Final legislation in British Columbia establishes a new employer-paid sick leave entitlement, while final federal legislation in Canada will increase the paid sick leave entitlement for employees in federally regulated industries (such as banking, communications and airlines). Ontario’s Bill 27 (Working for Workers’ Act, 2021), which has received royal assent, introduces a “right to disconnect” for employees and — subject to certain exceptions — prohibits the use of noncompete agreements.
Affected employers should ensure compliance with the changes to leave and employment terms in the various jurisdictions. Ontario has joined a growing list of governments (e.g., France, Italy, the Philippines, Portugal and Slovakia) that have issued legislation regarding employees’ right to disconnect from work, though many details are expected to be covered in pending Ontario regulations.