Employment Law in Ontario

Employment law in Ontario governs the relationship between employers and employees, setting out minimum standards, workplace rights, and obligations. Whether you are an employer seeking compliance guidance or an employee navigating a workplace dispute, understanding the legal framework is essential. 

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Key Employment Legislation in Ontario

Ontario’s employment law regime is shaped by several core statutes. The most fundamental are outlined below.

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Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA)

The Employment Standards Act, 2000 establishes minimum employment standards for most provincially regulated workplaces in Ontario. These standards apply regardless of what an employment contract says, unless the contract provides a greater benefit to the employee.

 

The ESA governs, among other things:

• Minimum wage

• Hours of work and overtime pay

• Vacation time and vacation pay

• Public holidays and holiday pay

• Leaves of absence (including sick leave, family responsibility leave, and pregnancy/parental leave)

• Termination of employment, notice of termination, and severance pay

 

Disputes frequently arise where employees are misclassified, denied statutory entitlements, or where termination packages fail to meet ESA minimums. Employers must ensure their policies and contracts are ESA‑compliant, as violations can result in significant liability.

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Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)

The Occupational Health and Safety Act is designed to protect workers from health and safety hazards in the workplace. It imposes duties on employers, supervisors, and workers, and establishes a system of shared responsibility for workplace safety.

 

Key obligations under the OHSA include:

• Providing a safe workplace and taking reasonable precautions to protect workers

• Complying with health and safety regulations specific to the industry

• Training workers and supervisors on workplace hazards

• Investigating workplace incidents and accidents

• Protecting workers from reprisal for raising health and safety concerns

 

OHSA matters can involve inspections, orders, prosecutions, and work refusals. Early legal advice is critical when dealing with the Ministry of Labour or responding to a workplace incident.

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Labour Relations Act, 1995 (LRA)

The Labour Relations Act, 1995 governs unionized workplaces in Ontario. It regulates the formation of trade unions, collective bargaining, and the resolution of labour disputes.

 

The LRA addresses issues such as:

• Union certification and decertification

• Collective bargaining rights and obligations

• Unfair labour practices

• Strikes and lockouts

• Grievance and arbitration processes

 

Employers operating in a unionized environment must carefully navigate their statutory duties, particularly during organizing drives and bargaining. Employees and unions rely on the LRA to protect collective rights and ensure fair representation.

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Firm's Employment Law Services

We provide strategic advice and representation in a broad range of employment and labour matters, including:

• Employment contracts and workplace policies

• Terminations and severance disputes

• ESA compliance and enforcement matters

• Workplace investigations

• Health and safety compliance and OHSA proceedings

• Union‑related matters and labour disputes

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Contact Us

If you have questions about employment law in Ontario or require legal assistance with a workplace issue, we invite you to contact our office at mail@atasoylaw.ca to discuss how we can help.

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Disclaimer

The information on this page is provided for general informational and introductory purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Employment law issues are fact-specific, and the application of the law may vary depending on individual circumstances. Reading this page does not create a lawyer-client relationship. You should obtain legal advice from a qualified lawyer before taking or refraining from any action based on the information provided.