Find a Lawyer » Canada Legal Guides » Ontario Legal Guides » Page 195
💡In Ontario, unpaid training shifts, “trial shifts,” and “working interviews” are generally illegal if you are performing productive work. Under the Employment Standards Act (ESA), if you are serving customers,…
💡No employer in Ontario can force you to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) under duress. If they present an NDA after you have already started working, it is legally invalid…
💡Yes, an Ontario employer can sue a current or former employee for defamation if they post false, malicious statements of fact online that cause financial harm. Employers can obtain a…
💡In Ontario, employees generally have the legal right to work a second job (moonlighting) to make ends meet. Human Resources cannot simply ban dual employment unless the second job creates…
💡Under the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), you generally cannot use a formal “work refusal” strictly for psychological bullying or a toxic coworker. Work refusals are reserved for…
💡In Ontario, Ministry of Labour (MLITSD) inspectors conduct targeted sweeps focusing on Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). Employers must proactively identify repetitive strain hazards and implement ergonomic controls. Failure to produce a…
💡Under the Ontario OHSA, employers must conduct an appropriate investigation into workplace harassment. When a complaint involves high-ranking executives, sexual harassment, or severe toxicity, hiring an external, third-party investigator (such…
🚩In Ontario, a legal strike or lockout cannot happen overnight. Under the Labour Relations Act, parties must first undergo mandatory conciliation, receive a “No Board” report from the Ministry of…
🚨In Ontario, certain public sector workers-like hospital staff, police, and paramedics-are strictly forbidden from striking under the Hospital Labour Disputes Arbitration Act. Other government workers must negotiate an Essential Services…
💡The Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) explicitly prohibits employers from punishing, demoting, or firing you for reporting workplace harassment. If you face retaliation (a “reprisal”) for stepping forward…
💡As of June 2026, the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) strictly requires every employer to provide comprehensive, documented training to all workers on the company’s specific workplace violence…
💡To protect trade secrets when an employee resigns in Ontario, employers must immediately revoke all IT access, conduct a forensic exit review, and enforce legally binding Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs). If…
📣During a union organizing drive in Ontario, employers have the right to communicate facts and opinions, but they absolutely cannot use coercion, intimidation, or threats. Making promises or threats during…
💡As of June 2026, provincially regulated employers in Ontario can legally hire temporary replacement workers during a strike, but they are strictly banned from using “professional strikebreakers.” However, if your…
💡Before initiating a temporary layoff in Ontario, employers must conduct a strict risk assessment. If your employment contracts do not explicitly include a clause allowing for temporary layoffs, sending an…
👮In Ontario, incorporating a business does not shield you from workplace safety liabilities. If a corporate director or officer fails to take reasonable care to protect workers, they can face…
💡To decertify a union in Ontario, employees must gather signatures from at least 40% of the bargaining unit demonstrating they no longer want union representation. This application can only be…
🚨If your workplace is unsafe, you can report your employer to the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) Health and Safety Contact Centre at 1-877-202-0008. You…
💡In Ontario, frontline managers and supervisors can be held personally liable under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) for ignoring safety hazards or directing unsafe work. If a worker…
⚠️If you disagree with a Ministry of Labour inspector’s health and safety order (or their refusal to issue one), you have a strict 30-day deadline to file an appeal with…
💡In Ontario, employees do not have a general statutory right to demand permanent remote work. Unless your employment contract explicitly guarantees a remote role, or you require a legally protected…
🎯 Specialization: Human Rights Law, Wrongful Dismissal, Civil Litigation, Defamation, Workplace Harassment
🗣️ Languages: English, French
📍 Address: 1 Hunter St E #100, Hamilton, Ontario
🏢 Est: 2016
🎯 Specialization: Construction Liens, Commercial Litigation, Shareholder Disputes, Estate Litigation
🗣️ Languages: English
📍 Address: 218 Export Blvd, Mississauga, Ontario
🎯 Specialization: Residential Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, Wills and Estates, Corporate Law, Employment…
🗣️ Languages: English
📍 Address: 73 Centre St S, Oshawa, Ontario
🏢 Est: 1900
✨ Free Consultation
🎯 Specialization: WSIB Appeals, CPP Disability, Return to Work Disputes, Occupational Health and Safety
🗣️ Languages: English
📍 Address: 466 Dupont St, Toronto, Ontario
🏢 Est: 1999
🎯 Specialization: Municipal Law, Business Formation, Bilingual Services
🗣️ Languages: English, French, Vietnamese
📍 Address: 5925 Jeanne D'Arc Blvd N Unit 1, Ottawa, Ontario
🏢 Est: 1993
✨ Free Consultation
🎯 Specialization: Domestic Violence Cases, Legal Aid Family Law, Personal Injury Claims, Workplace Disputes
🗣️ Languages: English, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu
📍 Address: 571 Wharncliffe Rd S, London, Ontario
🏢 Est: 2020
🎯 Specialization: Employment Litigation, Wrongful Dismissal, Human Rights, Residential Real Estate, Civil Disputes
🗣️ Languages: English
📍 Address: 7676 Woodbine Ave, Markham, Ontario
🏢 Est: 2012
🎯 Specialization: Civil Litigation, Insurance Defence, Employment Law
🗣️ Languages: English
📍 Address: 109 Ferris Ln, Barrie, Ontario
🏢 Est: 1973
✨ Free Consultation
🎯 Specialization: Residential Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, Spousal Sponsorship, Business Incorporation
🗣️ Languages: English, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu
📍 Address: 170 Steelwell Rd, Brampton, Ontario
✨ Free Consultation
🎯 Specialization: Landlord and Tenant Disputes, Small Claims Court, Notary Services, Employment Law
🗣️ Languages: English
📍 Address: 4635 Queen St, Niagara Falls, Ontario
🏢 Est: 2022
⚙️ Services: Refugee Protection Division, Immigration Division, Immigration Appeal Division, Refugee Appeal Division, Registry…
📍 25 St Clair Ave E, Toronto, Ontario
🚶 Walk-ins Welcome
⚙️ Services: Immunization Records, Food Handler Certification
📍 50 High Tech Rd, Richmond Hill, Ontario
⚙️ Services: Registry Office, Mediation Services, Adjudication Services
📍 240 Sparks St, Ottawa, Ontario
🚶 Walk-ins Welcome
⚙️ Services: Victim Services, Restorative Justice, Offender Management, Policy and Research
📍 340 Laurier Ave W, Ottawa, Ontario
⚙️ Services: Tribunal Decisions, Appeal Records, Leave to Appeal Orders
📍 344 Slater St., Ottawa, Ontario
⚙️ Services: Income Tax Returns, Notice of Assessment
📍 1050 Notre Dame Ave, Greater Sudbury, Ontario
⚙️ Services: Complaint Review, Systemic Investigations, Taxpayer Rights, Public Outreach
📍 171 Slater St #1000, Ottawa, Ontario
🚶 Walk-ins Welcome
⚙️ Services: Food Handler Certificate, Immunization Record
📍 50 High Tech Rd, Richmond Hill, Ontario
🚶 Walk-ins Welcome
⚙️ Services: Tribunal Orders, Eviction Orders
📍 199 Larch St, Greater Sudbury, Ontario
Welcome to the Ontario Legal Guides centre. Here you will find comprehensive resources covering everything from family disputes to corporate law, based on current provincial regulations.
Navigating the legal landscape in Canada’s most populous province can be complex and intimidating. These comprehensive legal guides are designed to help Ontarians understand their rights and responsibilities under common law and provincial statutes. Whether you are dealing with a stressful family separation, drafting a real estate contract, or facing criminal charges, having access to accurate, up-to-date information is the first step toward a resolution.
Provincial laws govern many aspects of daily life, from how you buy a home to how you settle a workplace dispute. Understanding the rules set out by legislation like the Family Law Act, the Employment Standards Act, or the Residential Tenancies Act can prevent small disagreements from turning into costly legal battles. Our guides aim to break down these complex topics into plain English so you can make informed decisions.
The justice system in this province is structured to handle everything from minor traffic tickets to major civil lawsuits. Serious criminal matters and large civil disputes are heard by the Superior Court of Justice, which is the highest trial court in the province. Meanwhile, family matters and less severe provincial offences are often dealt with by the Ontario Court of Justice, ensuring cases are routed to the appropriate venue for efficient resolution.
Aside from the courts, everyday legal matters often involve interacting with various provincial and municipal agencies. You may need to visit ServiceOntario to register a business or update vital statistics, or work with the Land Registry Office during a property purchase. In cases involving public safety or traffic enforcement, you might also interact with local authorities such as the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) or municipal services like the Toronto Police Service.
While reading up on your rights is a great starting point, trying to solve a complex legal problem without professional guidance is highly risky. We strongly advise against representing yourself in court or drafting complex legal agreements using DIY templates. Misinterpreting Ontario statutes or missing strict filing deadlines can lead to severe financial losses, denied claims, or unfavourable court judgments.
Retaining a qualified lawyer ensures that your rights are vigorously protected and that you are following proper legal procedures. A legal professional can advocate for you during negotiations, mediate disputes, and represent you effectively before an Ontario judge. You can find a list of relevant local lawyers and government agencies at the top of this page.
The Superior Court of Justice handles major civil lawsuits, serious criminal offences, and complex family law matters like divorce and property division. The Ontario Court of Justice deals with provincial offences like traffic tickets, minor criminal charges, and child protection or support cases.
Many daily matters, such as property ownership, wills, and most employment disputes, are governed by provincial law. Criminal law and divorce are governed by federal statutes, but they are administered through the provincial court system right here in Ontario.
Under the provincial Limitations Act, the standard limitation period to file a civil lawsuit is generally two years from the day you first discover the claim or realize that you suffered a loss. Missing this deadline usually means you lose your right to sue.
No, taking a case all the way to trial is actually quite rare. The vast majority of civil disputes in Ontario are settled outside of court through direct negotiation, mediation, or arbitration, which saves both parties significant time and legal expenses.
The age of majority in Ontario is 18 years old. This is the age at which a person is legally considered an adult, granting them the legal capacity to sign binding contracts, draft a valid will, and independently file a lawsuit.
Legal fees vary widely depending on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s level of experience. Many lawyers charge hourly rates, while others might offer a flat fee for drafting standard documents like a will or handling a straightforward real estate transaction.
