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Are Apprentices Employees in Ontario? Does an Employer Have to Pay an Apprentice?
If you are an apprentice in Ontario, are you legally an employee? Does your employer have to pay you for your work? These questions are common among apprentices and employers, particularly in the skilled trades. An employer may sometimes say: “You are an apprentice, not a regular employee.” Or: “You are here for training, so we don't have to pay you.” But being an apprentice does not automatically mean that a person is excluded from Ontario's Employment Standards Act, 2000 (E
Does an Employer Have to Pay a Volunteer in Ontario?
Can a business legally have someone work for free as a “volunteer”? What if the person agreed not to be paid? This is an important question for both workers and employers in Ontario. The short answer is: A genuine volunteer is not an employee under Ontario’s Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA), and therefore is not entitled to minimum wage simply because they provide services to an organization. However, there is an important catch: Calling someone a “volunteer” does not aut
Is Unpaid Training Legal in Ontario?
Can an employer require you to work for free during “training”? What about an unpaid trial shift? This is a common question in Ontario workplaces. Employers sometimes describe the first few days or weeks of work as “training,” “orientation,” an “internship,” or a “trial period” and tell the worker that they will not be paid until training is completed. But calling something “training” does not automatically make it unpaid. Under Ontario's Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA),
When Your Tenant Files Bankruptcy: What Ontario Landlords Need to Know
When a tenant falls behind on rent, it can already place a landlord in a stressful position. But when that same tenant files for bankruptcy , the situation becomes even more complicated. Many landlords ask: Can I still terminate the tenancy? Will the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) continue my application? Do I lose my right to collect rent arrears? What happens to future rent payments? This post explains, in practical terms, what happens when a tenant files bankruptcy in Ont
Am I Protected Without an Employment Contract?
Understanding Your Rights Under Ontario Employment Law When starting a new job, many people expect to sign a formal written contract. But...
Can My Employer Take Away My Tips in Ontario?
If you work in a job where customers leave tips — like a restaurant server, hair stylist, delivery driver, or nail technician — you might...
What is severance pay?
If you’ve recently lost your job in Ontario, you may be wondering whether you’re entitled to severance pay . While many people assume...
Does My Employer Have to Pay Me for Training or Trial Shifts in Ontario?
If you’ve been offered a job or trial shift in Ontario, you might be wondering whether the employer is legally required to pay you. Some...
Can Employer Ask Me About My Criminal Record in Ontario?
If you're applying for a job in Ontario, you might wonder whether employers can ask about your criminal past. The answer is: it depends...
Can My Mechanic Charge More Than Quote?
If you’ve taken your car to a repair shop in Ontario, you have legal protections under the Consumer Protection Act and the Repair and...
Can a Landlord Reject Me Because I Have a Pet?
Many renters in Ontario wonder if having a pet will affect their chances of finding a place to live. The rules about pets can be...
Can My Landlord Stop Me from Having Guests in Ontario
If you’re renting a home or apartment in Ontario, you have the right to decide who you invite into your home. Your landlord cannot stop...
What Information Can a Landlord Ask for When You Apply to Rent in Ontario?
When you want to rent a home or apartment in Ontario, you’ll usually need to fill out a rental application or provide some information to...
What Does It Mean to Be Hired on Probation in Ontario
When you’re offered a new job in Ontario, your employer may hire you “on probation.” Probation is like a trial period, allowing the...
Does My Employer Have to Give Me a Reason Before Hiring Me?
Being fired from your job can be stressful and confusing. Many workers want to know: does my employer have to tell me why they let me go?...
What Questions Can/Can’t Employers Ask During Job Interview?
When applying for a job in Ontario, it’s important to know what questions employers are legally allowed to ask—and which ones go against...
What Each Driver Needs to Know about Demerit Points in Ontario
If you drive in Ontario, understanding demerit points is essential. Whether you’re a new driver with a G1 or G2 licence, or a fully...
What Are My Rights If I’m Detained or Arrested in Ontario?
Being detained or arrested by the police in Ontario can be intimidating, but it’s important to know that you have specific legal...
What to Do After Getting a Traffic Ticket in Ontario
Getting a traffic ticket in Ontario—whether for speeding, running a red light, or another driving offence—can feel stressful. But you...
Complete Guide to the Small Claims Court Process in Ontario
If your claim is $50,000 or less , you can use the Small Claims Court in Ontario to resolve your dispute. Compared to the Superior Court...
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