On May 29, 2025, Accessibility Standards Canada (ASC) announced its publication of a revised Accessibility Standard on Employment (Standard) under its mandate pursuant to the Accessible Canada Act (Act). The revised Standard, CAN/ASC-1.1:2024 (REV-2025), replaces the original version released in December 2024. Background The Act came into force on July 11, 2019, establishing ASC as…
Industry: Media & Communications
Ontario Introduces Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025
On May 28, 2025, the Ontario government introduced Bill 30, the Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025 (Bill 30). Bill 30 continues the province’s ongoing “Working for Workers” legislative initiative, proposing significant amendments to various employment-related statutes, including the Employment Standards Act, 2000, Occupational Health and Safety Act, and Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.
Ontario Court of Appeal Upholds Termination Clause Limiting Employee to ESA Minimums in Bertsch v. Datastealth Inc.
The Ontario Court of Appeal has delivered a significant decision in Bertsch v. Datastealth Inc., wherein the Court confirmed that properly drafted termination clauses can limit employees to only their statutory minimum entitlements under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) upon termination.
Ontario’s Human Rights Tribunal Dismisses Discrimination Claim Against Union’s Women-Only Job Posting Under Special Program Provisions in the Code
Employers seeking to initiate equitable hiring strategies may wonder whether such programs are “legal”, given the current political climate in the United States. A recent decision of the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario contains important reminders.
No Presumption Without Exposure: WSIAT Reverses WSIB Entitlement for Mesothelioma, Finding No Evidence of Asbestos Exposure in Caretaker Role
In a recent decision, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT) found that a caretaker’s duties at a large public sector employer did not involve asbestos exposure.
Ontario Announces Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act, 2025
The Ontario government introduced Bill 2, the Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act, 2025. Framed as a defensive strategy, Bill 2 aims to boost interprovincial trade in response to U.S. tariff pressures.
The Ontario Court of Appeal Provides Another Caution to Employers Drafting Employment Contracts: Actual Language is Paramount—Not Intent
In a recent decision of the Ontario Court of Appeal, the Court upheld the lower court’s decision finding that the termination clause in the employment contract was offside of the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) and that as a result, the employee was entitled to common law reasonable notice.
Canada Heads to the Polls: Employers’ Obligation to Provide Paid Time Off to Vote in the Upcoming Federal Election
A federal election has been called for April 28, 2025 (election day). As the candidates hit the campaign trail and election day rapidly approaches, this FTR Now provides guidance to employers on their obligations to their employees under the Canada Elections Act (Act).
Federal Government Publishes Temporary Employment Insurance Measures Addressing Economic Impacts From Tariffs
On April 9, the Federal Government released the full text of the temporary Employment Insurance Regulations (Pilot Project No. 24), addressing the economic impacts from the tariffs. In this FTR Now, Andrew Easto explores what these temporary changes mean for impacted workers and employers.
Ontario Government Announces $11 Billion in Relief Measures for Workers and Businesses Amid Economic Uncertainty Due to U.S. Tariffs
On April 7, 2025, the Ontario announced approximately $11 billion in relief and support for workers and businesses to protect the province’s economy from economic uncertainty and the impact of U.S. tariffs.