On May 6, 2024, the Ontario government introduced the Working for Workers Five Act, 2024 (Bill 190). Bill 190 proposes amendments to various employment-related statutes, including the Employment Standards Act, 2000, Occupational Health and Safety Act, and Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997. Some of these proposed amendments were discussed in our FTR Now of…
Practice Area: Employment Law
Ontario Court of Appeal Finds Plaintiff Did Not Fail to Mitigate, Upholds $50,000 Aggravated Damages Award for Manner of Dismissal
A recent Court of Appeal decision provides an illustration of when an employee may successfully claim they were unable to mitigate due to physical incapacity. It also provides a reminder of the factors a court will examine to determine if an employee is entitled to aggravated damages for the manner of dismissal. Krmpotic v. Thunder…
Ontario Announces Proposed Fine Increases and Further Requirements for Publicly Advertised Job Postings Under the Employment Standards Act, 2000
On May 3, 2024, the Ontario government announced it will table legislation that, if passed, would amend the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) to increase fines for ESA violations and impose obligations on larger employers with respect to their publicly advertised job postings. Increased Fines Amendments to the ESA would increase the maximum fine for…
Important Amendments Made to the Temporary Help Agency and Recruiter Licensing Framework in Ontario
On July 1, 2023, a new licensing regime was introduced under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 for any temporary help agency (THA) or recruiter operating in Ontario. Of significant concern to many recruiters and THAs was the requirement to provide a $25,000 irrevocable line of credit in order to be licensed. While the new regime…
Ontario Proposes Changes to Sick Leave Under the Employment Standards Act, 2000
The Ontario government has announced it is proposing changes that would restrict an employer from requiring a medical note to substantiate an unpaid sick leave day under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA). Currently, an employee who has been employed for at least two consecutive weeks is entitled to up to three days of unpaid…
Federal Budget 2024 Tabled
On April 16, 2024, the federal government tabled its 2024 Budget, “Fairness for Every Generation” (Budget). While much of the Budget is focused on topics such as housing, strengthening the economy and making the cost of living more affordable, it also includes a number of initiatives that will have implications for employers, pension plan administrators…
Understanding “Safe Sport” Sanctions and Disciplinary Issues Under the Universal Code of Conduct
Introduction Disciplinary issues and related sanctions can arise in any organization, but they can be especially challenging to navigate in relation to safe sport. The federal government has committed to addressing harassment, discrimination and abuse in sport by requiring all federally funded sport organizations to adopt the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address…
Ontario Seeks Feedback on the Introduction of a Leave of Absence for Long-Term Illness
Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development has announced a consultation on the potential introduction of an unpaid leave of absence under the Ontario Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) of up to 27 weeks for employees experiencing serious or critical illness. This would arise either through the creation of a new leave or…
Highlights of the 2024 Ontario Budget
On March 26, 2024, the Ontario government tabled its 2024 budget, “Building a Better Ontario” (Budget) and Bill 180, Building a Better Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2024 (Bill 180). In this FTR Now, we highlight information contained in the Budget and Bill 180 that is of broad interest to employers, human resources professionals and pension…
Ontario to Increase Minimum Wage Effective October 1, 2024
On March 28, 2024, the Ontario government announced that the general minimum wage will increase to $17.20 an hour (from $16.55 an hour) effective October 1, 2024. This minimum wage applies to most employees. The minimum wage for the following groups also increases on October 1, 2024: