Ontario’s Right to Disconnect policy

RCC has received many inquiries from members on Ontario’s “Right to Disconnect” policy.

As background, Ontario received royal assent on December 2, 2021 which required all employers with 25 employees or more to have a “Right to Disconnect” policy. That policy needs to be in place by June 2, 2022 (the law states that the deadline for a policy is six months after the law receives royal assent). RCC would counsel that employers have time to develop this policy. At the time of passing the law, Ontario confirmed it would have a sample policy for employers as a reference.

RCC has confirmed with the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) that a sample policy is in the works and will be publicly posted mid-to-late-February. RCC would encourage employers to hold off on development until there is a reference policy, to ensure that your policy speaks to every aspect covered in the sample policy.