Newcomers seeking employment in Ontario will soon face fewer obstacles in securing jobs that match their skills and experience. Starting January 1, 2026, new regulations under Ontario’s Employment Standards Act (ESA) will take effect, making it easier for skilled workers to land interviews and job offers.
Key Changes to Ontario’s Labour Laws
One of the most notable changes is the ban on requiring “Canadian work experience” in job postings or application forms. This has long been a barrier for skilled newcomers who, despite having equivalent international experience, were often excluded from job opportunities. Critics have argued that this practice unfairly disadvantages newcomers with strong qualifications but no local experience.
The new rules will apply to employers with 25 or more employees on the day a job is posted.
Additional Measures for Job Seekers
Several other important measures will also benefit job seekers in Ontario starting in 2026:
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Salary Transparency: Employers will be required to disclose the expected salary or salary range in any publicly advertised job posting. If a salary range is used, the difference between the minimum and maximum cannot exceed $50,000 per year. However, this rule does not apply if the job pays more than $200,000 annually or if the top of the range exceeds $200,000.
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AI Disclosure: Employers must disclose the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the hiring process. This transparency helps newcomers tailor their applications to better meet the needs of automated recruitment systems.
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Real Job Vacancies: Job postings must clearly state whether the advertised position is for an existing vacancy or for future recruitment needs. This change aims to prevent misleading job ads that are posted for labour market testing or future hiring purposes, saving job seekers time.
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Post-Interview Updates: Employers will be required to inform applicants whether a hiring decision has been made within 45 days of an interview (or the last interview, if multiple rounds took place). This notice can be provided in person, in writing, or digitally.
A Fairer, More Transparent Hiring Process
These new measures aim to make Ontario's hiring process more transparent and equitable, offering job seekers, particularly newcomers, a better chance at securing roles that align with their qualifications.
Know Your Rights as a Newcomer in Ontario
As a newcomer to Ontario, it’s crucial to understand your rights during the hiring process. Job seekers in Canada already benefit from protections, such as being exempt from answering certain interview questions.
To improve your chances of success, consider reading up on common interview questions and tips to prepare for job interviews. With the right preparation and understanding of your rights, you’ll be better positioned to succeed in the Canadian labour market.
