On May 6, 2026, the final regulations related to equal treatment and temporary help agencies under the Canada Labour Code were published in the Canada Gazette, Part II. The Regulations will come into force on October 20, 2026.
The Regulations aim to strengthen protections for employees in federally regulated private-sector workplaces by helping ensure equal treatment regardless of employment status and by protecting individuals employed through temporary help agencies from unfair practices.
Key elements of the Regulations include:
- Definitions of key terms, including “employment status” and “industrial establishment”;
- Rules for how wage comparisons must be conducted;
- Limited circumstances where wage differences may be justified;
- New employer requirements to document and respond to employee requests for wage reviews; and
- Updates to the Administrative Monetary Penalties framework to support compliance and enforcement.
Employers have until October 20, 2026, to prepare for implementation and are encouraged to review the Regulations in advance. Existing collective agreements that permit different wage rates based on employment status may continue for up to two (2) years after the Regulations come into force.
The Labour Program has indicated that additional guidance materials will be released to support employer compliance and stakeholder awareness.
For additional information or questions, employers and stakeholders may contact the Labour Program at: EDSCDMTConsultationNTModernesConsultationModernLSWDESDC@labour-travail.gc.ca