NEWS OF THE MONTH
Ontario Minimum Wage Increases
As of October 1, 2024, Ontario’s general minimum wage has increased to $17.20 per hour, reflecting the rise in the Consumer Price Index. This change impacts employers and workers alike, highlighting the need for businesses to adjust to wage increases.
The new 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.
This increase is tied to the Ontario Consumer Price Index for 2024.
Along with Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Prince Edward Island have implemented new minimum wage rates effective October 1st, 2024.
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- Microsoft Excel – Download the familiar Excel version you see below.
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What can this tracker do for you?
- Efficient Tracking: Keep a close eye on crucial employee data including:
- Sick leaves
- Personal leaves
- Vacation
- Protected leaves
- Lates
- Easy Management: Simplifies the process, allowing you to manage all kinds of employee absences in one place.
Before you begin using the tracker, please review the “Instructions” tab for detailed guidance on setup and usage.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please email us at service@hrcovered.com or call us at +1 866-606-0149. We’re here to help!
Federal News
Canada Post Suspends Workers for Refusal to Deliver ‘Child Sex-Change Ban’ Flyer
Two mail carriers in New Brunswick have been suspended by Canada Post for refusing to deliver a flyer promoting a “child sex-change ban.” The flyer, distributed by the Campaign Life Coalition, contains harmful language against transgender individuals.
The suspension has sparked debate about Canada Post’s role in delivering potentially offensive materials. While Canada Post maintains its neutrality, employees argue that the flyer violates their anti-discrimination policies.
The incident has raised concerns about workplace discrimination and the treatment of transgender individuals in Canada.
PROVINCIAL NEWS
Ontario
Ontario Proposes New Regulation for Posting Washroom Cleaning Records
The Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) has proposed a regulation under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) requiring workplaces to post records of washroom cleaning. This would apply to a wide range of sectors, including construction, industrial establishments, mines, farming operations, and health care facilities.
The proposed regulation is contingent on the passage of amendments to the OHSA as part of Bill 190, the Working for Workers Five Act, 2024, currently under review in the Legislature. MLITSD is conducting a Regulatory Impact Analysis to assess the costs and benefits of this proposal and is seeking public feedback by October 18, 2024..
Ontario
Convenience Stores Across Ontario Can Now Sell Beer, Wine, Cider, and Ready-to-Drink Beverages
As of September 5, 2024, all licensed convenience stores in Ontario can now sell beer, wine, cider, and ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages, marking a significant expansion in consumer choice. This change includes 4,187 convenience stores and nearly 3,000 other licensed retailers, giving Ontario residents greater access to alcohol. The expansion supports local businesses and Ontario-made beverage producers, with a mandate that at least 20% of the products sold must be from craft producers.
The phased rollout will continue through October 2024, eventually allowing all eligible convenience, grocery, and big-box stores to sell these beverages. Additionally, licensed stores can now display alcoholic products in multiple areas, and wine and spirits can be transferred between affiliated locations. This initiative is seen as a major boost for Ontario’s craft beer and wine industries, promoting local products and benefiting the province’s economy.
Ontario
Case Study: Can Employees Wear Rainbow Stickers?
The case of Zanette v. Ottawa Chamber Music Society involved a volunteer who was requested to remove a rainbow sticker from his name badge in accordance with the employer’s dress code. The volunteer contended that this request amounted to discrimination based on his sexual orientation and identity. However, the Tribunal determined that the organization had enforced its dress code policy uniformly among all employees and found no evidence of discrimination related to his identity as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
Alberta
Alberta Invests Over $1 Million in Labour Market Research
Alberta is investing over $1.2 million in the newly established Alberta Centre for Labour Market Research, aimed at aiding employers and job seekers in navigating the evolving labour market. The funding, allocated over three years, will support research on critical policy issues affecting Albertans, while also equipping students with the necessary skills to tackle future labour challenges.
The Centre, based at the University of Alberta, will include 25 researchers from five higher education institutions: Athabasca University, Mount Royal University, University of Alberta, University of Calgary, and University of Lethbridge. Directed by economics professor Joseph Marchand, the Centre seeks to provide valuable insights into emerging labour trends and issues, fostering better decision-making for job seekers, business leaders, and policymakers.
This initiative is part of the broader Alberta at Work program, which aims to enhance the availability of labour market information and support skill development across the province.
British Columbia
New First Aid Regulations in British Columbia Effective November 1, 2024
New first aid regulations will come into effect in British Columbia on November 1, 2024, as part of updated requirements under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR). These changes are designed to enhance workplace safety and ensure adequate emergency care is available.
The level of first aid required at workplaces will now be determined by several factors, including:
- The number of staff
- Proximity to a BC Ambulance Station
- Accessibility for BC Ambulance personnel
- Nature of workplace activities
All workplaces, including the BC Public Service, must conduct a new first aid assessment by October 31, 2024. This assessment will involve evaluating the new criteria, which will affect the necessary training levels, first aid kit contents, and other equipment.
To comply with the new regulations, it is essential for employers to ensure that trained first aid attendants are present during operational hours and that appropriate first aid supplies are available. Resources and frequently asked questions regarding the new regulations are accessible for further guidance.
British Columbia
Province Agrees to Give B.C. Wildfire Fighters Earlier Pensions
British Columbia’s government has announced plans to introduce earlier pension eligibility for wildland firefighters, a move praised by the firefighters’ union amidst ongoing challenges related to recruitment and retention in the B.C. Wildfire Service. The agreement-in-principle allows these firefighters to retire as early as age 50, compared to the current minimum of 55, aligning their pension benefits with those of other public safety workers like paramedics.
This decision comes in response to the increasing demands on firefighters, especially after a record-breaking wildfire season in 2023, which saw over $1 billion spent on firefighting efforts. The union emphasizes that improving pension options is vital for retaining experienced personnel and addressing mental and physical health concerns among firefighters.
As the province works to bolster its firefighting workforce, including a 55% increase in permanent staff since 2022, the proposed pension changes could take effect by April 1, 2026, pending further discussions and ratification.
British Columbia
Reports Say Alarming Number of Businesses Considering Leaving BC
A report from Daily Hive highlights concerns among BC business organizations about the potential loss of businesses due to escalating costs and other economic factors.
“Sixty-four percent of employers are considering leaving the province and taking their business to another jurisdiction,” said Fiona Famulak, president and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce.
She suggested that steps like reducing taxes and fees and raising the employer health tax threshold could help. Additionally, she criticized BC’s unique mandatory paid sick leave policy, stating, “We are the only province that has mandatory paid sick leave.”
Leaders worry that BC might miss opportunities to other provinces or even the USA, which Famulak noted would have catastrophic implications.
Various BC business groups, including the Business Council of BC and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, united to call for a provincial economic plan. Their release emphasized the productivity challenges faced by Canada and British Columbia.
Manitoba
Manitoba’s Minimum Wage Increases
Manitoba has increased its minimum wage from $15.30 to $15.80 per hour, effective October 1, 2024. According to reports, this adjustment is part of an effort to align wages with the Consumer Price Index, which tracks inflation. The last increase, in 2023, resulted in a total raise of $1.80 over two adjustments. Future revisions are scheduled for October 1, 2025.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan’s New Minimum Wage
Saskatchewan has raised its minimum wage from $14.00 to $15.00 per hour, which is now in effect. This 7.14% increase follows a previous adjustment made in October 2023. Saskatchewan continues to work toward improving wage standards, emphasizing the need for periodic updates based on economic conditions.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Proposes 27-Week Unpaid Leave for Serious Illness
The Nova Scotia government has introduced a bill that would provide employees with up to 27 weeks of unpaid leave for serious illnesses or severe workplace injuries. Labour Minister Jill Balser announced the proposal on September 5, 2024, stating that if enacted, it would allow workers to focus on recovery without the fear of losing their jobs.
Currently, workers can take up to three unpaid days off, with the new legislation also adding five additional unpaid leave days for general illness. The bill aims to strengthen job protection for employees, particularly those diagnosed with serious conditions, as highlighted by consultations with the Canadian Cancer Society.
Newfoundland and Labrador
New Website Launched in Newfoundland and Labrador to Support Dementia Patients and Caregivers
The Newfoundland and Labrador government has launched a new website aimed at supporting individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. Announced by Health Minister John Hogan at a recent press conference, the website serves as a resource hub that provides information on available supports, diagnosis, treatment options, and training for communities and businesses to become more dementia-friendly.
This initiative is part of the province’s broader dementia-care plan, which was introduced in March 2023, and is funded in part by the Public Health Agency of Canada, with an annual budget of $3.5 million. The new website provides tools and resources to encourage community involvement in making local spaces more inclusive for those affected by dementia.
Prince Edward Island
Province’s New Paid Sick Leave Takes Effect
As of October 1, 2024, Prince Edward Island (PEI) has implemented new paid sick leave provisions under amendments to the Employment Standards Act. This initiative enhances worker protections and provides financial security during illness.
The new paid sick leave is based on employee tenure:
- One day after 12 months of continuous employment
- Two days after 24 months
- Three days after 36 months
Qualified employees receive their regular pay during sick leave, applicable to both hourly and salaried workers. For salaried employees, compensation reflects their standard daily rate.
This new provision builds on existing employee benefits in PEI, where workers with five or more years of service have been entitled to one day of paid sick leave per year since 2010, along with options for unpaid sick leave.
Prince Edward Island
PEI Implements New Minimum Wage of $16.00 per Hour
Prince Edward Island has increased its minimum wage from $15.40 to $16.00 per hour, effective October 1, 2024. This change follows an earlier increase that took place on April 1, 2024. The new rate aims to further support workers in the province as they navigate rising living costs.
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. 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: $17.30 per hour, which has been in effect since April 1, 2024.
Manitoba: $15.80 per hour, which has been in effect since Oct. 1, 2024.
New Brunswick: $15.30 per hour, which has been in effect since April 1, 2024.
Newfoundland and Labrador: $15.60 per hour, which has been in effect since April 1, 2024.
Northwest Territories: $16.70 per hour, which has been in effect since Sep. 1, 2024.
Nova Scotia: $15.20 per hour, which has been in effect since April 1, 2024.
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 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 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.
Saskatchewan: $15 per hour, which has been in effect since October 1, 2024.
Yukon: $17.59 per hour, which has been in effect since April 1, 2024.
Holiday List 2024
List of Provincial, Territorial, and Federal Statutory Holidays 2024
Still searching the internet for this year’s statutory holiday list? No need to look any further! We’ve got you covered with a comprehensive list for both federally and provincially regulated employers, ensuring you stay informed throughout the year.
Harassment Investigations in the Workplace: Best Practices for Canadian Employers
In today’s workplace, ensuring a safe and respectful environment is paramount. When allegations of harassment arise, a fair and thorough investigation is essential to uphold the integrity of your organization. In our latest article, we delve into the critical aspects of conducting effective harassment investigations, from the legal obligations employers face to the importance of maintaining confidentiality.
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Penny Coffee House
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