2026 Compliance Updates

By staying informed about the topics in Gallagher's monthly compliance updates, you can ensure your organization remains compliant, avoids penalties and is well prepared to meet the evolving requirements of Canadian legislation for employers.

For the latest detailed insights, explore the updates below.

March

Minimum wage in British Columbia to increase in June

Starting June 1, 2026, British Columbia's general minimum wage will rise from $17.85 to $18.25 per hour. Minimum wages for certain employee categories will also see an increase.

LEARN MORE

Ontario introduces self-tracking tool for occupational exposure

On February 20, 2026, the government of Ontario introduced the Workplace Occupational Exposure Registry (the Registry), an online portal allowing employees to record and track exposures to hazardous materials in the workplace.

LEARN MORE

Alberta's Bill 11 allows employers to offer employee access to public and private healthcare under private plans

On December 10, 2025, Bill 11, the Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 (No. 2), passed the Alberta Assembly. The new Act will allow healthcare workers, including physicians and surgeons, to work in both the public and private spheres.

LEARN MORE

February

New guidelines for Modern Slavery Act reporting

Public Safety Canada issued updated guidance on December 22, 2025, to help employers understand their obligations under the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act. The updates clarify how to assess supply chain reporting requirements during the Act's third year of enactment.

LEARN MORE

Ontario eases professional certification requirements for mobile workers

Starting January 1, 2026, changes to Ontario's Labour Mobility Act and the Deemed Certification Regulation will enable certified professionals relocating from other parts of Canada to begin working in Ontario more quickly.

LEARN MORE

January

Bill 101 passed and going into effect

Effective October 28, 2025, Bill 101, "An Act to Improve Certain Labour Laws," impacts employment law by addressing the definition of "worker," arbitration procedures, public health and safety leave, wage reimbursement and industry-specific regulations. Additionally, it postpones the requirement for employers with 20+ employees to adopt workplace accident prevention programs and for smaller employers to implement risk-reduction action plans.

LEARN MORE

Expansion of Alberta's illness or injury leave

Effective January 1, 2026, the Alberta government has extended the maximum entitlement for unpaid, job-protected illness and injury leave from 16 weeks to 27 weeks per year.

LEARN MORE

New leaves in effect for pregnancy loss and bereavement; adoption leave not yet in effect

Effective December 12, 2025, new leaves for pregnancy loss, bereavement and adoption were introduced under "An Act to implement provisions of the fall 2023 economic statement and the March 2023 budget."

LEARN MORE

New unpaid illness or injury leave introduced in British Columbia

Effective November 27, 2025, British Columbia introduced up to 27 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for serious illness or injury.

LEARN MORE

Variable life benefit pension options available in Québec

Québec has implemented a new variable life benefit pension option, effective January 1, 2026. This option allows retirees to convert their pension savings into lifetime income, providing greater flexibility and security in retirement planning.

Navigating global employee benefits and compliance requirements can be complex. GVISOR^TM is a powerful global employee benefits information system designed to help you stay ahead. With access to country-specific manuals, news and compliance alerts, GVISOR^TM provides the tools you need to understand employment conditions, monitor legislative changes and address compliance issues effectively.

Disclaimer

GVISOR™ tracks changes in local employee benefits regulations and trends. All Compliance Alerts include suggestions of next steps a company should consider taking in order to comply with reported changes. GVISOR™ also includes Country Manuals, which are comprehensive guides to employee benefits in various countries. Covered topics include retirement, death, disability, workers' compensation, unemployment, maternity, medical, leave, holidays, employment conditions, termination, and incentives and perquisites.

For more information on GVISOR™, contact us at +1.202.299.9378 or gvisor@ajg.com.

Related Products & Services

Explore

2026 Compliance Updates

Stay informed about Canadian legislative changes that impact employers.

March

Minimum wage in British Columbia to increase in June

Ontario introduces self-tracking tool for occupational exposure

Alberta's Bill 11 allows employers to offer employee access to public and private healthcare under private plans

February

New guidelines for Modern Slavery Act reporting

Ontario eases professional certification requirements for mobile workers

January

Bill 101 passed and going into effect

Expansion of Alberta's illness or injury leave

New leaves in effect for pregnancy loss and bereavement; adoption leave not yet in effect

New unpaid illness or injury leave introduced in British Columbia

Variable life benefit pension options available in Québec

Disclaimer

Related Products & Services

2025 Reference Guide to Canadian Benefits

2025 Canada Workforce Trends Report: Benefits Benchmarks

Emerging Trends That Will Shape Your People Strategy for 2026 and Beyond