Earlier today, the Ontario government announced that the general minimum wage will increase to $17.95 per hour (previously $17.60 per hour) effective October 1, 2026. This minimum wage rate is one of the highest in Canada and applies to most provincially regulated employees.
Publication Name: Human Resources Legislative Update
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, 2026
The federal government has announced that, effective April 1, 2026, the federal minimum wage will increase from $17.75 to $18.15 per hour in response to inflation.
Ontario Proposing Harmonized Retail Framework for Family Day and Victoria Day
Could Family Day and Victoria Day become optional shopping days across Ontario? Hicks Morley’s Rhonda B. Levy outlines what Ontario’s proposal to allow retail businesses to open may mean for municipalities and retail businesses.
Ontario Launches Canada’s First Occupational Exposure Registry Self-Tracker
Ontario has launched Canada’s first Occupational Exposure Registry. This timely analysis from Nadine Zacks helps employers understand the registry’s scope, purpose, and limits within Ontario’s existing health and safety framework.
Important Changes to Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act Take Effect January 1, 2026
New Occupational Health and Safety Act updates take effect January 1, 2026. In this article, we outline the latest requirements impacting construction projects, sanitation records, public sector procurement, and enforcement measures that employers and constructors need to know.
Reminder to Employers: Ontario to Increase Minimum Wage Effective October 1, 2025
A reminder to employers that the Ontario government will increase the general minimum wage to $17.60 an hour (from $17.20 an hour) effective October 1, 2025. This minimum wage applies to most employees. The minimum wage for the following groups will also increase on October 1, 2025: This adjustment reflects the 2.4% increase in the Ontario Consumer Price…
Ontario Government Taking Significant Steps to Break Down Interprovincial Barriers for Certified Professionals
On September 1, 2025, the Ontario government announced significant steps to break down interprovincial barriers for certified professionals, effective January 1, 2026. The new “As of Right” framework, a key part of the Protect Ontario through Free Trade within Canada Act, 2025, is designed to streamline the certification process for qualified workers from other provinces…
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.
Live-Saving Defibrillator Device Required on Construction Projects in 2026
A recent amendment to the Construction Projects Regulation under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act) requires that construction projects install and maintain an Automated External Defibrillator, and the necessary accessories to use the machine. A defibrillator, or “AED,” is a life-saving device which can be used to treat sudden cardiac arrest. While training is…