Labor and Employment in Canada
Compare recent bills on this issue across different governments.
Canada
View Bills →Appropriation Act No. 2, 2026-27
This law lets federal departments keep running and paying staff through March 31, 2027. It does not change taxes or benefits.
Status
Royal assent
Timeline
Budget 2025 Implementation Act, No. 2
This bill changes taxes, housing, work rules, and travel complaints. It bans most non‑competes, raises housing guarantees, and adds new tax and crypto reporting for businesses.
Status
Senate pre-study
Timeline
Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act
Temporary fuel tax cuts aim to lower pump prices this summer. The bill also changes taxes, pensions, EI, payments rules, and food and pesticide orders.
Status
N/A
Timeline
National Framework on the Durability of Electronic Products and Essential Home Appliances Act
Sets national rules so appliances and electronics last longer and are easier to fix. Makers must provide labels, parts, manuals, and software support for a set time.
Status
Second reading
Timeline
Tax Credit for Industrial Heat Recovery
Businesses can claim a 30% tax credit for new heat-recovery equipment used in Canadian industry. It lowers factory energy costs and can create local retrofit jobs.
Status
Second reading
Timeline
End Ban on Large Oil Tankers
The law would let large oil tankers use certain coastal ports. That may bring port jobs but raise spill and fishing risks for coastal communities.
Status
Second reading
Timeline
Ban on Importing Goods Made with Forced Labour Act
Stops goods made with forced labour from entering Canada. Border officers can detain shipments and demand importer documents.
Status
First reading
Timeline
Ban Managers and HR as Strike Replacements
In federal workplaces, employers could not use managers or confidential HR staff from other sites to do the work of striking or locked-out workers.
Status
First reading
Timeline
Ontario
View Bills →Fast-Track Housing, Transit, and Water
Creates province-wide rules for transit fares, services, and unified payment. Limits local planning powers, speeds housing approvals, and exempts non-profit retirement homes from development charges.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Heat Safety and Climate Adaptation Act
Requires paid cool-down breaks, water, and heat training for workers. Creates a climate adaptation plan, a fund, housing temperature limits, and stronger flood and wildfire rules.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Budget Overhaul: Retail, Tickets, Pensions
Lowers some pension guarantees, changes taxes and privacy rules. Stores can open on two holidays and ticket resale prices are capped.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Workers' Protections and Faster Project Approvals
Employers can no longer charge for normal uniforms and some injury benefits rise. The law also speeds some project approvals and limits fees by talent agencies.
Status
Second Reading
Timeline
Bill 75, Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act, 2025
Gives police faster licence suspensions and higher driving fines. It lets government collect pledged property, limits animal research, and changes police record checks and scholarships.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
New Law Tightens Control Over Schools
The law gives the education minister more power over tests, budgets, school construction, and teacher bargaining. Parents, teachers, and boards will face new approvals and rules.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Health Worker Support and Accountability
Government must publish a plan to improve health worker pay, safety, and mental health, with annual workforce reports. If deadlines are missed, the minister and premier pay personal fines.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Black Health Equity and Accountability Act
Requires hospitals and health units to collect race data, set equity targets, and fund Black-led services. Audits and penalties apply for institutions that fail to meet targets.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
British Columbia
View Bills →Half Tax for Under-40s, Big Spending Cut
People under 40 would pay half their provincial income tax. Public services could face deep cuts to meet a required 50% spending cut within five years.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Annual Government Spending Authorization
Allows the government to pay for public services and approved projects during the year. It does not create new taxes or change program rules.
Status
N/A
Timeline
New Service Taxes, Investment Credit, Disability Benefit
Adds sales tax to many professional services and creates a new investment tax credit. Starts a monthly disability supplement and pauses some income tax inflation adjustments.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Temporary Tax Cuts and Fast Approvals
You would pay less provincial income tax for at least two years. Cabinet can change rules to speed projects and cut public and Indigenous review.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Kitselas Treaty Comes Into Force
The law makes the Kitselas Treaty legally binding and gives Kitselas ownership and control of defined lands. It changes rules on farming, forestry, taxes, and hospital services.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Repeal Health Professions Overhaul
Keeps current rules for health regulators and stops planned reforms. Complaint and discipline processes stay the same; changes don't take effect for 18 months.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Freedom Convoy Recognition Day
Adds March 11 as a paid statutory holiday each year. Schools and many government offices close and eligible workers get holiday pay or premium rates.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
BC fast-tracks permits with certified reports
Permits with technical reports will be approved faster when a licensed professional signs the report. You may need to hire a licensed professional and they take legal responsibility.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Alberta
View Bills →Teach Industry Skills and Create Fossil Fuel Day
Students will learn about oil, farming, forestry, construction and related jobs. February 13 will be Fossil Fuel Recognition Day, not a holiday.
Status
Comes into Force
Timeline
Refocus Schools on Academics and Neutrality
Schools will focus on core learning and limit political programming. The anthem will play weekly with written opt-outs, and the province can assume some school properties.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Municipal Reform and Development Acceleration Act
Speeds up development, changes who controls local services and taxes, and sets new rules for libraries, seniors' lodges, and municipal employee pay.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Government Imposes Four-Year Teachers' Contract
Classes resume immediately and teachers must return to work. Pay rises and a four-year contract are set, and strikes or lockouts are banned.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Ban Deepfakes and Restrict Citizen Petitions
Makes it illegal to make or share fake political videos and lets officials remove them. Stops citizen initiatives near elections and raises the public pay disclosure threshold.
Status
Third Reading
Timeline
Tourism Levy Hike and Pension Overhaul
Hotel stays will face a 6% tourism levy from April 2026. Caregiver tax credits and pension rules change, and data centres and credit unions face new fees and oversight.
Status
Third Reading
Timeline
Approving Spending for Services and Projects
This bill lets government pay for hospitals, schools, roads, and social programs. It keeps services running and allows shifts to speed up school and health projects.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Fair Hiring Rules for Foreign Workers
Stops recruiters and employers from charging foreign workers fees or taking passports. Employers must register and recruiters must be licensed.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Québec
View Bills →Act mainly aimed at better supporting individuals whose mental state may pose a risk to their own safety or that of others.
You can write psychiatric directives. Assessments and temporary holds will be faster, with the right to a lawyer and appeal to a specialized court.
Status
Dépôt du rapport de commission - Étude détaillée
Timeline
An Act to amend various provisions primarily for the purpose of reducing regulatory and administrative burdens
The text aims to simplify the processes and permits for businesses. This could reduce costs and formalities for owners and workers.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Act to Accelerate the Granting of Required Authorizations for the Implementation of Priority and Nationally Significant Projects
This text creates a single authorization for certain large projects, speeding up timelines and reducing the number of permits. Environmental regulations can be adjusted under certain conditions.
Status
Étude détaillée en commission
Timeline
Act to establish the provision of educational childcare services by individuals recognized as responsible for a community educational childcare service.
The text creates community childcare services with supervision and clear rules. It aims to increase the number of spaces while protecting children and ensuring safety.
Status
Adoption
Timeline
Personal Self-Directed Assistance Act for Persons with Disabilities
You receive a monthly payment to pay for assistants of your choice. The application is made to Retraite Québec and needs are reassessed every two years.
Status
Présentation
Timeline
Quebec Schools Tighten Secular and French Rules
Students and staff must keep faces uncovered, with few exceptions. Most staff can’t wear religious symbols, schools bar group prayers, more French is required, and teachers face regular reviews.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Act to Improve Transparency, Governance, and the Democratic Process of Various Workplace Associations
The text will make unions more transparent and give employees more control over their contributions and expenditures.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Act to Reduce Bureaucracy, Increase State Efficiency, and Strengthen Accountability of Senior Officials
The project brings together agencies and changes who manages certain public benefits. This could affect daily processes such as family benefits and health services.
Status
Adoption
Timeline
Newfoundland and Labrador
View Bills →AN ACT FOR GRANTING TO HIS MAJESTY CERTAIN SUMS OF MONEY FOR DEFRAYING CERTAIN EXPENSES OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING MARCH 31, 2027 AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES RELATING TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE
Funds government services for 2026–27 and keeps hospitals, schools, roads, and social programs running. It also lets officials move money for pay, emergencies, and federal projects.
Status
N/A
Timeline
AN ACT TO AMEND THE PENSION BENEFITS ACT, 1997
If your pension is moved to another province, the receiving plan must be fairly funded (at least 85%). A regulator must approve the transfer.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
AN ACT RESPECTING THE DISABILITY ADVOCATE
Creates an independent office to help people with disabilities get service problems investigated and fixed. It can receive complaints, investigate, mediate with consent, and issue public recommendations.
Status
Second Reading
Timeline
AN ACT GRANTING TO HIS MAJESTY CERTAIN SUMS OF MONEY FOR DEFRAYING CERTAIN EXPENSES OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING MARCH 31, 2027 AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES RELATING TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE
Allows about $4 billion to keep hospitals, schools, roads and services running until the full budget is passed.
Status
N/A
Timeline
AN ACT TO AMEND THE WORKPLACE HEALTH, SAFETY AND COMPENSATION ACT, 2022
If you were hurt at work and still get wage-loss benefits at 65, you get a one-time payment. The amount is 5% or 10% of past benefits with interest.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
AN ACT TO AMEND THE REVENUE ADMINISTRATION ACT NO. 2
Fuel taxes are set at lower rates and a 7-cent cut stays. Drivers, boat operators, and airlines pay less at the pump.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Manitoba
View Bills →The Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Amendment Act
Public employees can report wrongdoing even if they signed an NDA and get stronger protection from punishment. Top official complaints go to the Ombudsman or an alternate recipient.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
The Health System Governance and Accountability Amendment Act (Nurse-to- Patient Ratios)
Government can set minimum nurse-to-patient ratios. Hospitals must plan and report shortfalls; missed ratios do not allow lawsuits.
Status
Concurrence and 3rd Reading
Timeline
The Street Weapons Control Act
The law bans carrying listed weapons in public parts of towns and cities. Police can seize items and fines or jail can follow.
Status
N/A
Timeline
The Employment Standards Code Amendment Act (Sick Notes for Employee Absences)
Employers cannot demand a sick note for short absences under one week. If a note is needed, many health workers can issue it and employers must repay any fee.
Status
Concurrence and 3rd Reading
Timeline
The Health System Governance and Accountability Amendment Act (Eliminating Mandatory Overtime for Nurses)
Nurses can refuse non-emergency mandatory overtime without facing professional discipline. Health authorities must make plans to meet minister-set overtime reduction targets; emergencies still allow overtime.
Status
N/A
Timeline
The Highway Traffic Amendment Act
Beginners and many drivers must have zero alcohol and no drugs. Police can test at roadside, suspend licences longer, tow vehicles, and impose long no-alcohol periods.
Status
Concurrence and 3rd Reading
Timeline
The Public Schools Amendment and Manitoba School Boards Association Amendment Act
School codes must cover bullying, online and AI content and explain responses and appeals. Superintendents need set qualifications and Indigenous groups can join the school boards association.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Stop Funding Law-Breaking Organizations
If a funded group breaks workplace or human rights law, the minister must stop their government funding. Funding can be restored only if cutting it would harm people.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Nova Scotia
View Bills →Expands medical coverage for injured workers
The bill broadens medical aid for injured workers and requires clear decision reasons. It keeps treatment going during appeals and speeds up urgent cases.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Lawsuits Against Employers in Violence Cases
The bill could let workers sue employers when violence could happen and protections were not taken. It would let workers keep benefits while suing.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Plan reforms: fishing rules and land-use changes
It shifts who writes fishing and land rules and could add costs for fishers, farmers, and towns.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Plan for Public Addiction Treatment Network
The bill would create publicly funded residential addiction treatment centers. It would help people access housing, jobs and ongoing support during recovery.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Workers Gain Paid Leave and Protections
The bill would give workers more paid sick days, more vacation time, and stronger pay rules. It also changes overtime rules and limits how employers replace workers during strikes.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Caseworker training standards roll out
The bill sets training and competency rules for workers' compensation caseworkers. It will publish staff qualifications and decision timelines to improve fairness and clarity.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Lower overtime to 44, clarify tips
Starting April 1, 2027, overtime kicks in after 44 hours per week. Tips would belong to workers and must be clearly shared when pooled.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Shelter Aid Protections in Income Support
The bill says you will not lose shelter or disability help if you are homeless or in temporary housing. It applies to shelters, tents, and other temporary stays.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Saskatchewan
View Bills →Hold Drug Traffickers Financially Accountable
The law lets government and people sue drug traffickers to recover health and social costs. It can also cancel some public jobs, grants, and contracts for recent convictions.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Municipal Transparency and Governance Reform
Lets you find municipal finances, minutes and bylaws online. Changes tax, assessment, animal safety, and council rules affecting residents and property owners.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Associate Judges to Speed Family Cases
Creates associate judges to hear more civil and family cases and free up judges. They have set pay, rules, and a public complaint process.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Public Registry for Private Health Contracts
Requires posting of private health contracts and audits. People can see what services cost, staffing levels, and wait times.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Modern Co-operative Act Overhauls Rules
One new law modernizes co-ops. It allows digital filings and meetings, gives members stronger rights, and sets clearer rules for housing, health, worker co-ops, and investors.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Big Projects Must Deliver Local Jobs
Companies bidding on big public projects must set out local hiring and training plans. Winners must prioritize local, Indigenous, union and apprentice workers and report hours monthly online.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Fertilizer Investment Credit Extended
Firms get more time to build or expand fertilizer plants and claim the tax credit. This can mean more local jobs, but also fiscal costs and environmental effects.
Status
Royal Assent
Timeline
Freeze Health Authority Pay During Bargaining
Stops the health authority from approving pay raises for board members while union talks are happening. It does not change frontline workers' pay.
Status
First Reading
Timeline
Nunavut
View Bills →Northwest Territories
View Bills →An Act to Amend the Workers' Compensation Act, No. 2
Firefighters and front-line emergency workers get an automatic presumption for some cancers, heart injuries, and PTSD so it's easier to get workers' compensation.
Status
3rd Reading
Timeline
Technical Safety Statutes Amendment Act
It creates one law for many safety systems and requires approvals, inspections, and operator certificates. Owners must register equipment and get yearly inspections.
Status
3rd Reading
Timeline
An Act to Amend the Workers' Compensation Act
Creates a one-time lump sum for permanent loss and monthly pay for lost earnings after recovery. Monthly payments usually end near retirement age and can be reviewed.
Status
3rd Reading
Timeline
An Act to Amend the Public Service Act, No. 2
Sets fair hiring, conduct, and whistleblower rules for public servants and gives new appeals and equal-pay processes.
Status
N/A
Timeline
an Act to Amend the Public Service Act
Nurses can vote to have their own bargaining association. Current pay and job terms stay until a new nurses' agreement is signed.
Status
2nd Reading
Timeline
First Responders Workers' Compensation Amendment Act
Presumes some cancers, heart conditions, and PTSD are work-related for firefighters and many front-line workers, so claims are easier to get.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), 2025-2026.
Allows government to spend up to $2.38B for running services in 2025–26. Sets borrowing limits and requires records; it does not change taxes.
Status
3rd Reading
Timeline
An Act to Amend the Real Estate Agents' Licensing Act
Home inspectors and property managers must be licensed and follow a published code. Approved forms will be required and rules set later.
Status
2nd Reading
Timeline
United States
View Bills →Keep STEM Talent Act
Creates a path to permanent residency for certain STEM graduates and changes student visa vetting and rules.
Status
N/A
Timeline
SHIPS for America Act
A large package to expand U.S. shipbuilding, ports, fleets, and the maritime workforce, and to create a maritime trust fund and a national maritime strategy.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Delphi Retirees Pension Restoration
Raises PBGC-guaranteed pensions for certain Delphi plans to full vested amounts and requires recalculation and lump-sum payments for past shortfalls.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Kids Safety on Set Act
Requires FBI fingerprint background checks for adults with authority over minors on entertainment productions; sets penalties and definitions.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act
Reduces the standard workweek to 32 hours, sets overtime rules, and phases the change in over three years.
Status
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Timeline
Workplace violence standard for care settings
A federal rule requires a binding violence prevention standard for health care and social service workplaces, including written plans, risk assessments, training, incident investigation, recordkeeping, and anti retaliation protections.
Status
N/A
Timeline
American Franchise Act
Clarifies when franchisors are joint employers under NLRA and FLSA by defining substantial direct and immediate control over employment terms.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Direct Seller and Agent Clarification
Clarifies that direct sellers and qualified real estate agents are not 'employees' under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Toronto
View Bills →Tighter E-bike Standards and Lane Rules
Sets clear e-bike classes and safety rules. Riders must wear helmets and be at least 16; heavier motorized vehicles may be banned from bike lanes.
Status
To be considered by City Council
Timeline
Mayor Given New Budget and Veto Powers
The Mayor now sets and can veto city budgets and some by-laws tied to housing. Residents see mayoral decisions online; most day-to-day services stay the same.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Cap on Driver Licences, Zero-Emission Exemption
Limits new taxi and ride-hail licences to the Oct 12 level until late 2024. Owners of zero-emission vehicles are exempt, and a court case could change this.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Economic Plan Updated for Business Resilience
The city updates its 10-year economic plan with new actions and clear success measures. Economic Development staff can tweak actions between updates and no new funding starts now.
Status
N/A
Timeline
Deputy to Lead City Infrastructure Services
A new deputy manager will run water, transit, roads, waste and emergency services. It fills a leadership gap and does not change fees or services now.
Status
Adopted by City Council
Timeline
Proposed Jobs-and-Housing Redevelopment Blocked
Council rejected a motion to re-designate an employment site for future mixed uses. The site stays for jobs and no housing is allowed yet.
Status
Adopted by City Council
Timeline
Councillor Reprimanded, Pay Suspended 10 Days
A councillor was reprimanded and lost 10 days pay for attacking city staff and retaliating after a complaint. This protects staff and limits naming staff online.
Status
Adopted by City Council
Timeline
Council Fast-Tracks Multiple By-laws Including Pension
Council enacted several by-laws at once, including a pension rule. Most residents see no immediate change; city employees should check pension details.
Status
N/A
Timeline