Recently Statistics Canada reported that self-employment jobs increased by 86,900 in August 2014, www.statcan.gc.ca/tables-tableaux/sum-som/l01/cst01/labr66a-eng.htm. This number is a combination of various new businesses which means many start-up companies will be looking for help with Human Resources.

In Ontario, The Ontario Ministry of Labour conducts ongoing “Provincial Blitzes” which are province-wide, sector-specific enforcement initiatives, as well as “Provincial” and “Regional Initiatives” which are smaller-scale enforcement initiatives. www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/resources/blitzschedule.php

The enforcement blitz and initiative schedules are for the Occupational Health and Safety Program and the Employment Standards Program. Coordinating the schedules highlights the importance the ministry places on protecting workers’ rights under both the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and the Employment Standards Act (ESA), and enhancing employers’ awareness of their responsibilities.

An employment standards officer can issue a non-monetary Compliance Order if the officer finds that the employer has not complied with the ESA. The officer can order an employer or other person to comply with the ESA.

An employment standards officer may also issue an Offence Notice (or “ticket”) under Part I of the Provincial Offences Act, carrying a fine of $295 plus a victim fine surcharge.

HR advice and support is crucial to businesses during development and implementation of processes and programs eliminating exposure to legal and financial risks.