Ontario Files ESA Regulatory Amendment Implementing New Minimum Wage Effective June 1, 2014

As previously reported, Ontario’s minimum wage is increasing to $11 effective June 1, 2014. On February 14, 2014, the Ontario government filed O. Reg. 31/14 amending O. Reg. 285/01 made under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (Exemptions, Special Rules and Establishment of Minimum Wage) to implement these changes.

Ontario Proposes Significant Changes to Workplace Laws

On December 4, 2013, the Ontario government introduced Bill 146, the Stronger Workplaces for a Stronger Economy Act, 2013 (“Bill 146”). If passed, Bill 146 would make significant changes to a number of employment-related statutes, including the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (“ESA”), the Occupational Health and Safety Act (“OHSA”) and the Workplace Safety and Insurance…

Significant ESA, WSIA, OHSA, LRA Amendments Proposed (Bill 146, Stronger Workplaces for a Stronger Economy Act)

On December 4, 2013, the Ontario government introduced Bill 146, the Stronger Workplaces for a Stronger Economy Act, omnibus legislation that would, if passed, amend several key employment-related statutes, including the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (“ESA”), the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 (“WSIA”), the Occupational Health and Safety Act (“OHSA”), the Labour Relations Act,…

Employment Standards Blitzes Announced for Ontario Workplaces

The Ontario Ministry of Labour has announced that it will conduct province-wide blitzes under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (“Act”) as a proactive enforcement measure to ensure compliance with the Act. From May 2013 to August 2013, the blitzes will focus on vulnerable workers in certain sectors including manufacturing and distribution, construction and recreation. From October…

Ontario Government Introduces Budget 2013

On May 2, 2013, the Ontario government tabled its Budget 2013, “A Prosperous and Fair Ontario” as well as Bill 65, Prosperous and Fair Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2013, legislation which, if passed, would implement certain initiatives contained in the Budget.   Among other things, the measures contained in the Budget of interest to employers…

Leaves to Help Families Act Introduced

On March 5, 2013, the Ontario government introduced Bill 21, Employment Standards Amendment Act (Leaves to Help Families), 2013. If passed, Bill 21 would allow eligible employees to take the following three unpaid leaves of absences: Family Caregiver Leave Employees would be entitled to take an unpaid leave of absence to provide care or support…

ESA Compliance Blitz to Target Temporary Workers, Agencies

Throughout June, July and August of 2012, the Ontario government will be conducting targeted inspections of temporary employee agencies across the province to ensure compliance with the Employment Standards Act, 2000. The blitz will focus on the following: minimum wage; vacation pay; public holidays, including time off and public holiday pay; and rules related to…

Overtime Eligibility Class Action Certification Motion Dismissed

On April 27, 2012, Mr. Justice George Strathy of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice released his decision in which he dismissed a motion for certification of a proposed class action brought by Michael Brown and Brian Singer, on behalf of current and former “Analysts,” “Investment Advisors” and “Associate Investment Advisors” employed by the Canadian…