Major changes to job posting requirements have come into effect across Ontario, introducing new obligations for employers aimed at improving transparency and fairness in the hiring process.
As of Jan. 1, certain employers are now required to include expected compensation ranges in publicly advertised job postings and disclose whether artificial intelligence is used during hiring. The changes are part of new Employment Standards Act rules under the Working for Workers Four Act, according to a news release from the province.
“To help workers and job seekers make more informed decisions with their careers, new Employment Standards Act rules under the Working for Workers Four Act related to job postings require certain employers to include expected compensation and disclose the use of artificial intelligence in the hiring process,” the release said.
Under the new rules, employers with more than 25 employees must list a compensation range in job postings. The stated annual salary range cannot exceed a $50,000 spread, unless the position pays more than $200,000 or the top end of the range exceeds that threshold.
The legislation also requires employers to disclose if artificial intelligence is used to screen, assess or select applicants.
Labour Minister David Piccini previously said the changes are intended to promote transparency and protect workers as technology becomes more prevalent in recruitment.
“At a time when many companies are posting record profits, it is only fair they communicate transparently about how they pay workers,” Piccini said in 2023. “And as the use of artificial intelligence in Ontario skyrockets, our government will continue to take action to ensure workers aren’t excluded from the job market because of technological biases and that their privacy rights are protected.”
Additional requirements now in force include mandatory disclosure in job postings about whether a vacancy currently exists, and a requirement that employers respond to interviewees within 45 days of an interview.
Job postings are also prohibited from including requirements for Canadian work experience, a change intended to reduce barriers for newcomers seeking employment aligned with their skills and qualifications.
The province says the measures are designed to modernize hiring practices and make Ontario’s labour market more accessible and transparent for job seekers.