Important Update for Employers in British Columbia: Pay Transparency Act Obligations and Prohibitions

The Pay Transparency Act (the “PTA”) was passed in British Columbia on May 11, 2023. The PTA imposes notable new obligations and prohibitions on employers in British Columbia, all of which are aimed at improving pay transparency and equity within the province.

Pursuant to the PTA, effective immediately, employers in British Columbia are not permitted to seek pay history information about an applicant for employment by any means, whether directly from the applicant or through a third party, unless pay history information is publicly accessible. Further, employers cannot engage in reprisals (including dismissals, discipline, demotions, etc.) against employees who inquire about pay, reveal their pay to another employee or someone applying to work with their employer, ask their employer about its pay transparency report, or provide information to the Director of Pay Transparency with respect to their employer.

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