NEWS OF THE MONTH
Canada Introduces Temporary EI Measures to Support Workers Affected by Foreign Tariffs
The Government of Canada has introduced temporary Employment Insurance (EI) measures to support workers affected by foreign tariffs. Announced by Minister of Jobs and Families Steven MacKinnon, these measures aim to ease financial strain and improve access to benefits.
The key initiatives include:
- Lowering EI qualification thresholds: A one-point boost to regional unemployment rates will reduce the hours required to qualify for benefits and extend entitlement by up to four weeks (effective for three months).
- Faster access to EI benefits: Severance, vacation, and other separation payments won’t delay EI payments (effective for six months).
- Waiving the waiting period: Workers will receive benefits in their first week of unemployment (effective for six months).
These measures complement recent changes to the EI Work-Sharing Program and align with ongoing provincial and territorial workforce development efforts.
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Federal News
Federal Minimum Wage Increases to $17.75 Per Hour
Workers in federally regulated industries are now earning a higher minimum wage, as the federal rate increased to $17.75 per hour on April 1, 2025. This 2.4% rise helps wages keep pace with the cost of living, offering improved financial stability for employees in part-time, temporary, and low-wage roles.
Under the updated rules, employers in federally regulated private sectors must pay workers at least $17.75 per hour. If provincial or territorial minimum wages are higher, employers must adhere to the greater rate.
FEATURED ARTICLE
Best Practices for Employer Termination Policies in Canada
Terminating an employee is never easy, but failing to follow proper procedures can lead to significant legal and financial risks. In this article, Tom Archibald, Employment Lawyer at HRC Law Professional Corporation, explores key best practices for termination policies, including compliance with employment standards, distinguishing between “with cause” and “without cause” terminations, and ensuring adequate notice or severance pay. With employment laws constantly evolving, this expert guide helps employers mitigate risks and maintain fair, legally sound policies.
PROVINCIAL NEWS
Ontario
Ontario to Raise Minimum Wage to $17.60 in October 2025
The Ontario government has announced an increase in the province’s minimum wage from $17.20 to $17.60 per hour, effective October 1, 2025. The adjustment, based on the Ontario Consumer Price Index (CPI) of 2.4%, will make Ontario’s minimum wage the second highest among Canadian provinces.
For full-time minimum wage workers, this increase will mean up to $835 more in annual earnings. Under the Employment Standards Act, minimum wage adjustments in Ontario are tied to inflation, ensuring wages keep pace with the cost of living.
Ontario
Ontario Employer Ordered to Pay $23,000 for Firing Worker Over Sick Leave
An Ontario employer terminated an employee shortly after she took Infectious Disease Emergency Leave (IDEL) for COVID-19—and it just cost them over $23,000 in damages. In Rabia Rehman v. APGN Consulting Inc., the Ontario Labour Relations Board found the dismissal was partly motivated by the employee’s protected leave, violating the Employment Standards Act. The ruling highlights critical risks for employers: even if performance issues exist, linking termination to legitimate absences can lead to costly reprisal claims. Here’s what went wrong and how to avoid similar pitfalls.
Ontario
Mary Smith: Ontario’s First Female Construction Safety Inspector
Mary Smith, now 90, made history in the 1980s as Ontario’s first female construction safety inspector. Facing an all-male industry, she broke barriers at the Ministry of Labour, ensuring job site safety and advocating for better training. Throughout her career, she remained steadfast against intimidation and even bribery attempts. From her early days at Bell Canada to managing demolition projects, Smith’s journey was anything but conventional. While she sees progress for women in construction, she urges continued efforts to break barriers, encouraging young women to persist and seek growth opportunities in the trades.
Alberta
Alberta Introduces Amendments to Privacy and Access Legislation
Alberta is amending its privacy and access laws through Bill 46, the Protection of Privacy and Access to Information Statutes Amendment Act, in preparation for the implementation of two new acts replacing FOIP legislation. The updates clarify privacy protections for derived data, align legal language, and introduce regulatory powers for future legislative changes.
Ministers Dale Nally and Nate Glubish emphasized the importance of modernization and consistency in privacy protections. The Protection of Privacy Act and Access to Information Act—passed in December 2024—will take effect in spring 2025, alongside supporting regulations.
Britsh Columbia
B.C. Declines Request to Amend Labour Code for Inland Ferry Services
The B.C. government has denied a request from the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) to amend the Labour Relations Code to classify inland ferry routes as essential services. Deputy Labour Minister Mary Sue Maloughney stated that essential service levels are determined by the Labour Relations Board (BCLRB) based on existing legal standards. The request aimed to mandate the consideration of mental health and welfare impacts in essential service decisions.
The dispute between the B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) and employer Western Pacific Marine (WPM) over wages and working conditions continues. BCGEU criticized WPM’s latest contract offer, calling it a major rollback, while WPM accused the union of stalling negotiations. The impasse raises concerns about further job action affecting ferry-dependent communities.
Britsh Columbia
Jurisdictional Misclassification Leads to Costly ESA Penalty
A recent B.C. Employment Standards Tribunal ruling serves as a cautionary tale for employers who assume they fall under federal rather than provincial employment laws. Crew Haulers, a transportation service contracted by CN Rail, was ordered to pay $10,000 in unpaid wages and entitlements after incorrectly claiming federal jurisdiction under the Canada Labour Code (CLC) instead of adhering to B.C.’s Employment Standards Act (ESA).
The tribunal reaffirmed that jurisdiction is determined by the nature of the business—not its clients. Employment lawyer Frank Molnar noted, “Just because you provide services to a federally regulated company doesn’t make you federally regulated.”
This case highlights the risks of misclassification, as failing to comply with the correct employment laws can result in legal disputes, financial penalties, and unintended liabilities. Employers should seek legal guidance early to ensure compliance and avoid costly mistakes.
Manitoba
Manitoba Strengthens Workplace Safety with Bill 29 Amendments
The Government of Manitoba has introduced Bill 29, amending The Workplace Safety and Health Act, to enhance workplace safety standards. Manitoba will be the first jurisdiction in Canada to align with the 2013 Canadian Standards Association definition of psychological safety.
Key changes include recognizing psychological safety as a workplace right, defining dangerous work to include mental health risks, and introducing medical surveillance for over-exposure to harmful substances.
Regulations will outline how employers can prevent workplace psychological injuries, particularly for frontline workers like healthcare staff, paramedics, and law enforcement officers. The bill also introduces stricter penalties for employers attempting to evade accountability for unsafe work environments.
Manitoba
New Initiative Aims to Fight Against Labour Trafficking
The Manitoba government has unveiled a deficit budget aimed at shielding the province’s economy from potential tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. The government is increasing capital spending and introducing tax changes to protect jobs and boost business investment.
Key measures include:
- Increased Capital Spending: A significant boost to infrastructure funding, including a 4% increase in the highway budget and fuel tax revenue allocations to municipalities.
- Payroll Tax Cuts: Higher thresholds for payroll tax, reducing costs for businesses.
- Tariff Retaliation: Ending provincial electric vehicle rebates for Chinese-made cars and Tesla models.
- New Supports: Expansion of the free birth control program, a one-year waiver of provincial park entry fees, and a $2,500 security rebate for small businesses.
- Tax Changes: A $100 increase in the education property tax credit, though income tax brackets and personal exemptions will be frozen, affecting higher earners.
The budget projects a $794 million deficit, which could rise to $1.9 billion if tariff-related aid programs for businesses and agricultural producers are needed. Finance Minister Adrien Sala emphasized the government’s commitment to balancing the budget before the next election in 2027. However, critics argue that rising property taxes and a lack of spending controls could pose future fiscal challenges.
Manitoba
Manitoba’s Top Employers: 2025 Winners
Manitoba’s Top Employers (2025), organized by Mediacorp Canada Inc., has announced this year’s winners. Now in its 19th year, the competition recognizes Manitoba employers that lead in workplace culture, employee benefits, career development, and community involvement.
The competition evaluates companies based on eight key criteria, including workplace culture, benefits, vacation policies, employee engagement, and community involvement. Manitoba’s economy remains diverse, with a skilled workforce, making it a competitive region for top employers.
Notable Employers & Their Initiatives
- Pollard Banknote – Encourages employee engagement through creative projects like Pride floats.
- Payworks – Offers “Pay It Forward” volunteer days and integrates local culture into office spaces.
- Manitoba Hydro & Red River Co-op – Support employees’ charitable efforts with paid volunteer time and donation matching.
- Canada Life & Manitoba Blue Cross – Prioritize mental health and extended health benefits, including coverage for retirees.
- University of Manitoba & Assiniboine College – Provide subsidized fitness facilities and career development programs.
Manitoba
Manitoba to Raise Minimum Wage to $16 on October 1
Manitoba Labour and Immigration has announced that the provincial minimum wage will increase by 20 cents to $16 per hour, effective October 1, 2025.
The adjustment, regulated under the Employment Standards Code, reflects Manitoba’s 2024 inflation rate of 1.1%, rounded up to the nearest five cents. This marks an increase from the current $15.80 per hour.
Manitoba updates its minimum wage annually to align with inflation, ensuring wages keep pace with the cost of living for workers across the province.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan planning to support steelworkers in response to U.S. tariffs: Moe
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says the province is developing a plan to support steelworkers in response to U.S. tariffs. While details are unclear, Moe emphasized using Saskatchewan’s economic strength to help. He has been meeting with employers to explore options.
The U.S. imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, prompting Canada to respond with equivalent levies on $29.8 billion worth of U.S. goods.
Minimum Wage in Canada by
Province/Territory (2024)
Alberta: $15 per hour, which has been in effect since October 1, 2018. Students under 18 years of age who work less than 28 hours per week earn a minimum wage of $13.00 per hour. Salespersons (including land agents and certain professionals) earn a minimum wage of $598 per week. Domestic employees (living in their employer’s home) earn a minimum wage of $2,848 per month.
British Columbia: $17.40 per hour, which has been in effect since June 1, 2024. The minimum wage will rise to $17.85 starting June 1, 2025. For live-in camp leaders, the daily rate for each day or part day worked is $133.69. For live-in home support workers, the current daily rate is $124.73 per day or part day worked. The minimum wage for resident caretakers is a monthly wage based on the number of suites in the building: $1002.53 per month plus $40.17 for each suite for a building with 9 to 60 residential suites / $3414.85 per month for a building with 61 or more residential suites. Gig workers using app-based services will earn a minimum wage of $20.88 per hour starting September 3, 2024.
Federal Minimum Wage: $17.75 per hour, which has been in effect since April 1, 2025.
Manitoba: $15.80 per hour, which has been in effect since Oct. 1, 2024. The minimum wage is set to rise to $16.00 starting October 1, 2025.
New Brunswick: $15.65 per hour, which has been in effect since April 1, 2025.
Newfoundland and Labrador: $16.00 per hour, which has been in effect since April 1, 2025.
Northwest Territories: $16.70 per hour, which has been in effect since Sep. 1, 2024.
Nova Scotia: $15.70 per hour, which has been in effect since April 1, 2025. The minimum wage is set to rise to $16.50 on October 1, 2025.
Nunavut: $19 per hour, which has been in effect since January 1, 2024.
Ontario: $17.20, which has been in effect since October 1, 2024. The minimum wage is set to rise to $17.60 effective October 1, 2025. The special minimum wage rates are as follows:
- $16.20 per hour for students under the age of 18 who work 28 hours a week or less when school is in session or work during a school break or summer holidays.
- $18.90 per hour for homeworkers (those who do paid work out of their own homes for employers).
- Hunting, fishing, and wilderness guides earn $86 per day when working less than five consecutive hours in a day and $172.05 per day when working five or more hours in a day.
Prince Edward Island: $16.00 per hour, which has been in effect since October 1, 2024.
Quebec: $15.75 per hour, which has been in effect since May 1, 2024. The minimum wage is set to rise to $16.10 starting May 1, 2025.
Saskatchewan: $15.00 per hour, which has been in effect since October 1, 2024.
Yukon: $17.94 per hour, which has been in effect since April 1, 2025.
Plan Ahead with Confidence:
Holiday List 2025
List of Provincial, Territorial, and Federal Statutory Holidays 2025
We get it—keeping track of statutory holidays can be a bit of a headache when you’re juggling everything else. To make things easier, we’ve put together a complete list of this year’s holidays for you.
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Words from our Happy Clients
Client Spotlight: Bow Valley Stand Up Paddleboarding & Surf Inc.
We’re thrilled to share a video testimonial from Bow Valley Stand Up Paddleboarding & Surf Inc. Watch the video to learn how we’ve helped them overcome HR challenges and achieve their goals.
