Employment law in Ontario governs the relationship between employers and employees in non-unionized workplaces. It sets minimum standards for wages, hours, vacation, public holidays, termination and severance, and it protects workers from unfair treatment and discrimination. See the province’s overview of key standards in its official guide to the ESA (Employment Standards Act, 2000).
At Monkhouse Law Employment Lawyers, based in Toronto and serving clients across Ontario, we help employees understand their rights under both provincial statutes and common law (judge-made law) and secure fair compensation when their rights are violated.
If you have been dismissed or believe your termination was unfair, our wrongful dismissal lawyers can help you understand your rights and options.
What Does Employment Law Cover in Ontario?
Ontario employment law combines:
- Statutory protections (primarily the Employment Standards Act, 2000) that set minimum requirements for most workplaces. Read the statute text on CanLII or the easier to read guide on Ontario.ca.
- Common law, which can provide additional rights (for example, greater severance entitlements than ESA minimums) through court decisions.
Typical topics include:
- Minimum wage, hours of work, breaks, overtime
- Public holidays and vacation pay
- Job-protected leaves (sick, family, parental, etc.)
- Termination notice and severance pay
- Human rights protections and workplace safety
For a concise government summary of these areas, see the Ministry of Labour’s “Employment Standards in Ontario”: Ontario.ca — Employment Standards.
What Laws Protect Employees in Ontario?
Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA)
The ESA sets minimum standards for most Ontario workplaces, including minimum wage, overtime, vacation and public holidays, leaves, and termination/severance rules. Employers cannot contract out of these minimum standards. Read the statute on CanLII or the government’s easier to read guide on Ontario.ca.
Learn more: Employment Standards Act Ontario — Employment Standards in Ontario
Ontario Human Rights Code
The Code prohibits discrimination and harassment in employment based on protected grounds such as age, race, disability, sex (including pregnancy), family status, and more. See the province’s explanation of protected grounds and human rights processes on Ontario.ca — Human Rights.
Learn more: Human Rights Lawyer Toronto
Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)
OHSA requires employers to keep workplaces healthy and safe, including addressing hazards and workplace harassment.
For government resources, visit Ontario.ca — OHSA.
Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (WSIA)
WSIA provides benefits via the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) to workers who are injured or become ill because of their job. Start with WSIB resources via wsib.ca.
Canada Labour Code (Federally Regulated Employees)
Some workers (e.g., in banking, airlines, or telecommunications) are covered by the Canada Labour Code rather than Ontario’s ESA. If you work for a federally regulated employer, see the federal guide: Government of Canada — Federal Labour Standards.
Learn more: Canada Labour Code Employees
Common Employment Issues We Handle Across Ontario
- Wrongful dismissal and termination without cause
- Severance pay and constructive dismissal
- Discrimination and workplace harassment
- Employment contract review and negotiation
- Disability and accommodation
Explore related pages:
Wrongful Dismissal Lawyer | Severance Pay Calculator | Constructive Dismissal | Human Rights Lawyer | Disability Lawyer
Federal vs. Provincial Employment Law
Most Ontario employees are governed by provincial law through the ESA. Employees in federally regulated industries are governed by the Canada Labour Code. If you’re unsure which rules apply to you, we can review your employer and role to confirm your coverage and entitlements. See federal labour standards: Canada.ca — Labour Standards.
When to Talk to an Employment Lawyer
- If you were terminated or laid off and need to confirm your notice or severance
- If you’ve experienced discrimination, harassment, or retaliation
- If you’re being asked to sign a new contract with less favourable terms
- If you believe you were misclassified as an independent contractor
- If you need help understanding your rights under the ESA or common law
Monkhouse Law represents employees across Ontario (Toronto, Ottawa, London, Kitchener, Windsor and beyond) and offers a free 30-minute phone consultation.
Speak to an Ontario Employment Lawyer Today
Navigating employment law can be complex. Our team has helped thousands of Ontario employees resolve severance issues, wrongful dismissal, human rights, and contract disputes. Book your free 30 minute phone consultation.
FAQs About Employment Law in Ontario
What is the Employment Standards Act (ESA)?
The ESA sets minimum standards for Ontario workplaces, including wages, hours of work, vacations, public holidays, job-protected leaves, and rules for termination and severance. See the official guide on Ontario.ca or the statute on CanLII.
What’s the difference between employment law and labour law?
Employment law covers non-unionized employees (individual rights under ESA and common law). Labour law governs unionized workplaces through collective agreements and labour relations statutes.
Can my employer reduce my pay or duties without my consent?
Significant unilateral changes may amount to constructive dismissal, potentially entitling you to severance. Get legal advice before accepting major changes.
Do I need an employment contract?
Yes. A written contract clarifies terms but can limit your rights if poorly drafted (e.g., termination clauses). Have a lawyer review your agreement before signing.
Authoritative resources about Employment Law in Ontario:
- Ontario.ca — Your guide to the ESA
- CanLII — Employment Standards Act, 2000
- Ontario.ca — Human Rights Code (overview)
- Ontario.ca — Occupational Health and Safety Act
- WSIB — Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIA)
- Government of Canada — Federal Labour Standards (Canada Labour Code)
Navigating workplace issues can be challenging. At Monkhouse Law Employment Lawyers, we offer clear, practical legal advice to help you address concerns promptly and efficiently. Don’t wait for problems to grow—contact us today for a free 30 minute phone consultation.