Employers Take Note: Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario Launches Mandatory Mediation Process Effective June 1, 2025

The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) will implement a significant procedural change that will impact how human rights disputes are resolved in the province. The HRTO has announced the launch of a mandatory mediation process for all applications filed on or after June 1, 2025. Applications filed with the HRTO prior to June 1,…

Human Rights Tribunal Confirms Statutory Review of Benefit Decision Does Not Constitute New Act of Discrimination

In the recent decision Yu v. Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (Tribunal) provided important clarification on the distinction between continuing discriminatory acts and the ongoing effects of past discrimination. The decision offers valuable guidance for employers and administrative bodies on when subsequent reviews of past decisions can constitute fresh…

Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario Seeks Input on Important Process Changes

The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) recently announced it is seeking feedback on important changes it suggests are designed to streamline its process. The key proposed changes are as follows: Feedback on these proposed changes can be provided until November 22, 2024 by sending an email to HRTO.registrar@ontario.ca with the subject line “HRTO Consultation.”…

Arbitrator Concludes Grievor’s Sincere Religious Beliefs Did Not Prevent Her From Complying with Employer’s COVID-19 Policy

In Oxford County v. Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 1146, Arbitrator Brian Sheehan determined that the grievor, who refused, on the basis of her religion, to undergo rapid antigen testing in accordance with the employer’s COVID-19 policy, had not established that she had been improperly discriminated against on the basis of creed. This is…

Ontario to Introduce Legislation Banning Requirements for Canadian Work Experience in Job Postings

On November 9, 2023, the Ontario government announced its intention to introduce legislation which it states would be aimed at protecting internationally trained workers. If passed, the legislation would ban employers from requiring Canadian work experience as a requirement in job postings and application forms. The government also announced that it will be “proposing changes…

Ontario Introduces Legislation Addressing Sexual Violence and Harassment

On October 27, 2015, the Ontario government introduced Bill 132, Sexual Violence and Harassment Action Plan Act (Supporting Survivors and Challenging Sexual Violence and Harassment), 2015 which, if passed, would amend various statutes with respect to sexual violence, sexual harassment, domestic violence and related matters. Among other things, it would: amend the Occupational Health and Safety Act to revise the…

Ontario Invites Submissions on Closing Gender Wage Gap

On October 8, 2015, the Ontario government invited input from individuals and organizations to assist it in developing a strategy to close the wage gap between men and women. In this FTR Now, we review the government’s initiative, its invitation for submissions and how Ontario employers can provide their feedback. THE CONSULTATION PROCESS By way…