September 15, 2021 by Israel Foulon Wong LLP
Employees are Entitled to Time off From Work to Vote in the Federal Election
Under the Canada Elections Act (the “Act”), employers are required to provide paid leave in the event that the employee’s work hours on the date of the election do not provide the employee with three consecutive hours off during the voting period (9:30 am to 9:30 pm) on the date of the election.
An employer’s obligation under the Act may be satisfied by permitting the employee to leave work early in order to vote. For example, if an employee was scheduled to work from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm on the date of the election, the employer could satisfy its obligations by permitting the employee to leave 30 minutes early provided they continued to pay the employee for their full shift (until 7:00 pm). Employers who employ employees on a more traditional schedule (for example 9:00 am to 5:00 pm) do not need to take any action as the employee will already have three consecutive hours off of work during the voting period at the end of their shift.
Increase to the Minimum Wage Rate
Effective October 1, 2021, the standard minimum wage rate increased by .10 cents to $14.35 per hour. Under the Making Ontario Open for Business Act, this increase is tied to the Ontario Consumer Price Index for 2020.
You can access the Ministry of Labour’s documentation on Minimum Wage Rates HERE.
Israel Foulon Wong’s Response to COVID-19 Israel Foulon Wong LLP is assessing the situation as it evolves, and is taking all necessary precautions within its workplace. To slow the spread of COVID-19 and for the health of our team and clients, absent extraordinary circumstances we are working remotely until further notice whenever possible. However, please be aware that our offices remain open and are fully functioning. In the circumstances, we encourage our clients to contact us by phone and email to the extent possible. Voicemail messages left at our office phone numbers are immediately forwarded via email. All messages will be promptly responded to. We remain steadfast in our commitment to our clients and would be more than happy to assist you with concerns regarding COVID-19 or any other employment or labour matters.