Key Proposed Changes Under Bill 149

On November 14, 2023, Ontario introduced the Working for Workers Four Act, 2023, ("Bill 149"), which proposes to provide expanded protections for employees.

KEY PROPOSED CHANGES UNDER BILL 149

1. TRANSPARENT JOB POSTINGS

Bill 149 proposes to amend the current Employment Standards Act, 2000 ("ESA") to require "publicly advertised job postings" to comply with the following:

State expected salary range for the role;

Set out the extent to which the employer is using artificial intelligence to assist in selecting applicants for the posted position; and

Prohibition on requiring Canadian work experience, unless permitted by law.

2. COMPENSATION DURING TRIAL PERIODS

Employers would be obligated to compensate employees for any work conducted during trial periods, aligning with existing requirements for the time an employee spends training.