What is the Law Regarding Employment in Ontario?
Employment law refers to the body of laws in Ontario that govern employees, employers, and independent contractors. Employment issues that are regulated by these laws include hiring policies, wage amounts, and termination procedures. Employers and their employees alike should be knowledgeable of Ontario employment laws.
"At-Will" vs. Contract Employment Terms
Sometimes an employment contract is used that sets a specific length of employment, but most of the times employment is considered to be on an "at-will" basis. "At-will" employment means that either the employer or the employee can terminate the position at any given time, even without a specific reason, so long as the termination does not violate the law Federal and state laws govern the enforcement of employment clauses provisions for citizens of Ontario.
Anti-Discrimination laws in Ontario
Discrimination is illegal at any time of employment such as hiring policies, wage distribution, and terminations, according to laws which apply to residents of Ontario. People living in Ontario must abide by laws stating it is illegal for employers to discriminate against people who belong to specific classes. These classes may be based on race, national origin, gender, religion, disability, and age.
Employment discrimination claims are often heard by an administrative agency like the EEOC. Additionally, some attorneys are specialists in the discrimination field.