If you run a business or manage a workplace in Mississauga, staying compliant with Ontario’s workplace safety laws means ensuring you have trained first aid personnel on site. The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) sets the standards for first aid training across the province, and those standards are changing in 2026. Understanding these changes and knowing where to find WSIB approved first aid courses in Mississauga will help you keep your team prepared and your workplace compliant.
Understanding the WSIB First Aid Requirements in Ontario
All businesses covered by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (WSIA) must have first aid equipment, facilities, and trained personnel in all workplaces. This requirement is not optional. The WSIB oversees the approval of first aid training providers and sets the curriculum standards that every course must meet. Employers are responsible for ensuring that the first aid training their workers receive comes from a WSIB approved training provider. Approved providers display a First Aid Program badge on their website, making it easy to verify their status.
In Mississauga, several training centres and organizations offer WSIB approved first aid courses. Because the regulations apply uniformly across Ontario, any course delivered by an approved provider in Mississauga will meet the same provincial standards as courses offered elsewhere. The key is to confirm that the provider is listed on the WSIB’s official directory of approved training providers.
Key Changes Coming in 2026: New Course Names
As of June 22, 2026, the WSIB has updated the names of its standard first aid courses. What was previously called Emergency First Aid is now known as Basic First Aid. The former Standard First Aid is now called Intermediate First Aid. These name changes reflect an update to the program but do not alter the core content or duration of the courses. The WSIB states that Basic First Aid (formerly Emergency) is an eight hour program, while Intermediate First Aid (formerly Standard) is a sixteen hour program.
If you hold a certificate issued before June 22, 2026, it remains valid until its expiry date. The new names will appear on certificates issued after the change. When searching for WSIB approved first aid courses in Mississauga, you may see both old and new names used during the transition period. Be sure to choose a course that matches your workplace’s requirements under the updated naming system.
Workplace First Aid Requirements by Shift Size
The number of first aid trained workers you need on each shift depends on the number of employees working at that time. The WSIB provides clear guidelines:
| Number of workers per shift | Minimum first aid certification required |
|---|---|
| 5 or fewer workers | At least one person with a Basic First Aid certificate |
| 6 or more workers | At least one person with an Intermediate First Aid certificate |
There is no required ratio of trained first aiders to total employees. You need at least one person with a valid certificate on site at all times. If your shift size varies, you must ensure coverage for the largest shift. For example, a workplace with seven workers on one shift and four on another still needs an Intermediate First Aid certificate holder because the largest shift exceeds five workers. Many employers choose to train more than the minimum to account for absences, vacations, and turnover.
Recertification and Certificate Validity
First aid certificates do not last forever. Under the updated WSIB program, Intermediate First Aid certificates can be recertified once. A notable change is that recertification can now be done with any WSIB approved training provider, not just the one that issued the original certificate. This gives Mississauga employers more flexibility to choose a convenient provider for recertification.
The WSIB also accepts workplace first aid certificates from anywhere in Canada as long as they meet the CSA Z1210 standard. Those certificates can be recertified in Ontario before they expire. If you have employees who moved from another province or territory, their existing first aid training may still be valid if it meets the standard. Always verify with the training provider that the certificate is recognized for WSIB compliance.
WSIB Approved First Aid Courses in Mississauga: Where to Train
Several training providers offer WSIB approved first aid courses in Mississauga. Based on publicly available information, the following organizations are among those serving the area:
- C2C First Aid & Aquatics offers WSIB approved CPR and first aid training at 3025 Hurontario Street in Mississauga.
- FAGT.ca provides WSIB approved Red Cross first aid recertification in Mississauga with same day certification.
- SOS First Aid delivers WSIB approved first aid and CPR/AED courses at its Mississauga training centre and can also come to client locations.
- Para CPR & First Aid Mississauga offers WSIB approved first aid and CPR certification serving Mississauga and Brampton.
- Toronto First Aid Certification Inc. is a Canadian Red Cross Training Partner and its courses are WSIB approved in Ontario; they may serve Mississauga through partner locations or travel.
The Canadian Red Cross itself is listed as a WSIB approved first aid training provider in Ontario, and its courses are delivered through a network of Training Partners including many of the above. For the most current list of approved providers serving Mississauga, check the WSIB’s official directory. Always confirm directly with the training provider that they are currently approved and that their courses meet the 2026 naming requirements.
What to Expect From a WSIB Approved First Aid Course
WSIB approved first aid courses include both in class learning and practical skill practice. Basic First Aid (eight hours) covers foundational topics such as CPR, choking, bleeding control, and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). Intermediate First Aid (sixteen hours) expands on these topics and adds more advanced skills like splinting, spinal injury management, and multiple casualty scenarios.
Most providers offer both in class and blended learning options. Blended courses allow you to complete the theoretical portion online and then attend a shorter in person session for skills practice and testing. This format can be more convenient for busy workers. All courses require in person attendance for the practical component to meet WSIB standards. Online only first aid courses are not accepted for workplace compliance in Ontario.
Upon successful completion, participants receive a certificate that is valid for three years. Many providers issue digital certificates the same day, which can be emailed or printed for immediate use. Employers must keep a copy of each first aider’s certificate on file.
How to Choose the Right Course for Your Workplace
The first step is to determine which level of certification your workplace needs based on the number of workers per shift. If you have five or fewer, Basic First Aid is sufficient. If you have six or more, you need Intermediate First Aid. Consider also training backup first aiders to cover absences. Some employers train all staff at the Intermediate level to simplify scheduling.
Next, decide whether an in class or blended format works best for your team. Blended courses reduce time away from work because the online portion can be done at each employee’s own pace. In class courses may be preferable if your staff prefer hands on learning from the start. Regardless of format, ensure the provider is WSIB approved and that the course name matches the new 2026 terminology.
Cost is another factor, although specific prices for WSIB approved first aid courses in Mississauga vary by provider and are not published in the official WSIB materials. Employers must cover the cost of first aid training for designated first aiders, including wages during training time. If first aid training is a condition of hiring (like for a construction job), the applicant normally pays. Confirm payment policies with your chosen provider before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Basic First Aid and Intermediate First Aid?
Basic First Aid (eight hours) is the entry level course for workplaces with five or fewer workers per shift. Intermediate First Aid (sixteen hours) is required when six or more workers are on a shift. The Intermediate course covers more advanced topics including spinal injuries and multi casualty incidents. Both courses are WSIB approved and valid for three years.
How long is a WSIB first aid certificate valid?
Basic and Intermediate First Aid certificates are valid for three years from the date of issue. After three years, the certificate expires and you must either recertify or take the full course again. Intermediate certificates can be recertified once with any WSIB approved provider. Basic First Aid cannot be recertified; you must retake the full course.
Can I take an online first aid course for WSIB compliance?
No. WSIB approved first aid courses require an in person practical component. Blended learning options are acceptable: you complete theory online and then attend a shorter in class session for hands on practice and testing. Fully online courses do not meet the WSIB standard and will not be accepted in a workplace inspection.
Who pays for first aid training in Ontario?
Employers must cover the cost of training for workers they designate as first aiders. This includes course fees as well as wages during training hours. If an employee is required to have first aid certification as a condition of employment (for example, a new hire in construction), the employee may pay for their own training. Always clarify the payment arrangement before booking.
Do I need to recertify with the same provider?
Under the updated WSIB program, you can recertify your Intermediate First Aid certificate with any WSIB approved training provider. You are no longer limited to the provider that issued the original certificate. This gives you more flexibility, especially if you move or change employers. Out of province certificates that meet CSA Z1210 can also be recertified in Ontario before they expire.
Staying compliant with WSIB first aid requirements is a straightforward process when you know the rules and have access to approved training. Whether you need Basic or Intermediate First Aid, Mississauga has several trusted providers ready to help your team get certified. By planning ahead and understanding the 2026 updates, you can ensure your workplace remains safe and legally compliant.
