On January 1, 2018, the most apparent change to the
Employment Standards Act, 2000 (the "ESA")
brought about by Bill 148 was implemented: the minimum wage for
most employees in Ontario increased from $11.60 per hour to $14.00.
The Wynne Government has indicated that if re-elected, this will
increase to $15.00 by 2019.
The changes to the ESA brought by the enactment of Bill 148 go
beyond the increased minimum wage. In addition to the minimum wage
and multiple other changes, Bill 148 brings a new focus on the
enforcement by the Ministry of Labour of the provisions and rules
in the ESA. This includes a commitment to hire 175 additional
Employment Standards Officers, new provisions allowing the Ministry
of Labour to publish information about employers given recognition
under the ESA, and increased fines for parties convicted of
violating the ESA. The Ministry of Labour has also made a public
commitment to increase its practice of undertaking proactive
workplace
