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Labour & Employment Law Blog

Minimum Wage Will Increase on October 1 in Ontario

Minimum Wage Will Increase on October 1 in Ontario

On October 1, 2020, the minimum wage in Ontario will rise from $14.00 to $14.25 per hour.  Minimum wage is simply the lowest amount per working hour that an employer can legally pay an employee in most jobs.   To remind our readers, the last time the minimum wage was increased was back in 2018 when it rose to $14.00 per hour.  However, that wage rate has remained the same for nearly two years.  The current government has blocked a scheduled increase to the minimum wage at the time in Ontario.

This coming minimum wage increase applies to the bulk of employees but there are some exceptions.  For instance, student minimum wage is lower and sits at $13.15 per hour.  Student minimum wage will increase to $13.40 per hour on October 1, 2020.

This new minimum wage of $14.25 per hour will remain in place until September 2021.  The minimum wage is set to increase again thereafter.   It remains to be determined whether the Ontario government will intervene to keep the minimum wage increase at $14.25.  As set out above, the current government has interfered before and blocked a scheduled increase to the minimum wage.  It would not be especially surprising if the Ontario government moves again to block an increase especially given the tough times that employers have to undergo because of the global COVID-19 pandemic.  For instance, the Ontario government has prevented employees from being able to claim statutory constructive dismissal due to reductions in wage, layoffs or drops in scheduled working hours due to the coronavirus.

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.