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ARTICLE · 09 DECEMBER 2021

Working For Workers Act, 2021: Significant Changes To Employment Law In Ontario

Alexander Holburn Beaudin + Lang LLP
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The Working for Workers Act, 2021 (the "Act")[1] became law when it received Royal Assent on December 2, 2021. The Act introduces significant changes to employment laws in Ontario

CanadaEmployment and HR
Michael Furyk
Michael Furyk
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The Working for Workers Act, 2021 (the "Act")1 became law when it received Royal Assent on December 2, 2021. The Act introduces significant changes to employment laws in Ontario, including the following:

  • Requirement that employers with 25 or more employees institute a disconnect from work policy;
  • Prohibition on employers from entering into non-compete agreements with employees, with limited exceptions; and
  • Requirement that temporary help agencies and recruiters obtain a license to operate in Ontario with a prohibition against a recruiter or employer charging fees to foreign nationals.

These changes are discussed in more detail below.

DISCONNECT FROM WORK POLICY

The Employment Standards Act, 20002 was amended effective December 2, 2021 to require employers with 25 or more employees to institute a written policy for all employees permitting the right to disconnect from work. Disconnecting from work is defined as "not engaging in

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