The federal government has launched consultations on potential amendments to the Canada Labour Code, with possible implications for collective bargaining, worker protections and other employer obligations in federally regulated workplaces. Our latest federal post highlights the key measures under consideration and the timeline for stakeholder input.
Business Operation: Canada
Highlights from the Federal Government’s 2026 Spring Economic Update
The federal government’s 2026 Spring Economic Update includes several proposals that may affect employers, HR professionals and pension plan administrators.
Use of French in Federally Regulated Private Businesses
On April 15, 2026, the Government of Canada announced that it had tabled draft regulations under the Use of French in Federally Regulated Private Businesses Act (Act). Although the draft regulations have not yet been publicly released, the Government published a Description of the Proposed Regulations, which forms the basis of this summary.
Federal Government Publishes Revised Standard on Accessible Employment under the Accessible Canada Act
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…
Federal Court Dismisses $2.5 Billion Class Action Alleging Systemic Anti-Black Racism in Federal Public Service Hiring Decisions and Promotional Opportunities
The Federal Court of Canada determined a class action that sought to address alleged systemic anti-Black racism and discrimination simply did not meet the procedural criteria to certify the action as a class proceeding. In this Common Ground, Hicks Morley’s Sean Reginio examine the Court’s analysis.
Federal Government Launches Consultation on Draft Regulations Related to Equal Pay Under the Canada Labour Code
The federal government published new draft regulations regarding prohibiting employers from paying different wage rates to employees based on employment status. In this Federal Post, Hicks Morley’s Paul Broad shares details of the draft regulations.
Managing Workforces Amid Tariff Wars: Considerations and Strategies for Canadian Employers
While the threat of tariffs on Canadian goods and products has been temporarily paused, the potential for a tariff war in the near future has caused considerable uncertainty for many Canadian workplaces.
Highlights from the Federal Government’s 2024 Fall Economic Statement
On December 16, 2024, the federal government issued its 2024 Fall Economic Statement. The Statement covers a wide array of initiatives including several proposals that, if they were to be implemented, will be of interest to employers, human resources professionals and pension plan administrators. Early Retirement Benefits in the Public Service The government has proposed…
Comedy and Satire: Human Rights Considerations in the Writing Room
While all companies have an obligation to prevent against workplace harassment and discrimination, those in the entertainment industry face a particular challenge. In some cases, the nature of the conversations and circumstances that workers may be engaged in could, in other work environments, be considered offensive or objectionable. As the cases discussed below illustrate, the…
Federal Pay Equity Commissioner May Now Impose Monetary Penalties for Violations of the Pay Equity Act
Recent amendments to the federal Pay Equity Act (PEA) regulations establish a framework for the imposition of administrative monetary penalties (AMPs) for violations of the PEA. This is a significant development that may result in an employer being penalized if it fails to comply with its obligations, including the requirement to establish a pay equity…