The federal government has established an
independent Expert Panel to provide advice and conduct
consultations on the modernization of labour standards in Part III
of the Canada Labour Code (the Code).
In 2017 and 2018, a series of consultations preceded legislative amendments to the Code,
including new pay equity rules between employment statuses, new
leaves of absence, and enhanced vacation and termination
entitlements. During that process, five additional issues
were identified. According to the government, the topics reflect
the modernization of the Canadian economy, and the inevitable
changes to employment as a result. The issues arise from the
increase of technology in the workplace, alternative work
arrangements, and the gig economy. These have blurred the
boundaries of what is traditionally considered an employee and what
it means to be at work or working.
