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.
Publication Name: Human Resources Legislative Update
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…
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…
Municipalities Take Note: Ontario Proposing to Expand Strong Mayor Powers to 169 Additional Municipalities
The Ontario government is proposing to expand Strong Mayor powers to 169 additional municipalities, reshaping local governance across the province. In this Human Resources Legislative Update, Jamie Burns outlines what these changes mean for the future of municipal decision-making.
Ontario Government Announces $11 Billion in Relief Measures for Workers and Businesses Amid Economic Uncertainty Due to U.S. Tariffs
On April 7, 2025, the Ontario announced approximately $11 billion in relief and support for workers and businesses to protect the province’s economy from economic uncertainty and the impact of U.S. tariffs.
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…
Federal Minimum Wage to Increase April 1, 2025
The federal government has announced the federal minimum wage will increase on April 1, 2025. In this HRLU, Hicks Morley’s Danika Winkel shares key details federally regulated employers need to know.