On April 20, 2026, Ontario made a series of changes which will impact construction projects and workplaces handling Designated Substances. These changes introduce Type 2 headwear requirements on construction projects, impose new, detailed training requirements for workers operating mobile elevating work platforms, and integrate certain CSA/ANSI standards into Regulations made under the Occupational Health and…
Publication Name: Human Resources Legislative Update
Ontario Moves to Ban Mandatory Uniform Fees and Protect Entertainment Workers
Ontario has announced proposed amendments that would restrict mandatory, employer specific uniform fees and introduce new rules affecting talent agencies. Rhonda J. Levy summarizes what this means in our latest human resources legislative update.
Bill 101 Tabled: Would Change Governance and Operations of School Boards
On April 13, 2026, the Ontario government tabled Bill 101 (Putting Student Achievement First Act, 2026), aimed at strengthening school board oversight and accountability. We’re monitoring the bill’s progress and will continue to share updates as it moves through the legislative process.
Ontario Proposes Higher WSIB Wage Replacement & Extended LOE Eligibility for Older Workers
Ontario has proposed changes that would increase WSIB wage-replacement (LOE) benefits from 85% to 90% and extend LOE eligibility for workers who intend to work past age 65. If passed, these amendments may increase claim costs and premium pressure—making strong return-to-work programs even more important. Hicks Morley’s Stephanie Savoni outlines the amendments.
Ontario Intends to Extend WSIB Coverage to More Frontline Workers
Ontario has announced it will table legislation that could extend mandatory WSIB coverage to workers in privately operated residential care facilities, retirement homes and group homes—expanding access to wage-replacement and health care benefits for more frontline staff. Stephanie Savoni provides an update on the proposed changes.
Ontario Minimum Wage to Increase October 1, 2026
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.
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.