In November 2010, the Ontario government announced the Open for Business Act. The act amends the Employment Standards Act, 2000. Effective January 19th, 2011 there is a new process for filing employment standards claims.
Previously, complainants were assigned an Employment Standards Officer to investigate right away. Now, complainants must inform their employer first of the problem (i.e. an issue with vacation pay, pregnancy leave, etc.) before filing a complaint. The complainant must report to the Director of Employment Standards that they have informed their employer of the problem. Complainants must provide any evidence to the Director of Employment Standards that may be requested. These steps must be taken within 6 months, if not, the complaint will be refused.
The intention of this new process is to lessen the accumulation of employment standards complaints to promote early resolution.