training for businesses of all sizes across Ontario. We come to your location — Newmarket, North York, Toronto, York Region, or anywhere in Ontario. Groups of 4 or more qualify for group pricing. Contact us at (905) 760-2045 or info@fast-rescue.com for a free quote.
Key Takeaways
- The WSIB is launching an updated First Aid Program on June 22, 2026
- Course names are changing: Emergency First Aid → Basic First Aid / Standard First Aid → Intermediate First Aid
- Your existing certificates remain valid until their expiry date
- From June 22, only providers approved under the new WSIB program can issue valid workplace first aid certificates
- Online-only courses are not WSIB approved — blended or in-class training is required
- Regulation 1101 requirements have not changed — your workplace still needs the same number of certified first aiders
- F.A.S.T. Rescue is approved under the updated program at both our Newmarket and North York locations
Book Your WSIB-Compliant First Aid Training Today
📍 Newmarket | Newmarket Public Library, 438 Park Ave, Newmarket, Ontario → Blended Standard First Aid With CPR & AED Level C — $135 +Tax — 3-year WSIB certificate Book Newmarket Training →
📍 North York | 750 Oakdale Rd., Suite 56, North York, ON → Blended Standard First Aid With CPR & AED Level C — $135 +Tax — 3-year WSIB certificate Book North York Training →
🏢 Group and On-Site Training | Available Across Ontario → Private first aid training for teams of 4 or more — group pricing available Request a Group Training Quote →
📞 Call: (905) 760-2045 | Toll Free: (866) 706-7283 | Email: info@fast-rescue.com
AUTHOR:
F.A.S.T. Rescue Inc. is a Canadian- and veteran-owned WSIB-approved first aid and workplace safety training provider. We have been certifying Ontario employees since 1998. This article was written and reviewed by Shaela Nathan-Turner, Instructor Trainer at F.A.S.T. Rescue Inc. For the most current information, visit wsib.ca/en/firstaid. Serving Newmarket, Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Keswick, Bradford, York Region, Toronto, North York, the Greater Toronto Area, and all of Ontario.
