Tax document with reading glasses and calculator.

In a previous article, we noted the need for the new Ontario government to provide some clarity as to if and when the Pay Transparency Act, 2018 was going to be implemented. The government has now indicated that it will delay the implementation of the Act.

Under Ontario’s Bill 57, the Restoring Trust, Transparency and Accountability Act, 2018, which will likely become law before the end of the year, the effective date for the Pay Transparency Act, 2018 will be changed from January 1, 2019, to “a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor.” In effect, this represents an indefinite delay, during which time it is expected that the new government will study the legislation and consider what regulation(s) should be enacted as part of its implementation.

A number of provisions in the Pay Transparency Act, 2018 were scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2019, including a prohibition on employer inquiries into applicants’ compensation histories, an obligation requiring employers to include information about compensation in public job postings, and anti-retaliation protections for employees. Other rules under the Act, such as the requirement that employers report on compensation practices by gender (and possibly other demographic characteristics), were set to come into force in 2020 and beyond. Although Bill 57 does not so specify, it would be reasonable to assume that these additional requirements of the Act may be amended or delayed.


Browse More Insights

Busy Office : Computer laptop with financial graph data on table in the office
Practice Group

Pay Equity

Recent high-profile lawsuits and increased activity from state legislatures have thrust pay equity issues to the forefront for today’s employers. As the momentum of legislation, regulation, and corporate initiatives focused on identifying and correcting pay disparities continues to grow, our attorneys are ready to assist with the full spectrum of pay equity-related issues.

Learn more
Glass globe representing international business and trade
Practice Group

Cross-Border

Often, a company’s employment issues are not isolated to one state, country, or region of the world. Our Cross-Border Practice Group helps clients with matters worldwide—whether involving a single non-U.S. jurisdiction or dozens.

Learn more

Sign up to receive emails about new developments and upcoming programs.

Sign Up Now