In February 2015, the Province of Ontario embarked on an important public consultation project regarding its two key labour and employment statutes, the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) and Labour Relations Act, 1995 (LRA). This comprehensive legislative review was part of the government’s stated objective to protect workers while supporting businesses in today’s modern economy.
The preliminary result of this consultation is embodied in a lengthy interim report released on July 27, 2016. The report touches on approximately 50 issues and 225 options to address them.
The potential reforms are wide-ranging and could have a significant impact on the way companies do business in Ontario.
For non-unionised workplaces, some of the contemplated changes would make it much easier for unions to get certified by, for instance, returning to a card based system as opposed to a secret ballot vote, or drastically extending unionisation under certain business models like franchises.
For unionised environments, some reform options include restrictions on the use of replacement workers and easy access to interest arbitration.
More broadly, the ESA reforms range from granting rights to contractors, introducing a “just cause” requirement to terminate employees, mandatory sick pay and lower thresholds for overtime pay, to name but a few examples.
In this session we will:
- Review the factors which prompted the government of Ontario to embark on this public consultation;
- Discuss some the key issues raised by employees and employers in the course of this review;
- Explain various options currently under consideration and consider their impact on businesses and HR professionals; and
- Comment on other options which could address the issues raised in the course of the consultation.
Agenda
- 8:00 am - 8:30 am Registration and Breakfast
- 8:30 am - 10:00 am Seminar and Q&A
For more information
Andrea Tulloch
+1 416 868 3329
atulloch@fasken.com
