The Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with a Disability set out the rights and obligations regarding employees, but what about volunteers? A reader of this blog (thanks Angie!) has asked about the application of these laws when recruiting volunteers. Human rights codes across Canada work largely the same on this issue,
Mandatory Workplace Postings in Ontario
I doubt there is anything more dry than reading a blog post about mandatory workplace government posters, but it’s a mandatory requirement that comes with fines and cranky inspectors if you don’t comply with the requirements. And I will try to make this a short post to minimize the pain.
New OHSA Requirement
As of
Working from Home: Legal Issues for Employers
Working from home, telecommuting, flexible hours, – whatever you call it, it is part of the Gen Y paradigm of focusing on work product rather than work process. In an information economy where so many workers are producing electronic written and graphic content rather than a physical product, many employees are pushing to work where
The Canadian Civic (Optional) Holiday
Many Ontario employees will be surprised to learn that the Civic Holiday on the first Monday of August is not a statutory holiday in Ontario. If your private sector workplace offers the day off, it is a perk, not a requirement. The Ontario Employment Standards Act is silent on this holiday, and while many collective
ILO Develops Standard on HIV/AIDS in the Workplace
The United Nations International Labour Organization (ILO) just held its annual conference in Geneva from June 1-18, 2010. The purpose of the annual conference is to develop and monitor compliance with international labour standards. 
The ILO is a tripartite agency of the United Nations, comprised of employer, employee and government representatives. They have been responsible for pushing forward numerous
Bill 168: Not All Doom & Gloom
There is a lot of activity, spilled ink and worry about complying with Bill 168 out there. For my own spilled ink, see my previous posts on the issue:
- Bill 168 Assessments: Deadline is Just Around the Corner
- Bill 168: Ontario Workplace Violence & Harassment (summary of the Bill)
Also see the Ministry of Labour/OHSCO’s resources at:
Intimate Relationships in the Workplace
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Toronto city councillor Adam Giambrone made a statement to the media last night that he has had "intimate relations" with women other than his spouse throughout most of 2009. 
While at 32 years old, the politician may be excused for the lapse in judgment, given his former bid to run
Bill 168 – Ontario Workplace Violence and Harassment
On December 9, 2009, Bill 168, the Occupational Health and Safety Amendment Act (Violence and Harassment in the Workplace) 2009 passed third reading in the Ontario legislature. This new law will amend the Occupational Health and Safety Act by introducing new duties on employers with respect to workplace violence and workplace harassment. It is anticipated that
Do Your Employees Use their Cell Phone While Driving?
What do your workplace policies say about using a cell phone while driving? For companies with a sales staff, delivery drivers, and couriers for example, there may be a large number of employees on the road every day.
Who pays for traffic tickets when the employee is stopped by police?
Last month, the Ontario government