Ontario is rolling out new hiring rules to make job postings clearer and fairer — especially for newcomers who often run into extra hurdles when applying for work. Starting January 1, 2026, any employer with 25 or more employees will have to follow a new set of standards that aim to remove common barriers and give job seekers a better idea of what they’re walking into.
These updates to the Employment Standards Act are designed to help internationally trained workers compete on a level playing field — and to help employers build a more inclusive workforce.
One of the biggest changes? Employers will no longer be allowed to list “Canadian work experience” as a requirement in job ads or application forms.
For many newcomers, this has been one of the most frustrating parts of job hunting. Even when they have years of strong, relevant experience from abroad, the “Canadian experience” line often blocks them from getting interviews. Under the new rules, employers can still talk about experience during the interview stage, but they can’t use “Canadian experience” as a blanket filter in public postings.
In short: if you have the skills, you should get a fair shot — no matter where you earned them.
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