Glossary & FAQ

ESA is an abbreviation for Employment Standards Act. In Ontario, this is the legislation for non-unionized environments. Most employees in Ontario are protected by this legislation. If there is a Collective Agreement in place, this Collective Agreement often supersedes the ESA. Leadership is also exempt from the employment standards.

The Employment Standards Act’s primarily use is as a guide for minimum standards, meaning this is what employers in Ontario need to do at the minimum to employ a person. Learn more about the Employment Standards Act of Ontario.

The Labour Relations Act in Ontario is the legislation granting people of the province the free choice to join an organization to represent themselves to their employer. An example of this, is a Union in a manufacturing setting, or a trade union for the trades environment.

The Labour Relations Act stipulates all the rules surrounding membership to the union, voting, certification applications, how to bargain, mediation, arbitration, negotiations and the list continues. See the copy of the Ontario Labour Relations Act.

The world of Occupational Health & Safety is often a whole department on its own, and rightfully so.

The Health & Safety discipline is a large one. In Ontario, the Occupational Health & Safety Act is known as the Green Book and is one that you will see in all employment settings. This act sets out the rules of employers, supervisors and employees.

We all must follow safety rules as we all have a responsibility and remember, safety first. Learn more about the Ontario Occupational Health & Safety.

Human Rights in Canada

In Canada, each person has rights under the Canadian Human Rights Act. It is the principal that all individuals have an opportunity equal with other individuals to make for themselves the lives that they are able to, wish to have, and to have their needs accommodated, consistent with their duties and obligations as members of society.

Those living in Canada cannot be hindered in or prevented from doing so by discriminatory practices based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, disability or conviction for an offence for which a pardon is granted or in respect of which a record suspension is ordered. Learn more about the Human Rights in Canada.

The department within an organization responsible for managing employee-related matters, including Talent Acquisition, training, payroll, benefits, employee relations, and compliance with Canadian employment laws.

Regulations established by provincial and federal governments that set out minimum standards for employment conditions, such as wages, hours of work, overtime pay, vacation pay, and statutory holidays.

 Federal legislation that governs employment standards and labor relations in federally regulated industries, such as banking, telecommunications, and transportation.

Laws enacted by provincial governments that regulate employment standards, labor relations, occupational health and safety, and other aspects of employment within each province or territory.

The section of the Canadian Labour Code that deals with occupational health and safety standards and practices in federally regulated workplaces.

A federal program that provides temporary financial assistance to eligible individuals who have lost their job through no fault of their own, are sick, pregnant, or caring for a newborn or adopted child.

A mandatory contributory pension plan that provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to eligible workers in Canada, excluding Quebec, where the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) is in place.

Each province and territory in Canada has its own publicly funded health care system, providing residents with access to essential medical services and treatments.

Provincial and territorial programs that provide compensation to workers who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses, including coverage for medical expenses, wage replacement, and rehabilitation services.

Provincial and federal laws that prohibit discrimination and harassment in employment on grounds such as race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, and marital status.

Mandatory deductions from employees’ wages for income tax, Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and other statutory deductions, as well as voluntary deductions for benefits and pension contributions.

The principle of ensuring equal opportunity in employment for all individuals, including designated groups such as women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and visible minorities

Laws and regulations that govern the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information by organizations, including employee data and records, to protect individuals’ privacy rights.

The process of negotiation between employers and unions representing employees to establish collective agreements on terms and conditions of employment, including wages, benefits, and working conditions.

The identification, assessment, and mitigation of workplace hazards and risks to prevent accidents, injuries, and occupational illnesses, in compliance with OHS legislation and regulations.