Employment Standards Act Ontario: An Employer’s Guide to Upcoming Changes

In recent years, the Ontario government has brought in a series of amendments to the Ontario Employment Standards Act (ESA) and Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA) to make the province a better place to work in.     

Key provisions from the latest installment of these amendments – the Working for Workers Four and Five Acts, 2024 (Bill 149 and Bill 190) – are coming into effect soon.  

Employers should act now to ensure compliance with these new Ontario ESA and OHSA requirements to protect their business from huge fines and potential employee claims.  

This blog explains what the new regulations are, when they come into force, and what Ontario employers need to do to stay compliant. 

What are the new regulations affecting Ontario ESA? 

Mandatory terms and conditions of employment (Ontario Reg. 477/24) - Effective July 1, 2025 

Starting July 1, employers in Ontario with 25 or more employees must provide new staff with written details about their employment, generally before their first day of work.   

Employers will have to put in writing and share the following information with employees:  

• The employer’s legal name and operating/business name (if different).  
• Employer contact details, including address, phone number, and contact names.  
• The anticipated work location.  
• The employee’s starting wage rate (whether hourly or salary).  
• The applicable pay period and pay day.   
• A general description of initial hours of work.    

This requirement does not apply to assignment employees placed by temporary help agencies.

Combine Compliance with Better Protection! 

A good employment contract fulfills these new Ontario ESA requirements, while also providing you with additional protections from legal liabilities. Peninsula can help you with: 

1. Clear, legally valid employment contracts 
2.Comprehensive HR policies, handbooks, and termination letters 
3.Any other necessary employee documentation 

Speak to a Peninsula advisor today at (1) 833 247-3652 and learn how our services can help you be compliant with Ontario’s Employment Standards Act (ESA). Act now and avoid hundreds and thousands of dollars in fines.  

Recruitment requirements (Ontario Reg. 476/24) 

Ontario Job Posting Requirements - Effective January 1, 2026 

Employers with 25 or more employees must include the following in publicly advertised job postings: 

1. Expected compensation or a range of expected compensation. (The range posted must not exceed $50,000). This requirement is only for roles where the expected compensation is up to $200,000 annually. 
2. Disclosure of whether artificial intelligence (AI) is used to screen, assess, or select applicants. 
3. Whether the posting is for an existing vacancy. 

The following Ontario job postings are exempt from this regulation: 

1. A general recruitment campaign that does not advertise a specific position, 
2. A general help wanted sign that does not advertise a specific position, 
3. An internal posting that is applicable/limited to current employees of the employer, and 
4. A posting for a position for work performed outside Ontario. 

Prohibition on Canadian Experience Requirements - Effective January 1, 2026 

Employers are prohibited from requiring “Canadian experience” in job postings unless prescribed by law. 

Duty to Inform Interviewees - Effective January 1, 2026 

Employers must notify applicants interviewed for publicly advertised positions about hiring decisions within 45 days of the interview or last interview, either in person, in writing, or via technology. 

What are the new regulations affecting Ontario OHSA? 

Washroom Facility Standards (Ontario Reg. 480/24) - Effective July 1, 2025 

Employers must ensure workplace washrooms are clean and sanitary. Cleaning records must be maintained and made available. The records must: 

1. Show the date and time of the two most recent cleanings. 
2. Be posted near the washroom or electronically with clear instructions provided on how to access the records online. 

What are the consequences for not following the new regulations? 

Non-compliance could result in fines and prosecution: 

• Between $250 and $100,000 for the first offense.  
• Between $500 and $250,000 for the second offense  
• Between $5,000 and $500,000 for the third offense  

Fines under the OHSA are of up to $500,000 and/or up to 12 months' imprisonment. 

Do you need help implementing these requirements in your workplace? 

Peninsula's experts can quickly provide you with the necessary HR documentation you need to help your business stay protected and compliant. Our HR experts can answer any questions you may have about these new legislative changes and help you with any other employee issue you may be facing. 

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Call us today at (1) 833 247-3652 and find out how we can help you navigate these new Ontario ESA and OHSA changes.