Recent legislative developments have introduced key changes to municipal accountability in Ontario. Stephanie Jeronimo outlines what Ontario’s Municipal Accountability Act, 2025 means for municipalities, including new conduct standards, oversight and enforcement measures.
Category: Legislative Updates
Federal Equal Treatment and Temporary Help Agencies Regulations Published
New federal regulations will introduce equal treatment and temporary help agency obligations under the Canada Labour Code, with an in-force date of October 20, 2026. Hicks Morley’s George Vuicic outlines the key requirements and practical steps federally regulated employers should consider now.
Consultations on Potential Amendments to Canada Labour Code Launched
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.
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.
New Public Sector Cybersecurity Governance & Student Digital Information Transparency Obligations in Force July 1
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 Minimum Wage to Increase April 1, 2025
The federal government has announced the federal minimum wage will increase on April 1, 2025. In this HRLU, Hicks Morley’s Danika Winkel shares key details federally regulated employers need to know.
Federal Government Consultation on Draft Accessibility Standards
Accessibility Standards Canada (ASC) has published a draft Accessibility Standard on Emergency Measures (Draft Standard) as part of its mandate under the Accessible Canada Act (ACA). Background The ACA came into force on July 11, 2019, and the Accessible Canada Regulations (Regulations) made under the ACA came into force on December 13, 2021. The ACA…
Reminder to Employers: Ontario Minimum Wage to Increase October 1, 2023
A reminder to employers that on October 1, 2023, the Ontario government will increase the general provincial minimum wage from $15.50 to $16.55 per hour. This minimum wage applies to most employees. Minimum wage rates will also increase on the same date for the following groups of employees: If you have any questions about your…
Ontario Publishes Regulatory Changes to Staffing Qualifications in the Long-Term Care Sector
Ontario has published changes to the qualifications of persons hired as personal support workers (PSWs) or to provide personal support services in long-term care homes. Ontario Regulation 246/22 (O. Reg. 246/22) under the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2001 prescribes, among other things, residents’ rights, plans of care, processes for reporting complaints and nursing and personal…