Human Resources Legislative Update
Ontario Moves to Ban Mandatory Uniform Fees and Protect Entertainment Workers
Date: April 16, 2026
On April 14, 2026, Ontario announced that it will be proposing changes to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 that would prohibit employers from requiring employees to pay for mandatory, employer specific uniforms including branded or logo apparel, or deducting costs for such uniforms from employees’ wages, except in limited situations. The government noted that if these changes are passed, consultations will be conducted on exemptions, such as for small businesses.
The government also announced that it is proposing to establish the Strengthening Talent Agency Regulation Act which would apply to payments handled by talent agencies. This statute would set a limit on commission rates, prohibit fees other than commissions and fees permitted by regulation, and require timely payment to entertainment workers and a separate bank account for funds owed to them.
At this time, a Bill pertaining to these announcements has not been tabled. We will provide a more detailed summary when the Bill is tabled, as well as updates on its legislative progress.
If you have any questions in connection with this announcement, please feel free to contact your Hicks Morley lawyer.
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