The Ontario Ministry of Labour conducts inspections to ensure employers across the province meet the minimum employment standards. The focus is on sectors with a history of violations, employment of vulnerable workers (including new, young, temporary foreign workers, and those in precarious jobs), and industries experiencing workforce growth.
Inspections may be announced via letter or conducted randomly, covering areas such as minimum wage, work hours, meal breaks, overtime, public holidays, vacation benefits, ESA poster requirements, wage statements, and record-keeping. Inspectors may also conduct private employee interviews to verify information.
If non-compliance is found, employers are usually allowed to rectify issues. Failure to comply can lead to fines ranging from $250 to $1,000 or even part III prosecutions with potential corporate fines up to $100,000 and/or a 12-month jail sentence for a first offense.
Employers must:
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Regularly conduct self-audits, ideally several times a year, to ensure compliance before inspections.
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Educate employees about their rights.
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Promote compliance gained through professional development seminars offered by the Institute on Employment Standards.