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Labour & Employment Law Blog

Changes to the Employment Standards Act

Changes to Employment Standards Act in 2023

New rules came into place on January 1, 2023, with respect to business and IT consultants

Effective January 1, 2023, changes made to the Employment Standards Act (“ESA”) relating to the meaning of “consultants” under the legislation. The ESA has now defined the term “consultant” in relation to both “business consultants” and “information technology consultants” or “IT consultants.” The topics that business consultants can cover include issues of finance, management, human resources, and even environmental concerns. IT consultants generally deal with issues relating to electronic data processing and computer systems. Individuals falling under the foregoing categories will be exempt from the ESA and its protections. To fall under the aforementioned definitions, as set out below, said individuals must meet certain criteria.

The ESA has set out that a “consultant” must have certain requirements to be exempt from the ESA. First, the “consultant” must provide services through a) a corporation of which the consultant is a director or shareholder to a unanimous shareholder agreement or b) is a sole proprietorship of which the consultant is the sole proprietor. It is interesting that partnership is left out of this definition. As it is set out right now, if there are two consultants acting in partnership, they would not meet the definition. However, they could possibly be both directors in a corporation.

The second criterion is that the “consultant” must be paid at least $60 per hour excluding bonuses, commissions, expenses and travelling allowances and benefits, or such other amount as may be prescribed.

The third criterion is that the “consultant” must be paid pursuant to a consulting agreement. It is not set out that the consulting agreement must be a written document.

Our Thoughts

Employers must really look at the relationship they have with certain “consultants” that they may use regularly. The legislation has defined who is a consultant very broadly.

However, how the aforementioned legislative changes are going to be interpreted remains unclear. For instance, if a consultant earns over $60 per hour but, for all intents and purposes, is truly an employee, will they not be entitled to the ESA’s protections? Is this legislative change enough to carve out the conventional tests used to determine employer – employee and principal – independent / dependent contractor relationships at common law? What if the person in question earns less than $60 per hour but is truly an independent contractor, do the above legislative changes create an employment relationship or is it simply the case that the above criteria are purely “exemptive” in nature?

We would suggest that if the employer has any questions or concerns relating to these issues to please contact an employment lawyer to discuss these concerns as soon as possible.

The above article is for general information purposes only, does not constitute legal advice or create a solicitor-client relationship. Because each case is unique and factually driven, if you have concerns with regard to the foregoing issues, please make an appointment with one of our lawyers or a qualified legal practitioner elsewhere. We represent clients in the Greater Toronto Area including Toronto, North York, Markham, Vaughan, Thornhill, Newmarket, Aurora, Brampton, Mississauga, Barrie, Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa.

Legal Receptionist

Zeilikman Law is an employment law firm located in Vaughan, Ontario. We are looking to hire a legal receptionist to join our firm. Preference will be given to candidates who have experience working as a receptionist at another law firm.

Location: Vaughan, Ontario.

Start Date: Immediately.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Full time. In-person only. This is not a remote work position.

Wages: 35,000 to 40,000 per year.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Manage our firm’s multi-line telephone system to receive incoming calls.  Screen incoming telephone call inquiries to determine the nature of the telephone call and provide standard information related to our legal services.  Take and deliver messages and route incoming telephone calls to the appropriate staff person.
  • Answer general inquiries coming from the firm’s social media and website email.
  • Welcome in-person visitors upon arrival.  Direct visitors to the appropriate staff person and / or office or boardroom.
  • Organize in-person visitor schedule to prevent overlap and multiple bookings.
  • Receive, sort, and distribute daily mail and deliveries.
  • Arrange for couriers.
  • Keep front reception, kitchenette area and boardroom tidy.
  • Perform various clerical duties such as filing, photocopying, and faxing on an as-needed basis.
  • Process client or other payments.
  • May be asked to run minor errands outside of office such as attending post office to arrange a courier or pick up mail.
  • May be asked to assist other law clerks or lawyers of the firm as required and as appropriate.
  • Any other basic administrative duties or tasks as deemed appropriate.

Required Skills:

  • Basic knowledge of general office procedures including filing, faxing, and printing and copying.
  • Basic word processing computer skills.
  • Proficient in receptionist and telephone practices, etiquette, and decorum.
  • Professional attitude and appearance.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Positive customer service attitude is a must.
  • Must be able to maintain confidential and sensitive information.

Education and Experience:

  • Highschool diploma or equivalent.
  • 1 – 2 years’ experience in an office setting with an emphasis in accounting, reception or clerical work is required.   We would prefer experience in a law firm environment.

Applications for this position should be sent via email to jennifer@zeilikmanlaw.com. All applications should include a cover letter, resume and at least two references. Only successful candidates will be contacted.