Ontario HR Compliance in 2026: Your Employer Checklist
Four employment law changes took effect in Ontario on January 1, 2026. This plain-language checklist covers each one – what each rule is, what it means for your business, and how Payworks HR addresses it.
What's included:
- Employment Standards Act (ESA) Violation Fines – how the doubling to $100,000 per offence affects your business, and what auditable HR documentation looks like.
- Pay Transparency – what's mandatory for employers with 25+ employees, the $50,000 range cap, and tips to keep job postings consistent.
- AI Disclosure – what counts as AI under Ontario's broad definition, and what a compliant disclosure looks like.
- Candidate Notification – the 45-day rule, three-year record retention, and how to manage follow-up without adding to your admin load.
- How Payworks HR addresses each item – already connected to your payroll.
Bonus: We'll keep you in the loop all year long.
Watch for our monthly e-newsletter, featuring legislation info, client success stories, expert tips and tricks, new product features, and Payworks' dynamic culture from our blog, theWorks.
Important notice: The information provided in this resource is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is not a substitute for advice from a qualified employment lawyer regarding your specific circumstances. Payworks makes no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of any information herein. Laws and regulations are subject to change. Please consult a licensed legal professional before making any compliance decisions.
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About Payworks
Doing business to business, person to person. Since 2001, Payworks has been proudly Canadian — with offices and employees across the country dedicated to building and supporting solutions for Canadian businesses. Today, we’re recognized leaders in total workforce management, delivering payroll, HR, time and attendance, and analytics tools backed by industry-leading service. We’re honoured to have been named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies every year since 2012, and to be a three-time designee of Canada’s Top Small & Medium Employers.