The HR Compliance Calendar for Canadian Employers (2026): Monthly, Quarterly, and Annual Tasks

Federal items apply only to federally regulated employers (banks, telecom, interprovincial transportation, postal/courier, broadcasting, First Nations band councils, etc.). Provincial items apply only to employers in that province. Dates marked "ongoing" are recurring obligations without a single fixed deadline. Employee thresholds vary by rule — do not assume one snapshot date applies to everything. Examples: Ontario disconnecting-from-work and electronic-monitoring policies: measured on January 1 of the year. Ontario written-information-for-new-hires under ESA s. 15.1: measured on the employee's first day of work . Information must be provided before the employee's first day of work , or as soon as reasonably possible after if earlier delivery is not practicable. Ontario publicly advertised job postings under O. Reg. 476/24: these requirements do not apply if the employer has fewer than 25 employees on the day the publicly advertised job posting is posted. Federal and other provincial rules use their own specific triggers — always check the provision. January 1, 2026 — major effective date Ontario — ESA job-posting rules (Working for Workers series): Amendments to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (not a standalone "Pay Transparency Act"). These requirements do not apply if the employer has fewer than 25 employees on the day the publicly advertised job posting is posted. Under O. Reg. 476/24: Disclose expected compensation or a compensation range; posted range must not exceed CAD $50,000 (O. Reg. 476/24 s. 4), unless expected annual compensation is greater than $200,000 . Ban on "Canadian experience" as a qualification in postings and application forms. Disclose whether AI is used to screen, assess, or select applicants. Disclose whether the posting is for an existing vacancy . Post-interview notification within 45 days of the last interview (O. Reg. 476/24 s. 5(1)). 3-year retention of postings, application forms, and related records. Ontario — Long-term illness leave: Up to 27 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 52-week period. Alberta & Manitoba — Long-term illness/serious-injury leave: Up to 27 weeks in a 52-week period, effective January 1, 2026. Ontario — Written information for new hires (ESA s. 15.1): Applies where the employer has 25 or more employees on the new employee's first day of work . Information must be provided before the employee's first day of work , or as soon as reasonably possible after if earlier delivery is not practicable. Core requirement took effect July 1, 2025 ; additional prescribed categories expanded January 1, 2026 . Ontario — Washroom cleaning records (effective Jan 1, 2026): Employers must keep records showing the date and time of the two most recent cleanings for each washroom facility, make those records available on request, and post a notice in or near each washroom stating that the records are available. BC — Pay transparency headcount snapshot: Headcount measured as of January 1, 2026 to determine whether the 50+ threshold applies for the November 1, 2026 report. January — ongoing tasks Federal T4/T4A preparation begins. Ontario disconnecting-from-work and electronic-monitoring policies: headcount measured on Jan 1; policies due by March 1, 2026 if 25+ employees. February February 28, 2026: T4, T4A, and RL-1 slips must be issued. Begin Ontario EHT annual return preparation. March March 1, 2026 — Ontario: Disconnecting-from-work and electronic-monitoring policies must be in place (and distributed within 30 days). March 15, 2026: Ontario EHT annual return due. March 31, 2026: WSIB (Ontario) reconciliation due. Federal minimum wage announcement (2026: announced March 23, 2026). April 1, 2026 — Minimum wage changes (verified) Jurisdiction New rate Notes Federal $18.15/hr Up from $17.75 (2.1% CPI adjustment); federally regulated employers pay the higher of the federal or applicable provincial/territorial rate. New Brunswick $15.90/hr CPI-indexed. Newfoundland and Labrador $16.35/hr CPI-indexed. Prince Edward Island $17.00/hr Legislated. Nova Scotia $16.75/hr First of two 2026 increases (confirmed in NS Minimum Wage Order (General)). Yukon $18.51/hr Effective April 1, 2026; CPI-indexed and exceeds federal rate. April 30, 2026 Personal income tax filing deadline (employer reminder only). June 1, 2026 BC minimum wage: Increases from $17.85 to $18.25/hr . Ongoing Q2 obligations Ontario workplace harassment program review (OHSA s. 32.0.6(2)): Employer must review the harassment program as often as necessary, and at least annually. Federal written employment statement: Within the first 30 days of employment; updates within 30 days of the change taking effect. Federal workplace harassment and violence prevention: Under the Work Place Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations (SOR/2020-130): The policy must be jointly developed with the applicable partner (policy committee, workplace committee, or health-and-safety representative). The policy must be reviewed