Investigations and Inspection Statistics

• Revised: May 2009
• Content last reviewed: June 2009

The Ministry of Labour enforces compliance with the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) and its regulations through complaints investigations, targeted inspections and, if necessary, prosecutions.

Complaints Investigations

Investigations are initiated when a complaint is filed against an employer, alleging a violation of the ESA.

Complaint Files Investigated by Fiscal Year: 2003-2009

Fiscal Year (April 1 - March 31)	Complaint Files Investigated
2003/04	15,771
2004/05	15,950
2005/06	15,776
2006/07	15,955
2007/08	18,533
2008/09	21,304

Top five complaints in 2007/08:

1. Unpaid Wages
2. Vacation Pay
3. Termination Pay
4. Overtime
5. Public Holidays

Targeted Inspections

The Ministry of Labour conducts targeted inspections of workplaces, focusing on high-risk sectors and repeat violators, to increase compliance the ESA. Targeted inspections are initiated by the ministry and do not require a complaint to be filed against the employer.

The purpose of targeted inspections is to:

• Enforce the ESA and its regulations
• Communicate the requirements and raise awareness and understanding of the ESA
• Promote self-reliance in the workplace.

Targeted Inspections by Fiscal Year: 2003 - 2009

Fiscal Year (April 1 - March 31)	Targeted Inspections Conducted
2003/04	151
2004/05	2,355
2005/06	2,560
2006/07	2,713
2007/08	1,160
2008/09	2,135

The top five employment standards violations discovered during targeted inspections in 2007/08 were:

1. Unpaid Wages
2. Public Holidays
3. Overtime
4. Vacation Pay
5. Minimum Wage

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