A recent decision of the Canada Industrial Relations Board (Board) affirms that COVID-19 tests are not considered genetic tests under the genetic testing provisions of the Canada Labour Code (Code), and that, depending on the circumstances, the issue is likely one that is appropriately dealt with under a collective agreement rather than a complaint to…
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Summer 2024 Updates for Social Services Employers
Dear Friends, We hope that you are able to find some time this summer to relax and recharge. Before you do, we wanted to bring to your attention some developments that may be important for your social services organization. As part of an employer’s ongoing obligation to provide a safe workplace, it is important to…
Federal Government Passes Legislation to Ban Replacement Workers
On June 20, 2024, Bill C-58, An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code and the Canada Industrial Relations Board Regulations, 2012 (Bill C-58) received royal assent. Among other things, Bill C-58 bans the use of replacement workers in federally regulated workplaces, subject to certain exceptions. This legislation will take effect on June 20, 2025….
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…
Certain Employment Standards Act, 2000 Amendments Take Effect June 21, 2024
On March 21, 2024, Ontario’s Bill 149, Working for Workers Four Act, 2024 (Bill 149) received Royal Assent. Our FTR Now of that date provided an overview of this legislation. A number of the amendments to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) contained in Bill 149 take effect June 21, 2024 and are outlined below. Effective June 21, 2024:…
Reminder: Temporary Help Agency and Recruiter Licensing Takes Effect on July 1, 2024
Readers are reminded that the new licensing regime for temporary help agencies (THAs) and recruiters operating in Ontario will take effect July 1, 2024. If you operate as a THA or recruiter, or if you use the services of THAs or recruiters, please read on. If you are doing business in Ontario as a THA…
Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario Releases Guidance on Information-Sharing in Situations of Intimate Partner Violence
In May 2024, the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario released Sharing Information in Situations Involving Intimate Partner Violence: Guidance for Professionals (the Guidance). The Guidance was developed as a result of a 2022 coroner’s inquest into three deaths caused by intimate partner violence (IPV). The Guidance is helpful for organizations, service providers and staff…
Federal Court Issues Updated Notice Regarding the Use of AI in Court Proceedings
In light of the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the legal profession, the Federal Court has issued an updated notice regarding the use of AI in Court proceedings (Notice). The Notice implements procedural safeguards for the use of AI in legal proceedings and imposes certain duties on counsel with respect to AI use….
Court Stays Employee Misclassification Class Action in Favour of Arbitration
In Wasylyk v. Lyft, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice issued a stay of a proposed employee misclassification class action in favour of private arbitration. The case provides an illustration of the factors that may support the enforceability of an arbitration clause in disputes related to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA). The plaintiff filed…
Update on Federal Pay Equity Plan Posting Extension Requests
As discussed in our March 11, 2024 Human Resources Legislative Update, federally regulated employers are required to post their final pay equity plans and notices of pay increases by September 3, 2024. An employer may file a request for authorization to extend this posting deadline, and guidance documents related to this authorization process are available…