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ARTICLE · 06 DECEMBER 2021

Ontario Passes Working For Workers Act, 2021

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On November 30, the Ontario government passed the Working for Workers Act, 2021 (the Act), which includes, among other things, prohibitions on the use of non-compete obligations...

CanadaEmployment and HR
Rebecca Wise
Rebecca Wise
Darryl Hiscocks
Darryl Hiscocks
Thomas Stevenson
Thomas Stevenson
Mavra Choudhry
Mavra Choudhry
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On November 30, the Ontario government passed the Working for Workers Act, 2021 (the Act), which includes, among other things, prohibitions on the use of non-compete obligations in employment agreements and requirements for most employers in Ontario to develop “disconnecting from work” policies.

What you need to know

  • Non-compete obligations in employment agreements (non-compete agreements) are now prohibited (and, if applicable, voided) in most employment contracts entered into after October 25, 2021. Exceptions are made for non-compete agreements with the highest-ranking executives of a company and in the context of a sale of a business. 
  • Any employer with 25 or more employees is required to develop a written policy in respect of “disconnecting from work”.

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