Payroll News Canada - Employment Articles
April 2026 - Welcome to the latest edition of The Payroll News! As always, please feel free to forward this newsletter to your friends and associates who are interested in keeping up with the latest changes in Canadian payroll, employment and HR News. Federal and Provincial news items are listed immediately below followed by our Featured Article.
| Tip of the Month | Federal News | Provincial News |
| Featured Article | Software Updates | Newsletter Archive |
Tip of the Month
April 2026 - Support for workers and employers impacted by tariffs - In response to recent tariffs and a shifting economic landscape, the Government of Canada has a plan that provides Canadian workers and employers the tools they need to adapt and succeed. For workers, this includes supports for Employment insurance benefits and services, skills training options, and educational financial aid. For employers, this includes funding and benefit options and additional resources. Click Here to learn more about this valuable program.
Looking for past tips? Please visit our Tip of the Month archive for historical tips other useful information that will assist with your payroll and HR tasks.
Canadian Federal Payroll and Employment News
March 27, 2026 - Canada adds payroll jobs in January as vacancies hold steady amid uneven sector gains - Canada's labour market showed modest momentum to start 2026, with payroll employment rebounding in January even as job vacancies continued to trend lower on an annual basis, according to new data from Statistics Canada. Payroll employment rose by 45,600 positions (+0.2%) in January, reversing a decline recorded in December. (Full Story)
March 20, 2026 - Compliance gaps threaten cross-border hiring as Canadian firms go global: report - HR professionals in Canada and across North America involved in international hiring face fragmented employment and payroll rules, according to a recent report. North America has become the most sought‑after region for global hiring, with Canada and the United States topping employers' target lists even as compliance risks mount, Multiplier's Global Hiring Gap report shows. (Full Story)
March 17, 2026 - Canada's Minimum Wage Movement in 2026: What Employers and Workers Need to Know - As Canada enters the second quarter of 2026, significant shifts in minimum wage legislation are taking effect across the country. Driven largely by automatic indexation policies tied to inflation, these changes represent a continued effort to align worker compensation with the rising cost of living. (Full Story)
March 5, 2026 - Many Canadian women seeing limited pathways to promotions, according to study results - Many younger women in Canadian workplaces are facing career stagnation, according to new data, with a vast majority reporting no clear path to advancement and the need for upskilling. Recent data has found that 93 per cent of Canadian women and gender-marginalized workers between the ages of 18 and 29 see no clear pathways to a promotion at their workplace. (Full Story)
March 5, 2026 - Communication key to reinforcing value of workplace retirement plans: report - Employers can reinforce the value of their workplace retirement plans by communicating to plan members about the importance of having money later versus money now, according to a new report by the National Institute on Ageing at Toronto Metropolitan University's Pension Centre of Excellence. (Full Story)
March 4, 2026 - Companies scramble to fill jobs as foreign workers leave Canada - Some Canadian companies are now scrambling to fill jobs and meet orders as work permits expire, two years after the federal government drastically cut back the temporary foreign worker program. The federal government changed the rules to reduce the number of foreign workers. Two-year permits issued just before that change are now expiring, and companies are scrambling. (Full Story)
March 4, 2026 - Canada Labour Code: New Equal Treatment Wage Obligations on the Horizon - The federal government is introducing a new equal wages framework under the Canada Labour Code (the "CLC") that will require federally regulated employers to pay comparable employees the same rate of wages, regardless of employment status. The draft regulations are expected to come into force in the early months of 2026. (Full Story)
March 4, 2026 - Seasonal workers program under fire as class action moves ahead - Ontario's migrant farmworkers have won a major procedural victory in their fight over tied employment and access to Employment Insurance (EI), after the Ontario Superior Court of Justice certified a Charter class action against the federal government on behalf of tens of thousands of workers in the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP). (Full Story)
March 4, 2026 - Overeducated, underutilized: Why credential-based hiring is failing Canadian employers - Canadian employers have spent decades using university degrees as an easy filter for job candidates, particularly as applicant volumes grew and HR teams looked for simple ways to triage large piles of résumés. But growing evidence suggests that habit is leaving critical skills on the table. (Full Story)
March 3, 2026 - Survey shows Canadian women walk away from jobs over weak workplace benefits - Nearly two-thirds of Canadian women say employers treat International Women's Day more like a celebration than a check-up on how workplaces actually support them, according to new survey data from Benchmark Benefits Solutions Inc. At the same time, 75 percent say companies should be open about how they are actually supporting women. (Full Story)
March 2, 2026 - Canada Updates Guidance on Reciprocal Employment Under International Mobility Program - Canada has updated its guidance on how foreign workers can come to Canada under reciprocal employment arrangements. The changes affect the International Mobility Program and clarify how immigration officers assess work permit applications where Canadians are given similar job opportunities abroad. (Full Story)
February 26, 2026 - Payroll data weakens: Statistics Canada - Labour market conditions weakened in December, with payrolls shrinking, vacancies rising and wage growth slowing, according to data from Statistics Canada. In a report Thursday, the national statistical agency reported that payroll employment declined by 35,400 in December, resulting in an overall drop in payrolls for the year, which were down by 28,300 for 2025. (Full Story)
February 23, 2026 - Burnout, not bonuses, drives workplace risk in Canada - Nearly half of workers worldwide say they face burnout, and that disengagement could cost employers an estimated US$438bn this year. Sodexo Canada's new Workplace Wellness survey, conducted by Leger, together with its global whitepaper, Healthy Places + Happy People, links that strain directly to productivity pressure after a decade of flat growth in advanced economies. (Full Story)
February 20, 2026 - Employment Law Across Canada: Five Considerations for the Year Ahead - Canadian employers are entering 2026 amid sustained legislative reform and shifting judicial signals. Across multiple provinces, governments have expanded statutory leave protections, tightened pay transparency rules and imposed new workplace health obligations, while appellate courts continue to refine the framework for assessing termination risk. (Full Story)
February 17, 2026 - Backgrounder on Worker Retention Grant for Work-Sharing Employers - The Government of Canada has announced that applications are open for a new Worker Retention Grant for Work-Sharing Employers. The Grant allows employers with active Work-Sharing agreements to top up the income of participating employees who are working reduced hours and taking training. To be eligible for the new Worker Retention Grant, employers must have an approved and implemented Work‑Sharing agreement in place. (Full Story)
February 7, 2026 - Canada's youth are having trouble finding work, and 'it might take a while' before things get easier - Statistics Canada says the national unemployment rate fell 0.3 percentage points in January 2026, down from 6.8 per cent in December, as fewer people searched for work. Youth unemployment (15 to 24 years old) also decreased, falling by half a percentage point to 12.8 per cent in January, as the number of employed youth was little changed and fewer searched for work. (Full Story)
Provincial Payroll and Employment News (Choose province to expand articles)
March 3 2026 - International youth workers may lose Alberta health care coverage - As of Jan 7, Alberta Health coverage was not available for young international workers on International Experience Canada (IEC) Type 58 work permits. The IEC is a youth mobility program through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It allows people aged 18 to 35 from countries with an IEC agreement to work in Canada for up to two years. (Full Story)
March 1, 2026 - Alberta issues hundreds of invitations to foreign workers across two AAIP draws - The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) held two draws on February 20 and February 24, 2026, issuing close to 900 invitations to candidates. The AAIP issued 899 invitations across the two draws, with the majority going to candidates working in priority sectors under the Alberta Opportunity stream. (Full Story)
February 6, 2026 - How the risk of separation could cost Alberta thousands of jobs - Last year, uncertainty was a major theme in Canada. Frequent and dramatic changes in U.S. trade policy kept people, businesses, and governments on edge. If that level of uncertainty had lasted, it could have triggered a recession. But as 2025 unfolded, conditions turned out better than many anticipated. (Full Story)
February 6, 2026 - Alberta shows resilience with job growth - "Once again, Alberta is showing resilience and leading the country in job creation." said Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration Joseph Schow. "Last month, Alberta gained a massive 41,800 full time jobs. This comes in the face of global economic uncertainty that is having significant impact on other parts of Canada. (Full Story)
February 6, 2026 - Unemployment steady in Alberta, on par with national average - Alberta's unemployment rate dipped slightly last month, as did the national rate. Statistics Canada released its January 2026 Labour Force Survey on Friday, which showed Alberta's jobless rate dropping 0.3 percentage points from the month prior to sit at 6.4 per cent. (Full Story)
February 1, 2026 - Alberta was right to kill the minimum wage bill - When the Alberta NDP's minimum wage proposal died at second reading last November, the party leadership predictably cried foul, accusing the government of voting "against workers." But the evidence from California's recent experience and Alberta's own 2015 to 2018 experiment supports the government's position: minimum wage mandates destroy the jobs they claim to protect, and they hurt young workers most of all. (Full Story)
January 26, 2026 - Meaningful work is a big part of WCB-Alberta - Melissa Bellrose knew she'd get a chance to make the difference in people's lives when she started at the Workers' Compensation Board - Alberta (WCB-Alberta). What she (Full Story) didn't know was how much difference the company and her fellow employees would make in her life. (Full Story)
January 26, 2026 - Growing labour pool creates new opportunities for Alberta's Top Employers - Alberta is calling, and people are answering. Driven by affordability, strong job opportunities across diverse sectors and a high overall quality of life, the Alberta Advantage has led to a rapid influx of people. For three straight years, Alberta has been the most popular destination for Canadian residents moving within the country. (Full Story)
March 5, 2026 - Governments of Canada and British Columbia partner to support tariff-impacted workers and strengthen the workforce - Workers whose jobs have been directly or indirectly impacted by global tariffs will receive support to help them adapt, retrain and succeed, as a result of a partnership agreement announced today. Specifically, $70.4 million over three years will be invested through the new Canada-British Columbia Workforce Tariff Response to help more than 8,000 workers in British Columbia build new skills. (Full Story)
March 4, 2026 - Improving complaint process for employers, workers - Amendments to the Employment Standards Act and Temporary Foreign Worker Protection Act will help clarify and improve the employment standards complaint and dispute-resolution process for employers and workers. The Employment Standards Branch (ESB) ensures that employees in B.C. receive minimum standards of compensation and conditions of employment, helping protect workers from exploitation. (Full Story)
February 26, 2026 - Minimum wage increasing to $18.25 in 2026 - B.C.'s lowest-paid workers will get a wage increase to $18.25 per hour on June 1, 2026, in pace with inflation. Since 2017, B.C. has made regular, gradual increases to the minimum wage to give workers certainty and to give businesses predictability. In 2024, minimum-wage increases were protected in law, with the amount automatically tied to the previous year's inflation. (Full Story)
February 26, 2026 - Musculoskeletal injuries remain the most common workplace injury in B.C.: WorkSafeBC - WorkSafeBC is highlighting the continued impact of musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) in B.C. workplaces and the ongoing need for employers to reduce the risks associated with these injuries. An MSI is an injury or disorder of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, nerves, or blood vessels. Injuries may include sprains, strains, and inflammation, while disorders may include tendonitis, bursitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. (Full Story)
February 6, 2026 - Case Study: The Cost of Skipping Progressive Discipline: A Cautionary Tale for Employers - Our clients often tell us some version of this: "The issues were obvious. We'd talked to the employee multiple times. They knew there was a problem." Unfortunately, courts don't decide cases based on what felt obvious at the time. They decide them based on process, proof, and fairness. (Full Story)
February 9, 2026 - Top Employers say they are ready to meet province's hiring challenges - Recruitment for any type of employer in British Columbia is always a challenge, and with the provincial government projecting one million job openings in the next decade, the difficulties will only grow, along with the need to close critical skills gaps. This year's winners of the BC's Top Employers (2026) competition are well aware of what lies ahead, and they are united in finding new ways to attract fresh talent, provide on-the-job training and help advance their employees' careers. (Full Story)
January 28, 2026 - Sound Off: The future of skilled trades in B.C. - Communities across British Columbia are growing rapidly. And with that growth comes a clear need: more skilled tradespeople to help build and maintain the places we all rely on, like our homes, schools, hospitals and community infrastructure. As an MLA, I hear every day how important it is that we prepare people for these in-demand careers. (Full Story)
January 5, 2026 - B.C. jobs in high demand: Why 2026 may be the best time to learn a trade - Amid Prime Minister Mark Carney's push for nation-building projects and uncertainty around AI's impact on the job market, an advocate for British Columbia's construction industry says there's no better time to consider a career in the trades. (Full Story)
February 28, 2026 - Manitoba issues more invitations to foreign workers in latest immigration draw - The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) has held a new Expression of Interest (EOI) draw under two pathways of its Skilled Worker Stream. The province issued invitations-or Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs)-to candidates both in Manitoba and abroad, who stated they were directly invited by the MPNP through a strategic recruitment initiative. (Full Story)
February 16, 2026 - Manitoba expands work permit options: 16 occupations now exempt from sector requirements - Manitoba employers in all sectors can now support work permit extensions for workers in 16 skilled trades professions, under Manitoba's Temporary Resident Retention Pilot (TRRP). Prior to this change, employers had to be in one of the eligible sectors in order to support work permit extensions, regardless of the employee's occupation. (Full Story)
February 5, 2026 - Changes to the Temporary Resident Retention Pilot - Effective February 4, 2026, the sector eligibility criteria under the Temporary Resident Retention Pilot (TRRP) have been changed to better align with current labour market needs. Hospitality and Food Services sector is no longer an eligible sector under TRPP and a number of skilled trades have been added to the eligibility. (Full Story)
January 20, 2026 - Manitoba PNP Draw Invites 55 Skilled Workers Through Strategic Recruitment - Manitoba has started 2026 with a targeted immigration selection that reinforces its focus on workforce-driven growth. The Manitoba PNP Draw, officially listed as Expression of Interest Draw number #262, reflects the province's continued use of strategic recruitment to address labour shortages and regional development priorities. (Full Story)
January 17, 2026 - Manitoba's Career Employment Pathway for International Student Graduates - Canada has built a reputation for opportunities available to international students seeking world-class education and a pathway to permanent residency. Recently, however, as the number of international students to Canada has increased significantly, and as Express Entry has become extremely competitive, international students who wish to transition to permanent residency need to study Provincial Nominee Programs in building a strategy. (Full Story)
January 13, 2026 - What Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker Changes Mean for Manitoba Employers in 2026 - Over the past year, Canada's immigration system has undergone a series of changes that are directly affecting employers who rely on temporary foreign workers (TFWs). While these measures are intended to protect job opportunities for Canadians and permanent residents, they are also reshaping how businesses recruit, retain, and plan their workforce. (Full Story)
January 6, 2026 - Why Manitoba is poised for a defining workforce moment - A central message throughout the Magnet Network Live event was that Canada is now facing a productivity and technology adoption crisis that cannot be overlooked. AI is reshaping global economies at high speed, and we are not keeping pace. The implications are structural, influencing long-term competitiveness and economic resilience. (Full Story)
March 4, 2026 - Caregivers workshop program to expand provincewide - Senior care navigation workshops for caregivers are being expanded across the province. The free workshops - a collaboration of the government, the New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) and Collège Communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB) - equip caregivers with practical resources and direct support to better navigate New Brunswick's care services. (Full Story)
February 17, 2026 - Support for companies to increase competitiveness, grow and keep jobs in New Brunswick - The government, through Opportunities NB, is providing up to $54.3 million over the next three years to support New Brunswick companies as they modernize operations, improve productivity, strengthen long-term competitiveness and keep New Brunswickers working. (Full Story)
February 7, 2026 - New Brunswick invites skilled workers, in-province graduates, and French speakers in latest draws - The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) has conducted two draws, extending over 300 invitations to apply (ITAs) for provincial nomination. The province invited candidates through two provincial immigration streams, focusing on French speakers, those already working in NB or who have a qualifying job offer, and qualifying graduates or letter of interest recipients. (Full Story)
January 28, 2026 - WorkSafeNB's new finance system: What you need to know - WorksafeNB is excited to share that WorkSafeNB will soon have a new finance system that will affect vendors who provide corporate* supplies and/or services to our organization. If you provide supplies or services solely for injured workers, you will not be impacted by these changes and please continue to work with us the way you currently do. (Full Story)
March 6, 2026 - Newfoundland and Labrador Holds First 2026 Immigration Draw for Skilled Workers - Newfoundland and Labrador has started the year with a new immigration draw aimed at attracting skilled talent to the province. Through the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program and the Atlantic Immigration Program, the province continues to create pathways for foreign workers seeking permanent residence in Canada. (Full Story)
March 6, 2026 - PC's minimum wage increase 'far from a living wage,' says NDP leader - The provincial government's regulated 35-cent increase to Newfoundland and Labrador's minimum wage-bringing it to $16.35 an hour-falls far short from the living wage workers need to support themselves and their families amid a cost-of-living crisis, says the province's NDP leader. (Full Story)
February 26, 2026 - Minister Goosney Announces Increase to Minimum Wage Effective April 1, 2026 - The Honourable Mike Goosney, Minister of Labour, today announced a $0.35 increase to the provincial minimum wage, in accordance with Newfoundland and Labrador's Labour Standards Regulations. Effective April 1, 2026, minimum wage will increase to $16.35 an hour, with the minimum overtime wage rate rising to $24.53 an hour. (Full Story)
January 11, 2026 - Injured Workers' Statement of Benefits - Each year, Statements of Benefits (T5007) are issued to injured workers receiving wage-loss benefits directly from WorkplaceNL. For the 2025 tax year, T5007 forms will be available starting February 28, 2026. If you have a MyWorkplaceNL online account, or create one by February 13, 2026, you will receive your T5007 digitally through the online portal. (Full Story)
February 18, 2026 - N.W.T. nominee program changes selection process for upcoming intake - The N.W.T. is changing the rules for this year's intake of the territory's nominee program. It's an immigration program that allows the N.W.T. government to nominate foreign nationals for permanent residency who intend to live and work in the territory and who help meet labour market needs by filling jobs that employers haven't been able to fill with Canadians. (Full Story)
February 10, 2026 - In a shift, NWT employment rate regresses toward national mean - The latest Statistics Canada data shows the Northwest Territories' employment rate at its lowest for this time of year in at least a quarter of a century. For months, the proportion of working-age people finding and keeping jobs in the NWT has been among the lowest on record. (Full Story)
January 5, 2026 - New job posting requirements for Ontario employers take effect - With the arrival of 2026, Ontario's new rule on job postings has officially taken effect. Under legislation introduced in 2023, employers in Ontario with 25 or more employees must include either a specific salary or a pay range in all publicly advertised positions starting Jan. 1, 2026. The range cannot be wider than $50,000. (Full Story)
January 5, 2026 - N.W.T. consistently has Canada's highest median income - here's why - Families in the Northwest Territories consistently bring home the most money in Canada, but that doesn't mean everyone in the territory is doing well financially. Statistics Canada gathers information on the average income for families and single people for each province and territory through its Canada Income Survey. (Full Story)
March 31, 2026 - Minimum wage in Atlantic Canada is rising - but it is still not enough - Minimum wage is set to increase in all Atlantic provinces tomorrow, April 1st. Prince Edward Island is set to have the highest minimum wage in the region, going from $16.50 to $17.00 per hour. New Brunswick continues to have the lowest minimum wage in the region and third lowest in Canada, increasing from $15.65 to $15.90 per hour. Despite these increases, minimum wages in the region still fall far below each province's living wage. (Full Story)
March 11, 2026 - Nova Scotia Workers' Compensation Appeals System: share your feedback - The Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration (LSI) is conducting a review of Nova Scotia's Workers' Compensation Appeals System (WCAS), the first full review since 1999. The review builds on the 2024 Workers' Compensation System Review and focuses on improving fairness, accessibility and timeliness across all levels of appeal. (Full Story)
March 10, 2026 - Addressing wage increases for restaurants in Canada - As foodservice industry faces persistent challenges like labour shortages, rising prices, and supply chain uncertainly, wage increases are set to continue in 2026 in two Canadian provinces. Nova Scotia raised its minimum wage to $16.50 in October of last year, and has scheduled two additional increases in April and October 2026, bringing the final rate to $17.00 per hour. (Full Story)
March 5, 2026 - The sectors and occupations Nova Scotia is prioritizing for permanent residence under rural federal pilot - Pictou County has released the sectors and occupations it will be prioritizing for permanent residence (PR) under the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) in 2026. This year, Pictou County-situated in northern Nova Scotia along the Northumberland Strait-is prioritizing an additional sector and 14 new occupations. (Full Story)
February 19, 2026 - Some employers using foreign worker program facing bigger fines for violations - Amid increasing scrutiny on the use of Canada's temporary foreign worker program, the total dollar amount of fines imposed on employers who are found to violate the terms of the program has risen dramatically. However, some observers think changes to monitoring and enforcement of the program are still required. (Full Story)
February 18, 2026 - WCB and Government partner to protect workers and families - Nova Scotia's workplace injury rate is holding steady at a record low, and the Workers Compensation Board (WCB) wants to keep it that way. To do that, they're teaming up with the government to support workers and families and help prevent future tragedies. (Full Story)
February 13, 2026 - Changes to extended earnings replacement benefit (EERB) review - In the fall of 2025, Bill 144 amended the Workers' Compensation Act (the "Act") to allow the WCB to review an extended earnings-replacement benefit (EERB) at any time instead of only at fixed intervals (36 and 60 months). The change became effective on January 1, 2026. (Full Story)
February 10, 2026 - Province, NSCC Launch Institute of Skilled Trades - The Province and Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) are launching the Institute of Skilled Trades (IST) to provide students and apprentices with modern training and equipment to develop the skills employers need - today and in the future. The IST and skilled trades training at NSCC will focus on improving training quality, transforming learning environments and supporting more graduates and apprentices to meaningful, in-demand careers. (Full Story)
February 5, 2026 - WCB 2026 Operational Plan raises expectations for performance and service - The 2026 Operational Plan is now available. It outlines the priorities and performance targets that will guide our work in the year ahead based on the Protect More Strategic Plan (2024-2030). The plan highlights internal improvements that will make our systems safer and more secure. (Full Story)
January 21, 2026 - New Skills Program to Help Veterans Build Construction Careers - The Province is helping Canadian Armed Forces veterans, reservists and their family members transition to construction careers. The assistance is through the new Skills Bridge initiative that will support up to 100 people over the next three years. The program offers training, coaching and direct pathways into apprenticeship and employment opportunities across the province. (Full Story)
March 9, 2026 - icensed child-care centre wage scale increase - The Department of Education's Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) division is increasing the ELCC Wage Scale Program rates by 3% starting April 1, 2026, to support recruitment and retention of staff in licensed child-care centres. Through federal funding, the ELCC Wage Scale Program provides licensed child-care centres serving children ages 0-6 years contribution funding to top up staff wages to recommended levels. (Full Story)
March 4, 2026 - Finding a solution to Nunavut's high unemployment rate - Nunavut has the highest unemployment rate in Canada at 13.8 per cent as of January 2026, and it's returned to the same level as 22 years ago, Statistics Canada data shows. Unemployment in Nunavut has gone up and down significantly, but is now at the same level as when Statistics Canada first began recording monthly unemployment levels in the territory in January 2004. (Full Story)
February 12, 2026 - How employers in Northern Canada are approaching workforce development amid increasing demand for skilled workers - With demand for skilled workers in Northern Ontario, Yukon and Nunavut expected to rise sharply over the next two decades, such projections are highlighting challenges for employers in these regions as they rethink workforce development, says Andy Moorhouse, vice-president of economic development at Makivvik, a Quebec-based organization supporting the Inuit of Nunavik. (Full Story)
February 3, 2026 - Canadian Job Vacancies: Alberta Surges, Ontario Matches Nunavut Lows - Statistics Canada (StatCan) data show national job vacancies slipped in November, but it was far from a national trend. Five provinces showed monthly growth, with Saskatchewan and Alberta actually showing a substantial jump in hiring. The drag was primarily in BC and Ontario, with the latter's vacancy rate now so cold it matches Nunavut. (Full Story)
March 28, 2026 - Ontario issues over 1,000 invitations to foreign workers, graduates, and in-demand professionals - The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) held five targeted draws on March 25, 2026, issuing a total of 1,112 invitations to apply (ITAs) to candidates with job offers in high-demand occupations across different regions of the province. (Full Story)
March 18, 2026 - Ontario Workers Face Challenges in Collecting Back Pay - In Toronto, former retail security guard Jaskaran Singh is among many Ontario employees still waiting for back pay from their employers. Singh, who worked at Corporate Protection and Investigative Services, claims he left the job after weeks without pay despite promises of checks that never arrived. The Ministry of Labour confirmed that Singh is owed money and issued an order for payment, but enforcement remains elusive. (Full Story)
March 17, 2026 - Ontario and Canada Launch Workforce Tariff Response - The Ontario government is taking further action to protect Ontario workers by expanding training and employment supports for those impacted by tariffs and global trade disruptions. Through a $228.8 million investment from the Government of Canada over the next three years, Ontario will deliver the Canada-Ontario Workforce Tariff Response, helping up to 27,000 workers across the province retrain, upgrade their skills and stay competitive in key sectors of the economy. (Full Story)
March 13, 2026 - Tired of getting ghosted by employers? New Ontario law supports job seekers - Finding a job can be an extremely stressful and often long process. For many, the hunt for employment becomes a full-time job in itself - especially in Canada's current market. Unemployment rates neared a 10-year high in February, with an average rate of 6.7 per cent and 14.1 per cent for people under 24. (Full Story)
March 9, 2026 - Pay Equity Legislation in Ontario: A Guide for Employees - Pay equity isn't just about paying two people in the same role the same amount of money. While that's important, Ontario's legislation goes much, much deeper. It's designed to tackle a more hidden and systemic problem: the long-standing habit of undervaluing work simply because it's traditionally done by women. (Full Story)
February 20, 2026 - Ontario launches first-in-Canada registry to track workers' exposure to hazardous substances - As part of its plan to protect Ontario workers and their long-term health, the Ontario government is launching Canada's first Occupational Exposure Registry (OER) which will allow workers to record and track exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace. The online portal builds on the government's work to strengthen workplace health and safety by taking action to increase awareness and reduce harmful exposures, while giving workers a secure record they can reference throughout their careers. (Full Story)
February 17, 2026 - Automated external defibrillator (AED) reimbursement program - The automated external defibrillator (AED) reimbursement program supports safer work environments by reimbursing eligible businesses the cost of one AED (up to $2,500) for every qualifying construction project. The reimbursement program opens on January 1, 2026, and the last day to submit a reimbursement request is on July 31, 2027. AEDs purchased between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2027, are eligible for reimbursement through the program. (Full Story)
February 8, 2026 - New Ontario Minimum Wage Increase Coming In 2026 - Ontario workers are set to receive another minimum wage boost in 2026, as new inflation data indicates wage growth will continue under the province's automatic indexation formula. Statistics Canada's latest release shows the Ontario Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by +2.1% over the 12 months ending December 2025, which directly determines how much wages will rise when the new rates take effect in 2026. (Full Story)
February 3, 2026 - AI in hiring: Ontario employers grappling with new job posting disclosure requirement - On January 1, 2026, Ontario's new job posting disclosure requirements under the Employment Standards Act, 2000, SO 2000, c 41 (the ESA) came into effect. These disclosure requirements apply to employers with 25 or more employees on the day a publicly advertised job posting is posted. A "publicly advertised job posting" is defined as "an external job posting that an employer or a person acting on behalf of an employer advertises to the general public in any manner." (Full Story)
March 27, 2026 - Minimum wage increase a double-edged sword for businesses - While employers want to support their employees, PEI's upcoming minimum wage increase will be an additional strain on their business. Minimum wage on the Island will be going from $16.50 to $17 on April. This increase was previously announced in 2025, and follows the Employment Standards Board annual recommendation to government. (Full Story)
March 16, 2026 - Restaurants Canada says more access to temporary foreign workers a positive step for P.E.I. businesses - Ottawa will now allow rural businesses to employ more temporary foreign workers to help supplement the local workforce, a move Restaurants Canada says will help some restaurants on P.E.I. keep their doors open. On Friday, Ottawa announced it will allow rural employers to have a greater proportion of low-wage temporary foreign workers on their payroll on a time-limited basis. (Full Story)
March 8, 2026 - New federal funding helps P.E.I. farmers hire students, says agriculture group - New funding aimed at getting more young Canadians employed in the agriculture industry is good news for P.E.I. farmers, says the P.E.I. Agriculture Sector Council. The federal government announced it is spending up to $27 million over two years to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's youth employment and skills program - or YESP. There are also incentives to hire Indigenous youth, people with disabilities or anyone living in rural areas. (Full Story)
March 5, 2026 - Student Summer Employment Programs - Jobs for Youth & Post-Secondary Student Programs - PEI employers who hire students during summer may qualify for the employee wage subsidy offered through two separate student employment programs: Jobs for Youth Program and Post-Secondary Student Program. Funding priority will be given to employers who provide employment opportunities that promote community economic development and/or provide a valuable experiential learning opportunity related to the student's field of study. (Full Story)
March 5, 2026 - The WCB launches new resources to support Island workers and employers - The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) has developed three new guides and has updated a fourth resource to support the health and safety of Island workers and employers. The new and updated resources are free, easy to use and are available at wcb.pe.ca. "The WCB provides leadership in building safe and healthy workplaces," said Dan Campbell, CEO of the WCB. (Full Story)
February 19, 2026 - Qualifying provincial nominees can benefit from this special LMIA-exempt work permit - Provincial nominees may be able to obtain a new closed work permit to begin working in Canada before their permanent residence (PR) application is finalized, or extend their existing permit. This permit, granted to those who meet certain criteria (such as having a provincial support letter and a qualifying job offer), is exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process. (Full Story)
February 5, 2026 - WCB adds three new free online certificate courses to support PEI workplaces - The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) continues to expand its free online learning options with the launch of three additional online certificate courses designed for PEI workers and employers. The new courses are available anytime, anywhere through the WCB website. The three new courses are: Employer Incident Investigations, OHS Essentials and Psychological Health and Safety. (Full Story)
March 29 2026 - Saskatchewan boasts Canada's lowest unemployment-to-job vacancy ratio despite cooling hiring market - The "help wanted" signs might be coming down across Saskatchewan, but the province's labour market remains the tightest in the country for employers looking to hire. According to the latest data from Statistics Canada, Saskatchewan has 2.1 unemployed people for every job vacancy, the lowest ratio among all provinces. Quebec follows at 2.3, while the national average sits at 3.0. (Full Story)
March 28 2026 - Governments of Canada, Saskatchewan announce $15.6M plan to support tariff-impacted workers - The federal and Saskatchewan governments have announced a $15.6-million investment to help workers impacted by global tariffs retrain and transition into new job opportunities. The funding is expected to support up to 1,800 workers in industries such as steel, softwood lumber and other sectors affected directly or indirectly by shifting global trade conditions. (Full Story)
March 13, 2026 - Saskatchewan industries brace as temporary foreign worker permits set to expire - Industries that rely on temporary foreign workers in Saskatchewan are bracing for impact as thousands of permits are expected to expire in the province by the end of the year. At the end of this year, more than 1.3 million temporary work permits are set to terminate, according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). (Full Story)
March 3, 2026 - Employers beware - Enforcement under Saskatchewan's foreign worker protection legislation on the rise - Foreign worker management has always come with extra obligations and compliance rules for employers. Although compliance may not always be at the forefront of every employer's mind, it is something that must be considered with enforcement and prosecution now on the rise. In late 2025, the first charges were laid for violating Saskatchewan's provincial immigration and foreign worker protection laws. (Full Story)
February 26, 2026 - Canada Foreign Worker Protection Strengthened After Saskatchewan Employer Charged - Canada immigration is built on fairness, opportunity, and respect for workers' rights. Recent developments in Saskatchewan highlight how seriously Canada takes the protection of foreign nationals under its labour and immigration laws. The case involving alleged exploitation of foreign workers near Weyburn serves as an important reminder that Canada foreign worker protection remains a top priority across provinces. (Full Story)
February 7, 2026 - Saskatchewan adds 15,000 jobs year-over-year, posts low unemployment rate - Saskatchewan's labour market showed strong momentum to start the year, adding 15,000 jobs compared to January 2025. The province recorded an unemployment rate of 5.3 per cent in January, the second lowest among provinces and below the national average of 6.5 per cent. Year-over-year job growth of 2.5 per cent ranked second highest in the country. (Full Story)
February 2, 2026 - Small Saskatchewan businesses use personal approach to retain their top workers - Many smaller private sector companies face a similar challenge. They hire promising talent fresh out of school, develop their skills and give them the confidence to succeed, only to see them move on to a larger company. In Saskatchewan, there's a good chance that new employer will be in the public sector, offering a higher salary, job security, a pension and other benefits that a small company simply cannot match. (Full Story)
February 20, 2026 - Yukon job stats mostly static - Unemployment rates in the Yukon continue to be in flux. Fortunately, it appears from statistics provided by the Yukon Bureau of Statistics that the territory appears to be faring better than other parts of Canada. According to a report provided by the bureau this week, "in December 2025, the preliminary number of people receiving regular benefits in the Yukon was 640; of which, 450 were men, and 200 were women." (Full Story)
February 12, 2026 - How employers in Northern Canada are approaching workforce development amid increasing demand for skilled workers - With demand for skilled workers in Northern Ontario, Yukon and Nunavut expected to rise sharply over the next two decades, such projections are highlighting challenges for employers in these regions as they rethink workforce development. While much of Canada is grappling with ageing workforces and shrinking talent pools, northern regions face a different demographic reality. (Full Story)
February 11, 2026 - Yukon unemployment falls to 3.6% in January, highest participation in Canada - The Yukon's unemployment rate fell to 3.6 per cent in January 2026, a drop of 0.7 percentage points from December, according to data published by the Yukon Bureau of Statistics on Feb. 10, 2026. The territory's labour force held at 27,900 people in January, while employment rose by 200 to reach 26,900, and the number of unemployed residents fell to 1,000. (Full Story)
February 5, 2026 - Yukon minimum wage rising to $18.51 on April 1 as inflation adjustment kicks in - The Yukon's minimum wage will rise to $18.51 per hour on Apr. 1, the territorial government announced in a Feb. 5 news release. The increase moves the rate up from $17.94, reflecting a 3.2 per cent adjustment tied to Whitehorse's 2025 Consumer Price Index. The CPI figure was confirmed in a January report from the Yukon Bureau of Statistics. (Full Story)
Canada Labour Code: New Equal Treatment Wage Obligations on the Horizon
The federal government is introducing a new equal wages framework under the Canada Labour Code (the "CLC") that will require federally regulated employers to pay comparable employees the same rate of wages, regardless of employment status. The draft regulations are expected to come into force in the early months of 2026.
In this blog post, we highlight three key elements of the equal treatment framework that employers should begin preparing for now.
1. Equal Pay Across Employment Status
Federally regulated employers will be prohibited from paying an employee a lower rate of wages due to a difference in "employment status". The term "employment status" will be defined to include differences between full and part-time workers, as well as between temporary and permanent employees.
The prohibition applies where employees:
- perform substantially the same kind of work,
- require substantially the same skill, effort and responsibility,
- work under similar conditions, and
- are within the same industrial establishment.
The focus of the analysis is on job content and working conditions rather than job titles or classifications.
However, differences in wage rates remain permissible when they are based on reasons relating to:
- seniority,
- merit,
- the quantity/quality of production, and/or
- any other criterion that the regulations may prescribe.
2. Employee's Right to Request a Wage Review
An employee will be able to request a review of their wages if they believe that their current rate contravenes the new equal treatment rules. The employer must conduct the review and provide a written response within 90 days, which either:
- confirms an amendment (i.e. an increase) to comply, or
- explains why the current rate complies.
It is important to note that an employer will not be permitted to reduce an employee's rate of pay to comply with the rules.This means that where non‑compliance is found, the corrective action will be to raise the lower rate, not lower the higher one. Employers will also be prohibited from engaging in reprisals for making such a request.
3. Temporary Help Agencies
Federally regulated temporary help agencies will also be subject to a wage-parity rules.
Temporary help agencies will be prohibited from paying their employees less than their clients' employees who performs substantially the same work under similar conditions. Once again, differences in wage rates are permissible when they are based on the criteria listed in the CLC, i.e., seniority, merit, productivity, and other enumerated grounds in the regulations.
Additionally, temporary help agencies will be prohibited from:
- charging fees tied to becoming or remaining an employee or for assignment/job preparation services, and
- preventing or attempting to prevent a worker from moving into direct employment with the client.
It is important to note that parity is assessed only where the wages are calculated using the same type of rate - for instance, hourly to hourly or commission to commission. This is designed to ensure a clean, defensible comparator analysis.
Takeaways for Employers
With the federal equal treatment wage rules on the horizon, federally regulated employers should begin reviewing their compensation structures and policies. In particular, employers should ensure that comparator roles are clearly defined, permissible wage differentials are properly supported, and internal wage-review processes are capable of withstanding regulatory scrutiny.
If you need any assistance with employment and labour matters, including navigating these equal treatment wage rules, our team at McCarthy Tétrault LLP is available to assist. Please contact us with any questions or for assistance. Thank you to Shahaab Sherwani for his assistance with the preparation of this article.
This article is by permission from McCarthy Tétrault. Read the original article.
Software Updates
eNETEmployer (Current Release)
General:
- Fixed an issue where the Bonus tax calculation tax result did not match the PDOC in situations where a deduction was set as "Pension from bonus".
- The program now supports pay-period sub-orders so that amounts are collected in the correct order in cases where duplicate pay dates exist for different periods. This addresses an issue where the ROE report results would show varying amounts in certain cases.
- Grammatical updates to numerous program messages and labels.
- Enhanced support for CPP2 on various reports and statements.
- When an employee becomes age-exempt partway through the year, the program now collects CPP-applicable amounts from only the period in which the employee is eligible.
T4s and T4As:
- Updated the T4 and T4A forms and related details for the 2025 tax year.
- Added the CRA's 2025 T4 schema when using the Test button for a generated XML.
- Numerous CRA-mandated T4 and T4A changes including: Transmitter Business Number -15 alphanumeric, Transmitter Trust Number -1 alpha, 8 numeric, Transmitter NR4 -3 alpha, 6 numeric Transmitter RepID -7 alphanumeric.
- Exclude Transmitter's Name #2 text from the XML file. Although the XML file passes the CRA's schema test, the CRA website was rejecting the XML if this text was included.
- Fixed an issue where the RPP number was not appearing correctly on the T4s in cases where the pension was marked as a benefit with no deduction.
- Added the employee's Country code to the T4 and T4A file to better support employees with a US address.
- Updated the alignment of numerous fields in T4 Pressure Seal report.
- Added Box 85 - Northern Alberta Auto - to the T4 Review.
- Fixed an issue where blank T4s were being generated in cases where an employee had T4A income only. When an employee has Box 14 earnings, the program now checks if the earning is set to go to a T4 box.
- Fixed an issue where the SIN was being truncated on the T4 Review report in certain cases.
- Fixed an issue where the T4 Review Report was not including the 27A total.
- Adjusted T4A box 28 so that its total is unique, and not included in one of the "Other" amounts.
RL-1s
- Updated Releve1 form and related details for the 2025 tax year.
- Added 2025 Releve1 schema, with pending support for the Transmitter RepID and Transmitter CRA Account.
GrandMaster Suite (v21.05)
- 2026 tax table updates.
- Extended the file name length on import files.
- Fixed an issue with the "Limit to Current Payroll" option when creating the XML.
- Modified the T4 XML file for CRA - eliminated Employment code and Union dues if zero.
- Updated various settings for the T4 Sealers report.
- Added the print format for Releve 1's and the new 2025 form.
- Adjusted settings for better results in the Transaction Report.
- Corrected an issue when importing the employee rate when a new start date is present.
- Corrected first page, one line low on pay statements.
- Corrected payroll calculation - QPP2 not calculating.
- Added a "background" file name for emailing stubs for user with their custom background PDF.
- Corrected "Prepaid CPP" to reduce the current Pension calculation.
- Corrected an issue where the Record of Employee (ROE) was printing one line too high.
- Adjust CPP2 when reached max for CPP1 but not for CPP2.
- Corrected a file number issue when using the CITI bank EFT format.
GrandMaster II (v21.02)
- 2026 tax table updates.
- Adjusted an issue where CPP2 was being missed when uploading statements to eNETInbox.
- Corrected an issue with the CCP2 and QPP2 calculation.
- Removed Employment Code from the XML file when the T4 values are zero.
Newsletter Archive
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