Ontario Introduces Sweeping Changes to Workplace Laws with the Passing of Bill 148
On November 22, 2017, Ontario’s Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017 (“Bill 148”) passed Third Reading. Bill 148 is anticipated to receive Royal Assent shortly and will substantially amend legislation applicable to employment and labour laws.
While much attention has been focused on Bill 148’s planned increase to the minimum wage, the legislation will also introduce a number of additional changes regarding leaves of absence, pay calculations and other employment-related matters. We have set out below a broad overview of certain of the major amendments and our assessment of how these changes will impact employers in Ontario.
Take Away:
All Ontario employers are advised to undergo a review and revision process of their current employment policies and practices. Employers should also review their employment contracts and job offer templates, and make any updates necessary to ensure compliance with the amendments. Finally, employers should consider whether training for any management and employee resources personnel is necessary in order to ease the company’s transition into the new requirements for their workplace.
