The Association of Canadian Search, Employment and Staffing Services is preparing to weigh in on new legislation on job ads as the province prepares to draft regulations to implement the legislation.

Ontario’s “Working for Workers Four Act 2024” has already been amended to require that job ads include salary information and disclose whether artificial intelligence is being used in the hiring process. The government noted there were nearly 1.1 million online jobs posting in Ontario and only 40.5% included salary information. It also cited growing concerns over AI and noted that 11.4% of businesses in Ontario planned to use AI over the next 12 months.

Separately, Ontario Bill 190, if passed, would require employers to disclose in jobs ads whether a job vacancy exists in an effort to thwart ghost job ads for which there is no immediate opening. The government cited a survey of 1,045 hiring managers by Clarify Capital in October 2023 that found 50% created job openings to keep a talent pool at the ready without plans to hire in the immediate term.

Bill 190 would also require employers to respond to job applicants that they interviewed for publicly advertised positions within a certain period of time.

Ontario would be the first province to put ghost job and response requirements in place.

Acsess said it welcomes the opportunity to work with the Ontario government on behalf of its members that protect the interests of workers and businesses.

Comments or ideas for Acsess’ proposed response can be emailed to [email protected].