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Updated Employer Obligations for Mass Terminations
Date: December 1, 2025
Earlier this year, on July 1, 2025, the Ontario government amended the Termination and Severance regulations under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) to require Ontario employers to provide a new Employment Ontario Career Supports information sheet to employees who are given notice as part of a mass termination. The information sheet describes provincial employment services available to the affected employees for skill training and job search support.
Mass terminations occur when an employer terminates 50 or more employees at its “establishment” in the same four-week period.
What Employers Must Provide
In mass termination situations, employers must now give each affected employee three documents on the first day of the notice period:
- individual notice of termination or indefinite layoff that meets the requirements of the ESA and regulations
- a copy of the Form 1 (Notice of Termination of Employment) that was completed and delivered to the Director of Employment Standards
- a copy of the most recent version of the Employment Ontario Career Supports information sheet prepared and published by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (Ministry) – which is available in English and French
What the Information Sheet Covers
The information sheet describes services available through Employment Ontario, including:
- direct job matching and training referrals
- financial assistance for training, transportation, or dependent care
- information on local job prospects, salaries, and training requirements for 500+ occupations
- access to paid training opportunities such as apprenticeships through employer partnerships
Next Steps for Employers
Update Your Procedure
Revise mass termination protocols to include the information sheet. Ensure your human resources team knows about this additional requirement.
Get the Current Sheet
Download the latest English and French versions from the Ministry’s website and keep updated copies on hand.
Time It Right
Provide all three documents together on the first day of the notice period.
Keep Records
Document that you provided the information sheet to all affected employees, as this may be relevant in Ministry investigations or employment disputes.
Should you have questions about mass termination requirements, please contact your Hicks Morley lawyer.
The article in this client update provides general information and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. This publication is copyrighted by Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP and may not be photocopied or reproduced in any form, in whole or in part, without the express permission of Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP. ©