Pay Transparency in Job Postings and AI: 770 CHQR Interview

Interview Summary

The Ontario government has proposed legislation aimed at ending potentially unfair hiring practices.

Employers would be required to disclose salary ranges in job postings and whether or not artificial intelligence was used during the hiring process.

While previous governments have also proposed pay transparency, are there elements of this legislation that could impact the job market significantly? What should employers and employees be aware of to protect their rights?

Fiona Martyn, an employment lawyer and Partner at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, joined Shaye Ganam on 630 CHED and CHQR Calgary to answer these questions and more.

Interview Notes

• Job posting advertising changes: This legislation will address wage discrepancies and is a step in the right direction for pay transparency. Many employees will undergo a recruitment process and only discover the compensation offered towards the end. Often, what is offered does not meet expectations.
• Changing the recruitment process for employers: As a result of this legislation, employers might face a more limited pool of candidates applying for job postings. Candidates who are more likely to focus on salary could ignore other elements of a job.
• Influence on wages and compensation: This legislation could significantly impact the salaries and wages offered by employers. Employees would be able to determine what a competitive salary for their position would be.
• Employers using AI during the hiring process: It seems to be an increasingly common practice for employers to use artificial intelligence during the hiring process to screen applicants. This legislation would help eliminate some technological biases that have become common in the job market as a result of AI.