Magnifying Glass
Back to Sponsored Content

U.S. Companies in Canada: How to Survive the Employment Law Minefield

29 Jan, 2009 WorkersCompensation.com

                               
TORONTO, Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ - While opening an office in Canada is an exciting way to expand into new markets, companies unfamiliar with the differences between the Canadian and American employment landscape can face many challenges. To ensure the transition into Canada is successful, it is vital that a company understand the legislative differences between Canada and the U.S., and the consequences of overlooking those differences.

There are two major differences when it comes to American and Canadian employment environments: cultural and legislative. The history of social welfare in Canada has led to higher labor standards in areas such as employment insurance, collective bargaining, workers' compensation, leaves and terminations. For example, it pays to be aware that in Canada most employees are entitled to up to 52 weeks protected maternity/parental leave, and "at-will employment" does not exist.

Companies who fail to adhere to Canada's employment laws can find themselves in time consuming and costly litigation. As of June 2008, employees in Ontario have better access to publicly funded legal resources, more time to file a complaint, and can win larger settlements through the Human Rights Tribunal. Employees can also file complaints against an employer through Employment Standards Tribunals, again at no financial cost to the employee but at a significant burden to the employer.

The good news is that there are many resources available to assist new companies in Canada to navigate the employment law minefield. Companies can get information from government bodies, and can hire an employment lawyer or a Human Resource Manager well versed in Canadian legislation. However, for companies who lack the time and funding, or prefer more flexibility, another solution is to use a total Human Resource Outsourcing Provider. This is distinct from a Functional Human Resource Outsourcer that specializes primarily in one area of HR, such as job placement or payroll.

A total Human Resource Outsourcing Provider is the solution for a company needing Canadian expertise in all areas of Human Resources and employment. Such a company will build and implement a Human Resource infrastructure that is not only in compliance with Canadian legislation, but fits with the needs and culture of a U.S. company in Canada.

Another valuable option for new companies in Canada is a total HR Outsourcing Provider that can offer Third Party Employment services, becoming the employer of record for some or all employees if a company lacks the infrastructure to be an employer themselves. This employment can be short term or long term based on the company's needs. As the employer, the Third Party Employer should ensure all employment laws are adhered to and should handle employee payroll, tax remittance, workers' compensation, registration, separation paperwork, performance management and conflict resolution, while keeping day-to-day management of the employee in the client company's hands.

Navigating the Canadian employment law landscape is certainly possible with education and aligning yourself with the right partners.

About HR Options

HR Options is a total Human Resource Outsourcing Provider in Canada and the U.S. with a proven track record. HR Options' expert consultants offer Human Resource Consulting Services and Third Party Employment Services that complement each other, and are cost effective and flexible in accordance to client needs. www.hroptions.ca

SOURCE HR Options, Inc.

    • Read Also

    IOH Announces Appointment of Scott Strickland as Chief Operating Officer (COO) 

    SAN DIEGO, CA — July 1, 2024 — Institutes of Health (“IOH”), a leading transdisciplinary Workers’ Compensation treatment organization focused on patients suffering from complex and chronic conditions, is delighted to announce the appointment of […]
    Rising Medical Solutions Becomes Bronze Associate Partner of WorkCompCollege.com 

    Lakewood Ranch, FL (July 2, 2024) – WorkCompCollege.com, a division of Workers’ Compensation Educational Services, LLC, has announced a Bronze Associate Partnership with Rising Medical Solutions (Rising). Their mission to “make lives better” is consistent […]
    The Key Role of a Workers’ Comp Case Manager 

    Close attention through the claim lifecycle ensures the best claimant outcomes   In the world of workers’ compensation, where endless variables seem to be at play, Horizon Casualty Services, Inc., (HCS) acknowledges that having a clear […]

    About The Author

    • WorkersCompensation.com

    More by This Author

    Ametros’ Melissa Coleman Honored by the IAIABC as a 2024 NextGen Winner

    Wilmington, Mass. (June 24, 2024) – The IAIABC has recognized Melissa Coleman as a 2024 NextGen Award Winner. Coleman is the Senior Vice President of Marketing for Ametros, which helps people manage their medical funds following workers’ […]
    ReEmployAbility Announces Free Webinar: ‘Overcoming Jurisdictional Return-to-Work Challenges’

    ReEmployAbility, Inc.Contact: Rebecca Dearth(813) 261-3117 | news@reemployability.com Brandon, FL (May 10, 2023)- ReEmployAbility CEO and Founder Debra Livingston will be hosting a second free, live Work Comp Central webinar in their continued series to educate […]
    NCCI Annual Golf Event Tees Up $25,000 for Kids’ Chance of America

    (Orlando, FL–May 10, 2023)—The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) has given $25,000 to Kids’ Chance of America, supporting college scholarships for the children of injured workers. NCCI made the donation in conjunction with its Annual […]

    Read More

    IOH Announces Appointment of Scott Strickland as Chief Operating Officer (COO) 

    SAN DIEGO, CA — July 1, 2024 — Institutes of Health (“IOH”), a leading transdisciplinary Workers’ Compensation treatment organization focused on patients suffering from complex and chronic conditions, is delighted to announce the appointment of […]
    Rising Medical Solutions Becomes Bronze Associate Partner of WorkCompCollege.com 

    Lakewood Ranch, FL (July 2, 2024) – WorkCompCollege.com, a division of Workers’ Compensation Educational Services, LLC, has announced a Bronze Associate Partnership with Rising Medical Solutions (Rising). Their mission to “make lives better” is consistent […]
    The Key Role of a Workers’ Comp Case Manager 

    Close attention through the claim lifecycle ensures the best claimant outcomes   In the world of workers’ compensation, where endless variables seem to be at play, Horizon Casualty Services, Inc., (HCS) acknowledges that having a clear […]
    Ametros’ Melissa Coleman Honored by the IAIABC as a 2024 NextGen Winner

    Wilmington, Mass. (June 24, 2024) – The IAIABC has recognized Melissa Coleman as a 2024 NextGen Award Winner. Coleman is the Senior Vice President of Marketing for Ametros, which helps people manage their medical funds following workers’ […]
    PhysNet Achieves Fifth Consecutive Year of SOC 2 Type II Certification

    Jacksonville, FL, June 3, 2024 – PhysNet proudly announces its attainment of SOC 2 Type II compliance for the fifth consecutive year, reinforcing its commitment to providing enterprise-level security for customer data within its cloud-based […]
    WorkCompCollege.com Welcomes Alistair Ienstein as New Academic Innovator 

    June 20, 2024 – WorkCompCollege.com is thrilled to announce the appointment of Alistair Ienstein as its new Academic Innovator. Alistair, a unique and revolutionary AI presence, is poised to transform the learning experience for students […]

    Request a Demo

    To request a free demo of one of our products, please fill in this form. Our sales team will get back to you shortly.