New equal treatment rules under the Canada Labour Code take effect on October 20, 2026, adding another consideration for federally regulated employers managing pay equity obligations. This Federal Post examines where the two regimes may intersect and outlines the questions employers should consider when reviewing wage rates, job classifications, and employment-status distinctions.
Category: Employment Law
New and Extended EI Relief Measures Now in Force
The federal government has extended several temporary Employment Insurance (EI) relief measures into 2027 and introduced a new measure affecting claimants who return to insurable employment following a previous disqualification. In our latest FTR Now, these regulatory changes and what they mean for EI eligibility are reviewed.
Ontario Court of Appeal Distinguishes Between Temporary Lay-off Clauses and Termination Clauses
Taylor v. Salytics Inc., a recent decision of the Ontario Court of Appeal, provides welcome appellate confirmation that where an employment agreement expressly permits a temporary lay-off and the lay-off is implemented within the Employment Standards Act, 2000 framework, the lay-off will not trigger a constructive dismissal, and therefore a termination of employment.
Safety Incidents Alone Don’t Justify Drug and Alcohol Testing
SaskEnergy Incorporated v. Unifor, a recent decision of the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal, confirms that the seriousness of a safety incident and an employee’s failure to follow safety protocols are not, by themselves, sufficient to make drug and alcohol testing a reasonable line of inquiry.
Reminder to Employers: Ontario to Increase Minimum Wage Effective October 1, 2026
A reminder to employers that the Ontario government will be increasing the general minimum wage to $17.95 per hour (previously $17.60 per hour) effective October 1, 2026.
When the Deal Breaks: Lessons from the Canada-U.S. Trade Talks
This article considers recent Canada-U.S. trade developments through a collective bargaining lens, highlighting practical lessons for employers on deadline pressure, walkaways, credible alternatives and preserving bargaining relationships.
Federal Government Announces Counter-Tariffs and $7.5 Billion Support Package for Canadian Workers and Businesses
The federal government has announced approximately $27.6 billion in counter-tariffs and a $7.5 billion support package . This article outlines the measures announced to date and the practical considerations for employers evaluating workforce and business planning options.
Employer Conduct, Frustrated Contracts, and the Limits of Benefit Deductibility
In Hedrick v. Johnston Meier Insurance Agencies Ltd., Justice Bennett of the Supreme Court of British Columbia addressed two issues that will be of interest to employers: when an employer may rely on frustration of contract, and when statutory benefit payments may be deducted from wrongful dismissal damages.
Ontario Court of Appeal Case is a Warning to Employers to Review Their Incentive Plans
The decision has significant implications for employers that provide equity awards or other incentive plans. Employers should review their plans and award documents before the same drafting issue produces a similarly significant claim.
Arbitrator Strikes Down TTC’s Random Drug and Alcohol Testing Program
A significant decision concerning workplace drug and alcohol testing, has found that the Toronto Transit Commission’s (TTC) random drug and alcohol testing program was unreasonable, contrary to the collective agreement and inconsistent with employees’ rights under section 8 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (Charter).