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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 Onta
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 in Ontario, that doesn’t always happen. Sometimes you may only receive an offer letter, or even just a verbal agreement to start work. This raises an important question: If you don’t have a written employment contract, are you still protected? The short answer is yes — but it’s important to understand how. 1. No Written Contract Doesn’t Mea
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 be wondering: Do I get to keep my tips? In most cases, yes. Ontario’s Employment Standards Act (ESA) says that tips and gratuities belong to the worker who receives them. But there are a few exceptions and important rules to know. This article will help you understand your rights and what to do if your employer isn’t playing fair. ✅ The Gen
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 severance is automatic, it’s important to understand that severance pay is not the same as termination pay. Under Ontario’s Employment Standards Act (ESA), severance pay is a separate and additional payment that only applies to certain employees in specific situations. Here’s what you need to know about whether you qualify, how it’s calculated,
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 businesses ask new hires to complete unpaid training or trial shifts — but in most cases, this is against the law. Here’s what you need to know about your right to be paid under Ontario’s Employment Standards Act (ESA). ✅ You Usually Must Be Paid for Training or Trial Work In Ontario, most employees are entitled to be paid at least minimum w
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 — on the type of information they want, the nature of the job, and how your record is classified. This article breaks down when these questions are legal, what rights you have, and how to respond. What Employers Are Legally Allowed to Ask Employers in Ontario are generally permitted to ask if you’ve been convicted of a criminal offence for wh
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 Storage Liens Act. A repair shop cannot just surprise you with a huge bill without following certain rules. Here’s what you need to know about written estimates, your rights, and what to do if you’re overcharged. ✅ If You Got a Written Estimate When you ask for a written estimate, the repair shop: Must tell you the cost of providing the estimat
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 confusing, so it’s important to know what your landlord can and cannot do. Here’s everything you need to know about renting with pets in Ontario. ✅ Before You Move In: A Landlord Can Refuse You Because of a Pet When you’re applying for a rental unit, the landlord can ask if you have a pet. They’re also allowed to reject your rental application simpl
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 you from having guests, just like homeowners have the right to invite whomever they want. However, there are some important rules and responsibilities to understand. ✅ Your Right to Have Guests Under Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), you have the right to: Invite family, friends, or other guests to visit you. Decide who stays with yo
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 the landlord. But what are they legally allowed to ask—and what questions cross the line into discrimination? Here’s what you need to know before applying for a rental unit. ✅ What Landlords Are Allowed to Ask Before deciding whether to rent to you, a landlord can ask for basic, relevant information about your ability to pay rent and mainta
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 employer to see if you’re the right fit for the job before confirming your employment. Here’s what you need to know about probationary periods, your rights while on probation, and what happens when probation ends. ✅ What Is a Probation Period? Probation is a specific time frame, usually 3 to 6 months, but it can be longer if agreed upon in your e
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? In Ontario, the short answer is no—your employer does not have to give you a reason for firing you. However, they must still follow the rules in the Employment Standards Act (ESA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code. Here’s what you need to know about your rights if you’ve been terminated. ✅ Do Employers Have to Give a Reason for Firing You?
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 your human rights. While employers have the right to ask about your qualifications and ability to perform the job, they cannot ask questions that discriminate against you. This article explains what employers can and cannot ask during the hiring process and what you can do if you face discrimination. ✅ What Employers Are Allowed to Ask Emplo
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 licensed driver, accumulating too many demerit points can lead to licence suspension, higher insurance rates, and long-term consequences for your driving record. At Situ Legal Services we help clients fight traffic tickets and protect their licences. In this article, we explain how Ontario’s demerit point system works, what penalties you could fa
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 rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Knowing your rights can help protect you and ensure the police follow proper procedures. Here’s what you need to know if you’re stopped, detained, or arrested by the police in Ontario. ✅ 1. What’s the Difference Between Being Detained and Arrested? Detained Police are temporarily holding you
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 have legal rights and clear options. It’s important to understand the process and respond on time to avoid additional penalties like late fees, license suspensions, or higher insurance premiums. Here’s what you need to know step by step after receiving a traffic ticket in Ontario. ✅ Step 1: Check What Kind of Traffic Ticket You Received Most ti
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 of Justice, Small Claims Court is simpler, faster, and less expensive, making it ideal for cases involving unpaid debts, breach of contract, property damage, or other civil disputes. So, what is the step-by-step process from filing a claim to enforcing a judgment? Let’s break it down. ✅ 1. Before You Sue – Preparation is Key Before starting a
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