On December 3, 2024, Ontario’s government announced that it is seeking feedback on important amendments proposed to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) if the Working for Workers Six Act, 2024 (Bill 229) passes. As discussed in our FTR Now of November 28, 2024, Bill 229 would: The government is inviting comments on these proposed…
Publication Name: Human Resources Legislative Update
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…
WSIB to Redistribute $2 Billion to Ontario Employers
The Ontario government and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) have announced that eligible Schedule 1 employers will receive a credit to their WSIB accounts in February 2025. The WSIB has noted that strong financial and operational factors have led to a surplus beyond the WSIB reserve factor, triggering a payout of the surplus…
Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario Seeks Input on Important Process Changes
The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) recently announced it is seeking feedback on important changes it suggests are designed to streamline its process. The key proposed changes are as follows: Feedback on these proposed changes can be provided until November 22, 2024 by sending an email to HRTO.registrar@ontario.ca with the subject line “HRTO Consultation.”…
Reminder to Employers: Ontario to Increase Minimum Wage Effective October 1, 2024
A reminder to employers that the Ontario government will increase the general minimum wage to $17.20 an hour (from $16.55 an hour) effective October 1, 2024. This minimum wage applies to most employees. The minimum wage for the following groups also increases on October 1, 2024: If you have any questions about your obligations in connection…
Digital Platform Workers’ Rights Act, 2022 in Force July 1, 2025
The Digital Platform Workers’ Rights Act, 2022 (Act) was enacted in April 2022 under the Working For Workers Act, 2022, but was not declared in force at that time. On September 5, 2024, the Ontario government proclaimed the Act, and its associated Regulation will come into force on July 1, 2025. The Act establishes minimum wage and other…
WSIB to Add New Classification Applicable to Temporary Employment Agencies
A recent amendment to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 regulations has resulted in the creation of a new Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) classification which will allow temporary employment agencies (TEAs) to report the supply of administrative, clerical and knowledge-based labour under one classification for premium-setting purposes. This new classification will take…
Federal Pay Equity Commissioner May Now Impose Monetary Penalties for Violations of the Pay Equity Act
Recent amendments to the federal Pay Equity Act (PEA) regulations establish a framework for the imposition of administrative monetary penalties (AMPs) for violations of the PEA. This is a significant development that may result in an employer being penalized if it fails to comply with its obligations, including the requirement to establish a pay equity…
Certain Employment Standards Act, 2000 Amendments Take Effect June 21, 2024
On March 21, 2024, Ontario’s Bill 149, Working for Workers Four Act, 2024 (Bill 149) received Royal Assent. Our FTR Now of that date provided an overview of this legislation. A number of the amendments to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) contained in Bill 149 take effect June 21, 2024 and are outlined below. Effective June 21, 2024:…
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…