First published on Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Last updated on Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Welcome to our final HR Heartbeat of 2025, where we’re taking a look at this year’s most pressing HR and employment law stories, month by month.
January
Key immigration pathways were rolled back, ending flag poling, removing LMIA CRS points, and expanding visa-cancellation powers meaning employers had to make compliance a key focus when hiring and retaining foreign talent.
February
A B.C. employer was hit with five months’ pay plus punitive damages after acting in bad faith by withholding statutory severance to pressure a vulnerable employee into signing a release, reinforcing that termination pay isn’t negotiable and fairness is mandatory.
March
A lack of clear contracts and consistent policies cost an employer nearly $1.8M after the Ontario Court of Appeal ruled that undocumented bonus, vacation, and equity terms must be paid showing that poor documentation can turn a termination into a massive liability.
April
Mark Carney becomes Canada’s new Prime Minister, signaling potential shifts toward stronger worker protections and tighter employment compliance. Employers had to review contracts and HR processes proactively.
May
A Quebec bar sparked backlash by excluding “woke” applicants in a job ad, highlighting that hiring based on political beliefs is illegal under human rights law.
June
A college and its director were fined $410,000 for ignoring wage orders, underscoring that failing to pay employees promptly can carry severe personal and business consequences.
July
Two Manitoba hotel owners face labour trafficking charges for exploiting migrant workers, highlighting that abusive practices towards employees are both illegal and criminally punishable.
August
Air Canada faced massive flight cancellations after 10,000 flight attendants went on strike over contract disputes, highlighting the importance of proactive employee communication and dispute management.
September
A BC Human Rights Tribunal ruled an employer discriminated against a deaf job applicant by refusing to accommodate a sign language interpreter during the interview, awarding $15,000 in damages and highlighting that duty to accommodate begins at the recruitment stage, not just after hiring.
October
The federal government temporarily extended EI benefits by up to 20 weeks for long-tenured workers, giving employers more flexibility in layoffs and workforce changes while emphasizing the need for accurate ROEs and compliant HR processes.
November
Ontario employers with 25+ employees must prepare for new ESA job-posting rules effective Jan. 1, 2026, including salary ranges, AI-use disclosures, bans on “Canadian experience” requirements, applicant notifications, and strict three-year record-keeping obligations.
December
As of Dec. 12, 2025, federally regulated employers must comply with new Canada Labour Code leaves for pregnancy loss and child bereavement, expanded job protections, stricter record-keeping, and significantly higher penalties for non-compliance.
And that’s a wrap from me for the year. Come back in 2026 for my take on the latest headlines and employment law stories, helping keep your business ahead!
