A number of legislative changes affecting employers in British Columbia took effect in January 2024. Below is a summary of these changes and where to go for more information. Health & Safety Legislation Bill 41, the Workers Compensation Act Amendment Act (No. 2), 2022 received Royal Assent on November 24, 2022. The legislation introduced 7 amendments to support workers in BC, with 6 amendments already enacted and the final amendment taking effect on January 1, 2024. This amendment adds a legal duty for workers and employers to cooperate in a worker’s early and safe return to work, as well ..read more

Our very best wishes to you and your loved ones for the holiday season. May 2024 bring much peace, kindness and goodwill to all. We also wish to thank you for allowing us to do the work that we do. Whether you are a client, service partner, colleague or a quiet cheerleader from afar, we thank you for your support and trust. In the spirit of the holiday season, we have made donations to a few organizations who do amazing work during this time of great need. Whether supporting medical care and research, building community or spreading joy through the arts, we are proud supporters of the followi ..read more

As employers plan their salary increase budgets for 2024, inflationary pressures, economic uncertainty and a high demand for talent have created a continuing challenge. To help with the salary planning process and to provide insight into what is happening in the market, below is a summary of salary increase projections for 2024 that have recently been published in Canada: Normandin Beaudry Actual average salary increase in 2023 (in Canada): 4.1% Projected salary increase for 2024 (in Canada): 3.6%, with up to an additional 1% for other salary adjustments Projected salary increase for 2024 (i ..read more

We’re honoured to announce that Clear HR Consulting is a winner of a 2023 Canadian HR Reporter Readers’ Choice Award in the category of HR Management Consultant. The winners were announced online on June 15, 2023. Here are some facts about the 2023 Canadian HR Reporter Readers’ Choice Award survey: The survey took place between February 13 and March 10, 2023; The top 3 nominees who received the most overall votes in each category were awarded the Readers’ Choice designation. We’re humbled to be a seven-time recipient of a Canadian HR Reporter Readers’ Choice Award in the category of HR Mana ..read more

The BC Government has announced two pay changes that will affect employers in BC: a minimum wage increase and the passing of the Pay Transparency Act. Minimum Wage Increase Effective June 1, 2023, the minimum wage in BC will increase from $15.65 to $16.75 per hour. This 6.9% increase in the minimum wage reflects BC’s average annual inflation rate in 2022. Minimum wage adjustments have occurred on June 1st of each year and have been tied to inflation increases. Pay Transparency The BC Government passed a new Pay Transparency Act on May 11, 2023 to improve pay equity for Indigenous women, women ..read more

On March 9, 2023, the BC provincial government passed legislation to make September 30 a new statutory holiday. This new statutory holiday, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, will provide an opportunity to commemorate the history and legacy of the residential school system, and to honour survivors as well as those children who never made it home. Starting in 2023, September 30 will be considered a statutory holiday for provincially-regulated employers in BC, bringing the total number of statutory holidays in BC to eleven. Be sure to update your employee handbook or HR policy manua ..read more

In honour of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, September 19 has been declared a National Day of Mourning in Canada to coincide with Her Late Majesty’s State Funeral. The summary below provides information on which jurisdictions have declared September 19 as a public holiday and to whom the holiday applies: Declared Statutory Holiday Only Prince Edward Island has designated September 19 a provincial statutory holiday for all provincially-regulated workers. Regular paid holiday rules apply per the Employment Standards Act. Paid Holiday for Public Sector/Government Employees Federal Government ..read more

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who voted for us in the Canadian HR Reporter’s Readers’ Choice Awards for 2022! We are happy to announce that we are a winner in the HR Management Consultant category for the 6th year in a row! We are grateful to our amazing clients and colleagues who trust us to help them. Congratulations to all the winners. It is an honour to be recognized alongside all of you. The post 2022 Canadian HR Reporter Readers’ Choice Award appeared first on Clear HR Consulting ..read more

As noted previously, on January 1, 2022, paid sick leave came into effect for BC employers through amendments to the BC Employment Standards Act. After several months of implementation, the BC provincial government has recently passed some additional changes to the paid sick leave legislation. Please take note of the following changes: 1. Initially, the legislation entitled employees to 5 paid and 3 unpaid days due to personal illness or injury per “employment year”. This has now changed to “calendar year.” A calendar year is a period of 12 consecutive months beginning on January 1. Eligible ..read more

As noted previously, on January 1, 2022, paid sick leave came into effect for BC employers through amendments to the BC Employment Standards Act. After several months of implementation, the BC provincial government has recently passed some additional changes to the paid sick leave legislation. Please take note of the following changes: 1. Initially, the legislation entitled employees to 5 paid and 3 unpaid days due to personal illness or injury per “employment year”. This has now changed to “calendar year.” A calendar year is a period of 12 consecutive months beginning on January 1. Eligible ..read more