Michelle McKinnon, Partner in the Cassels Employment & Labour Group, was featured in an HRD Canada article discussing upcoming federal equal treatment wage rules and the steps federally regulated employers should take before the October 20, 2026 compliance deadline. The article examines amendments to the Canada Labour Code that will prohibit employers from paying employees performing the same or substantially similar work at different rates based solely on employment status.
Michelle highlights the practical implications of the new framework, including the need for employers to review compensation structures, document wage-setting practices, and identify any pay disparities that cannot be justified by recognized exceptions such as seniority, merit, productivity, labour shortages, or hardship postings. She also notes that employees will have the ability to request formal wage reviews, making proactive compliance and record-keeping critical for organizations seeking to mitigate risk and avoid potential penalties.
Read the full article here: https://www.hcamag.com/ca/specialization/employment-law/new-federal-equal-treatment-wage-rules-employers-must-audit-pay-practices-now/585891
The Cassels Employment & Labour Group advises employers on compliance with evolving workplace legislation, compensation practices, and workplace risk management.
Learn more about the Employment & Labour group here: https://cassels.com/expertise/employment-labour/