Ontario’s 2026 Budget — A Plan to Protect Ontario — is here, and employers, HR teams, and pension plan administrators will want to pay attention. Read our take on what Ontario employers need to know.
Practice Area: Information, Data Security & Privacy
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 Government Reminds Federally Regulated Employers About Harassment and Violence Policy Compliance
Are your harassment and violence prevention policies up to date? George Vuicic breaks down the federal government’s recent reminder and what federally regulated employers should revisit to ensure continued compliance in the year ahead.
Wrapping Up 2025: Updates for Social Services Employers
As 2025 comes to a close, social services employers face important changes shaping the workplace. Mornelle Lee, Madeline Lusk, and Michael S. Smyth share key insights on the rise of AI in HR, enforcing Last Chance Agreements and navigating new compliance rules significant changes under the Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025 – helping employers organizations prepare for 2026.
Final Report Released on PowerSchool Cyberattack
The final report on the PowerSchool cyberattack is out – and the findings reveal insights into the breach and a series of compliance recommendations. Victoria McCorkindale offers a clear look at what happened and what should happen next to prevent future incidents.
New FIPPA Privacy Requirements Take Effect for Ontario Public Sector Institutions
Schedule 2 of the Strengthening Cyber Security and Building Trust in the Public Sector Act, 2024 (Bill 194), came into effect on July 1, 2025. The legislation introduced significant amendments to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) including enhanced compliance obligations.
Federal Court of Appeal Upholds Mandatory Nuclear Industry Alcohol and Drug Testing Requirements for Workers in “Safety-Critical” Positions
In a significant ruling for employers in safety-sensitive industries, the Federal Court of Appeal has upheld the constitutional validity of mandatory pre-placement and random alcohol and drug testing requirements for safety-critical positions at Class I nuclear facilities. The decision in Power Workers’ Union et al v Attorney General of Canada, Ontario Power Generation, Bruce Power,…
Strengthening Cyber Security and Building Trust in the Public Sector Act, 2024 Receives Royal Assent
On November 25, 2024, the Strengthening Cyber Security and Building Trust in the Public Sector Act, 2024 (Bill 194) received Royal Assent. Bill 194 introduces new legislation, the Enhancing Digital Security and Trust Act, 2024 (EDSTA), aimed at enhancing cyber security within the public sector. It also amends the Freedom of Information and Protection of…
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…
Court Certifies Class Action Relating to Improper Access of Medical Files
In Welshman v. Central Regional Health Authority, the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador (Court) certified a class action in which the plaintiffs alleged that employees of the defendant, the Central Regional Health Authority, improperly accessed the private personal and medical information of 260 individuals outside of the scope of their employment. The Court’s decision…