Ontario has announced it will table legislation that could extend mandatory WSIB coverage to workers in privately operated residential care facilities, retirement homes and group homes—expanding access to wage-replacement and health care benefits for more frontline staff. Stephanie Savoni provides an update on the proposed changes.
Category: Employment Law
Criminal Negligence Convictions Following Workplace Fatality Send Clear Message to Employers
R. v. J. Cote and Son Excavating Ltd., 2025 BCSC 2540, a recent decision of the British Columbia Supreme Court, serves as a stark reminder that workplace safety failures can give rise to criminal liability for employers. In this decision, an employer was found guilty of criminal negligence causing death and criminal negligence causing bodily…
Ontario Minimum Wage to Increase October 1, 2026
Earlier today, the Ontario government announced that the general minimum wage will increase to $17.95 per hour (previously $17.60 per hour) effective October 1, 2026. This minimum wage rate is one of the highest in Canada and applies to most provincially regulated employees.
Federal Minimum Wage to Increase April 1, 2026
The federal government has announced that, effective April 1, 2026, the federal minimum wage will increase from $17.75 to $18.15 per hour in response to inflation.
Ontario Proposing Harmonized Retail Framework for Family Day and Victoria Day
Could Family Day and Victoria Day become optional shopping days across Ontario? Hicks Morley’s Rhonda B. Levy outlines what Ontario’s proposal to allow retail businesses to open may mean for municipalities and retail businesses.
“No News” May Not Mean “No New Employment”: Settlement Drafting Lessons From Cross v. Cooling Tower Maintenance Inc.
When it comes to settlement agreements, precision is non-negotiable. In this article, Justin Jalea explores the recent Cross v. Cooling Tower maintenance Inc. decision and provides important reminders for employers drafting settlement agreements involving salary continuance and clawback provisions.
Nova Scotia Court Finds Cross-Canada Termination Clause Unenforceable: A Cautionary Tale for Multi-Jurisdiction Employers
Jurisdiction matters when drafting cross-country contracts. In this article, we examine the Brocklehurst v Micco Companies decision where Micco’s termination clause was found unenforceable under Nova Scotia legislation and explore the broader implications for employers to ensure provisions are precise and effective across Canada.
When Last Chance Truly Means Last Chance: Arbitrator Upholds Termination Over Unauthorized Absence
Hicks Morley’s Madeline Lusk examines why an employer’s decision to terminate after an employee breached a last chance agreement was upheld.
Reminder to Employers: Ontario to Increase Minimum Wage Effective October 1, 2025
A reminder to employers that the Ontario government will increase the general minimum wage to $17.60 an hour (from $17.20 an hour) effective October 1, 2025. This minimum wage applies to most employees. The minimum wage for the following groups will also increase on October 1, 2025: This adjustment reflects the 2.4% increase in the Ontario Consumer Price…
Ontario Government Taking Significant Steps to Break Down Interprovincial Barriers for Certified Professionals
On September 1, 2025, the Ontario government announced significant steps to break down interprovincial barriers for certified professionals, effective January 1, 2026. The new “As of Right” framework, a key part of the Protect Ontario through Free Trade within Canada Act, 2025, is designed to streamline the certification process for qualified workers from other provinces…