Ontario has passed significant amendments to its freedom of information and privacy legislation, with important implications for public-sector institutions. This article outlines the key changes under Bill 97, what they may mean for public-sector employers and how organizations can begin preparing now.
Insights
Hicks Morley publishes a number of materials, both electronic and print, on issue-specific and sector-specific topics of interest to our clients. Our insights section has links to all of our various publications, updates and blogs, both current and historical, to keep you informed of developments in the law that impact human resources.
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FTR Now
Highlights of the 2026 Ontario Budget
· 10 min readOntario’s 2026 Budget — A Plan to Protect Ontario — is here, and employers, HR teams, and pension plan administrators will want to pay attention. Read our take on what Ontario employers need to know.
Human Resources Legislative Update
Ontario’s public sector is expanding cyber and digital obligations for public sector organizations on July 1. Scott Williams highlights two new regulations under the Enhancing Digital Security and Trust Act, 2024 that introduce mandatory cybersecurity governance requirements and new transparency obligations for school boards.
Federal Post
Are your harassment and violence prevention policies up to date? George Vuicic breaks down the federal government’s recent reminder and what federally regulated employers should revisit to ensure continued compliance in the year ahead.
Reaching Out
Wrapping Up 2025: Updates for Social Services Employers
· 12 min readAs 2025 comes to a close, social services employers face important changes shaping the workplace. Mornelle Lee, Madeline Lusk, and Michael S. Smyth share key insights on the rise of AI in HR, enforcing Last Chance Agreements and navigating new compliance rules significant changes under the Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025 – helping employers organizations prepare for 2026.
School Board Update
Final Report Released on PowerSchool Cyberattack
· 4 min readThe final report on the PowerSchool cyberattack is out – and the findings reveal insights into the breach and a series of compliance recommendations. Victoria McCorkindale offers a clear look at what happened and what should happen next to prevent future incidents.
Human Resources Legislative Update
Schedule 2 of the Strengthening Cyber Security and Building Trust in the Public Sector Act, 2024 (Bill 194), came into effect on July 1, 2025. The legislation introduced significant amendments to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) including enhanced compliance obligations.
Case In Point
In a significant ruling for employers in safety-sensitive industries, the Federal Court of Appeal has upheld the constitutional validity of mandatory pre-placement and random alcohol and drug testing requirements for safety-critical positions at Class I nuclear facilities. The decision in Power Workers’ Union et al v Attorney General of Canada, Ontario Power Generation, Bruce Power,…
Human Resources Legislative Update
On November 25, 2024, the Strengthening Cyber Security and Building Trust in the Public Sector Act, 2024 (Bill 194) received Royal Assent. Bill 194 introduces new legislation, the Enhancing Digital Security and Trust Act, 2024 (EDSTA), aimed at enhancing cyber security within the public sector. It also amends the Freedom of Information and Protection of…
Human Resources Legislative Update
In May 2024, the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario released Sharing Information in Situations Involving Intimate Partner Violence: Guidance for Professionals (the Guidance). The Guidance was developed as a result of a 2022 coroner’s inquest into three deaths caused by intimate partner violence (IPV). The Guidance is helpful for organizations, service providers and staff…