Federal Government Publishes Revised Standard on Accessible Employment under the Accessible Canada Act

On May 29, 2025, Accessibility Standards Canada (ASC) announced its publication of a revised Accessibility Standard on Employment (Standard) under its mandate pursuant to the Accessible Canada Act (Act). The revised Standard, CAN/ASC-1.1:2024 (REV-2025), replaces the original version released in December 2024. Background The Act came into force on July 11, 2019, establishing ASC as…

Employers Take Note: Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario Launches Mandatory Mediation Process Effective June 1, 2025

The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) will implement a significant procedural change that will impact how human rights disputes are resolved in the province. The HRTO has announced the launch of a mandatory mediation process for all applications filed on or after June 1, 2025. Applications filed with the HRTO prior to June 1,…

Employers Take Note: WSIB Suspends Appeals and Extends Time Limits as Over 3,600 Unionized Workers Begin Rolling Strikes

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has suspended its appeals processes and extended objection time limits as over 3,600 unionized workers commenced rolling strikes on May 22, 2025, following failed contract negotiations with the Ontario Compensation Employees Union (OCEU). The labour disruption has prompted significant operational changes affecting workplace parties seeking to challenge WSIB…

Ontario Government Introduces Municipal Accountability Act, 2025

On May 01, 2025, the Ontario government announced Bill 9, the Municipal Accountability Act, 2025 (Bill 9). Bill 9 re-introduces legislation originally proposed under Bill 241, the Municipal Accountability Act, 2024, that was not enacted prior to the provincial election. If passed, Bill 9 would enable the creation of a new, standardized municipal code of…

Ontario Minimum Wage to Increase October 1, 2025

On April 1, 2025, the Ontario government announced that the general minimum wage will increase 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…

Ontario’s Working for Workers Six Act, 2024 Receives Royal Assent

On December 19, 2024, Ontario’s Working for Workers Six Act, 2024  (Bill 229) received Royal Assent. Bill 229 amends several statutes including the Employment Standards Act, 2000, the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997. Key amendments of particular interest to employers are addressed below. Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) The following…

Ontario Introduces the More Convenient Care Act, 2024

On December 2, 2024, the Ontario government introduced the More Convenient Care Act, 2024 (Bill 231). Of particular significance to health care employers and temporary help agencies is new legislation proposed by Bill 231 that would require greater transparency on the use of third-party staffing providers in the health care industry. If passed, Bill 231…