Federally regulated employers should take note of significant
reforms to the Canada Labour Code (Code) that have been proclaimed
into force and have taken effect as of September 1, 2019. These
changes are part of sweeping reforms aimed at modernizing the
outdated Code through a series of Budget Implementation Bills
(notably, Bill C-63 and Bill C-86). Some of these proposed changes
were highlighted in our newsletter article Bill C-86: Federal
Government Proposes Significant Changes to Minimum Labour Standards
of Canada Labour Code. These reforms have taken effect as of
September 1, 2019, and are summarized below.
Work Schedule
An employer will be required to give an employee notice of their
work schedule in writing at least 96 hours prior to the start of
the employee's first work period or shift under that schedule.
Failure to provide 96 hours' notice may result in the employee
refusing to work that shift. An exception applies if the change or
extension of the shift