If you manage workplace safety in Ontario, there is an important update worth knowing about. The WSIB is updating its First Aid Program, and starting June 22, 2026, you will notice some new course names on first aid certificates. The good news is that this change is more straightforward than it might first appear. Here is a clear, plain language breakdown of what is changing, what is staying the same, and what it means for your workplace.
What is changing on June 22, 2026
On June 22, 2026, the WSIB is updating its First Aid Program to align with the national CSA Z1210:24 standard for workplace first aid training. This brings Ontario in line with the same standard used across Canada.
The most visible change is the course names. The two workplace first aid levels are being renamed:
Emergency First Aid is becoming Basic First Aid. Standard First Aid is becoming Intermediate First Aid.
These new names are equivalents. Basic First Aid meets the same requirement that Emergency First Aid does today, and Intermediate First Aid meets the same requirement as Standard First Aid. The level of training has not been downgraded or reduced in any way. Along with the new names, the updated program puts a stronger focus on practical, hands on skills, with more emphasis on areas like AED use as a core skill. The aim is to build real confidence and consistency in first aiders across the province.
What is staying the same
This is the part that tends to cause the most confusion, Regulation 1101 is not changing. The regulation that governs how many trained first aiders your workplace needs stays exactly as it is. It will continue to use the terms Emergency First Aid and Standard First Aid, and the number of certified first aiders your workplace requires does not change.
Your current certificate is still valid. If you or your team hold a valid Emergency First Aid or Standard First Aid certificate issued before June 22, 2026, it remains valid right through to its expiry date. There is no need to retrain early just because the names are changing.
So in practice, you may see both sets of terms for a while. Your internal workplace policy might still say Standard First Aid, while a new certificate says Intermediate First Aid. Both refer to the same level of training.
What employers should do
For most workplaces, there are only a few simple things to keep in mind. First, when you book training on or after June 22, 2026, make sure your provider is approved under the updated WSIB First Aid Program. Some providers may no longer appear on the approved list if they did not complete the reapplication process. It is always worth a quick check before booking.
Second, you may want to update your internal wording. If your workplace policy currently asks for Standard First Aid, consider noting that Intermediate First Aid is the updated equivalent. The same goes for Emergency First Aid and Basic First Aid. This keeps your documentation clear for staff and for any future inspection.
Third, there is no need to rush existing certificate holders into early retraining. Let current certificates run their course and simply book the updated program at renewal time.
In Short
The course names are changing, but your obligations are not. Emergency First Aid becomes Basic First Aid, Standard First Aid becomes Intermediate First Aid, and Regulation 1101 stays the same. Current certificates remain valid until they expire, and the quality of training carries on as strong as ever.
At First Aid Canada, our commitment to delivering high quality, hands on first aid training stays exactly the same. If you have any questions about what these changes mean for your workplace, we are always happy to help.
For full details on Ontario workplace first aid requirements and the program updates, visit the official WSIB page at https://www.wsib.ca/en/firstaid.
Frequently Asked Questions
On June 22, 2026, the WSIB is updating its First Aid Program to align with the national CSA Z1210:24 standard. The most noticeable change is that the two workplace first aid course levels are being renamed.
Emergency First Aid is becoming Basic First Aid, and Standard First Aid is becoming Intermediate First Aid. These new names are equivalents, so the level of training stays the same.
The course names are changing, and the updated program puts a stronger focus on practical, hands on skills. The level of training you receive is the same trusted standard you expect, now aligned with the national benchmark used across Canada.
No. Regulation 1101 is not changing. It will continue to use the terms Emergency First Aid and Standard First Aid, and the number of certified first aiders your workplace needs stays exactly as it is today.
Yes. If you hold a valid Emergency First Aid or Standard First Aid certificate issued before June 22, 2026, it remains valid right through to its expiry date. There is no need to retrain early.
No. Existing certificates stay valid until they expire. You can simply book the updated program at renewal time. There is no need to rush anyone into early retraining.
Your requirements under Regulation 1101 have not changed. If your policy currently calls for Emergency First Aid, look for Basic First Aid. If it calls for Standard First Aid, look for Intermediate First Aid. Both refer to the same level of training.
It is a good idea. If your policy currently asks for Standard First Aid, consider noting that Intermediate First Aid is the updated equivalent. The same goes for Emergency First Aid and Basic First Aid. This keeps your documentation clear for staff and for any future inspection.
Make sure your provider is approved under the updated WSIB First Aid Program. Some providers may no longer appear on the approved list if they did not complete the reapplication process. A quick check before booking is always worth it.
For full details on Ontario workplace first aid requirements and the program updates, visit the official WSIB page at https://www.wsib.ca/en/firstaid. You are also welcome to reach out to us at First Aid Canada with any questions. We are always happy to help.