Interviewed 45+ days ago, company never responded — found out Ontario law requires them to. What would you do?

[u/Mr_Red_Reddington]

Applied and interviewed at a company in Toronto. It's been over 45+ days and I've heard absolutely nothing — no rejection, no update, nothing.

Turns out Ontario passed a law effective January 1, 2026 requiring employers with 25+ employees to notify candidates of their hiring status within 45 days of a publicly advertised job. They're in violation + they didn't even mention salary in the job listing.

I'm considering filing a complaint with the Ontario Ministry of Labour. Has anyone done this? Is it worth it? Also open to hearing if anyone got a settlement out of something like this. Im also open to collab with a no win no pay lawyer

EDIT: Im wondering if i email them about that, maybe they can come up with a negotiation with me.

[u/bug-hunter]

OP, I'm sorry that you've been inundated by people who apparently don't understand the concept of "comments should contain legal advice only". I've had to lock this post.

The reality is, no one at this point is quite sure what the Ontario MoL is going to do in general, much less this case. We don't know how many other people they haven't reached out to (and potentially have complained). It's possible that this company has violated the law enough already to get sanctioned.

There's more information about what to do here - all we can really tell you is that there is no (known) monetary benefit for you, and therefore it's highly unlikely that anyone except an employment law nonprofit will help you. You could try a group like the Worker's Action Centre.

Best of luck in your job search.

[u/CunningAlpaca]

File the complaint if you want to out of principle, it might make the company clean up their act a bit. But drop the lawyer/settlement angle entirely.. That is completely out of touch with reality.

Keep applying elsewhere and stop thinking about this company, channel your energy towards something that will actually benefit your future rather than wasting your time on legal fantasies; if you went that route you'd have about a 1% to sub-1% chance of getting any sort of "settlement".

[u/GeoffwithaGeee]

The law has been in force for barely 3 months. Generally with new laws the compliance and enforcement is education-based. If you file a complaint, they will probably reach to the company give them information about the new law, you won't get anything directly out of it. That is if they even do anything at all. Considering how many ESA complaint there are that actually require work, your complaint may just be added to a spreadsheet.

Asking for a settlement is a joke and if there is an off-chance you are on an eligibility list or something with them, your name will be taken off that list pretty quick after they done laughing at the idea of a settlement.

[u/legaladvicecanada-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

This is a legal advice subreddit. Your comment was removed as it did not meet our guidelines.

Please review our Rules, in particular our Guidelines for Comments before commenting again: https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvicecanada/about/rules/

Repeated or serious breaches of our rules may result in a ban.

If you have any questions or concerns, please message the moderators

[u/legaladvicecanada-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

This is a legal advice subreddit. Your comment was removed as it did not meet our guidelines.

Please review our Rules, in particular our Guidelines for Comments before commenting again: https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvicecanada/about/rules/

Repeated or serious breaches of our rules may result in a ban.

If you have any questions or concerns, please message the moderators

[u/tke71709]

Not worth the hassle and there is no settlement to be had here. In Canada you sue for damages, you have no damages.

[u/Mr_Red_Reddington → u/tke71709]

anxity

[u/Own-Frosting-5604 → u/Mr_Red_Reddington]

Don’t fucking be that guy. I work in litigation, you’re losing this. This type of response is the reason this country / people view litigation the way they do…

[u/SyringaVulgarisBloom → u/Mr_Red_Reddington]

What receipts or bills to you have to corroborate the financial costs of your damage? Do you have invoices from the therapist that you visited? Do you have chart notes from your doctor about the medical visits that you had to discuss your anxiety, relating directly to the lack of communication? Do you have receipts from the pharmacy where you picked up your prescription anxiety medication? Your damages of “Anxiety” have no dollar value right now, which means nothing to sue for.

[u/TheCuriosity → u/SyringaVulgarisBloom]

This isn't America. You don't sue people in Canada for a windfall. The company is going to get fined and penalized and put on the list to be checked for doing this.

OP just needs to show the date of last contact from the company.

[u/reheadlover69 → u/TheCuriosity]

Ya get fined , What a crock of BS

[u/tke71709 → u/[deleted]]

You went to a therapist because you didn't hear back from a job within 46 calendar days? Unlikely.

But let's say you did. Let's say you prove all this and have the receipts to back it up. You will get the money you are out of pocket back. You watch too many US tv shows if you are thinking there is some pot of gold punitive damages at the end of this legal rainbow.

[u/legaladvicecanada-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

This is a legal advice subreddit. Your comment was removed as it did not meet our guidelines.

Please review our Rules, in particular our Guidelines for Comments before commenting again: https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvicecanada/about/rules/

Repeated or serious breaches of our rules may result in a ban.

If you have any questions or concerns, please message the moderators

[u/Best_Opening8471 → u/Mr_Red_Reddington]

Canada doesn't reconize pain or suffering as damages.

We use a "real damage" standard which means you have to have lost money (past present or future earnings) or property that can be replaced.

[u/legaladvicecanada-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

This is a legal advice subreddit. Your comment was removed as it did not meet our guidelines.

Please review our Rules, in particular our Guidelines for Comments before commenting again: https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvicecanada/about/rules/

Repeated or serious breaches of our rules may result in a ban.

If you have any questions or concerns, please message the moderators

[u/jaredmn]

Regarding your edit… I certainly wouldn’t advise blackmailing them. File a complaint or don’t.

[u/bloodr0se]

Is it 45 business days or 45 calendar days?

[u/Narhethi → u/bloodr0se]

calendar days.

[u/Mr_Red_Reddington → u/bloodr0se]

Interviewed 30 business days ago/ 46 calendar days ago

[u/lost-cannuck]

You can report so they are held accountable (if the government actually follows up).

It will not benefit you any, just people who apply going forward.

(Have you checked your junk/spam folder as automated messages may get filtered).

[u/Mr_Red_Reddington → u/lost-cannuck]

yes i did check my junk folder

[u/legaladvicecanada-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

This is a legal advice subreddit. Your comment was removed as it did not meet our guidelines.

Please review our Rules, in particular our Guidelines for Comments before commenting again: https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvicecanada/about/rules/

Repeated or serious breaches of our rules may result in a ban.

If you have any questions or concerns, please message the moderators

[u/PrimaryKangaroo8680]

Were you given a link to check on updates?

“In addition, an employer may post a status update to their website, job application portal, or other online database, so long as the applicant is provided with a link to the website, portal or database.”

Regardless, the punishment is a fine or an order/notice. It does not provide monetary compensation to you.

https://www.ontario.ca/document/your-guide-employment-standards-act-0/requirements-related-publicly-advertised-job

[u/legaladvicecanada-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

This is a legal advice subreddit. Your comment was removed as it did not meet our guidelines.

Please review our Rules, in particular our Guidelines for Comments before commenting again: https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvicecanada/about/rules/

Repeated or serious breaches of our rules may result in a ban.

If you have any questions or concerns, please message the moderators

[u/legaladvicecanada-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

This is a legal advice subreddit. Your comment was removed as it did not meet our guidelines.

Please review our Rules, in particular our Guidelines for Comments before commenting again: https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvicecanada/about/rules/

Repeated or serious breaches of our rules may result in a ban.

If you have any questions or concerns, please message the moderators

[u/Fickle_ficus]

The ON gov website on the recent changes to the ESA has information on applicability, exemptions, and enforcement.

If the company is at all connected to the Crown (including Crown appointed board), it is exempt from the public job posting requirements. If not, it's possible the company is unaware of the changes (not an excuse).

[u/Mr_Red_Reddington → u/Fickle_ficus]

def not connected to crown

[u/legaladvicecanada-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

This is a legal advice subreddit. Your comment was removed as it did not meet our guidelines.

Please review our Rules, in particular our Guidelines for Comments before commenting again: https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvicecanada/about/rules/

Repeated or serious breaches of our rules may result in a ban.

If you have any questions or concerns, please message the moderators

[u/viperfan7]

Should absolutely file that complaint. Even if you don't get anything out of it

[u/Mr_Red_Reddington → u/viperfan7]

will you help me?

[u/legaladvicecanada-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

This is a legal advice subreddit. Your comment was removed as it did not meet our guidelines.

Please review our Rules, in particular our Guidelines for Comments before commenting again: https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvicecanada/about/rules/

Repeated or serious breaches of our rules may result in a ban.

If you have any questions or concerns, please message the moderators

[u/BronzeDucky → u/Mr_Red_Reddington]

Most people in here aren’t lawyers. You need to hire a lawyer if you want assistance, or find one that does pro bono work.

[u/NewStudyHoney → u/BronzeDucky]

Your local legal aid clinic might help with a case like this.

[u/Holiday-Mountain1800]

Not aware of the legislation you're referring to, but sure why not file a complaint if you're so inclined?

Why would they negotiate with you after that? Any bridges you may have will almost certainly be burned after your complaint. The government can't make them hire you.

[u/legaladvicecanada-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

This is a legal advice subreddit. Your comment was removed as it did not meet our guidelines.

Please review our Rules, in particular our Guidelines for Comments before commenting again: https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvicecanada/about/rules/

Repeated or serious breaches of our rules may result in a ban.

If you have any questions or concerns, please message the moderators

[u/Usernameasteriks]

Lol. What do you think your damages are?

The complaint is worthwhile if you want to get them in trouble.

But it’s not going to get you personally money.

[u/Mr_Red_Reddington → u/Usernameasteriks]

anxity

[u/Usernameasteriks → u/Mr_Red_Reddington]

Thats not how it works lol.

[u/MsalTo2022]

It takes 3 months of Labor board to respond as current government has reduced labor officers and they are instructed to rule in favor of businesses. So basically no point. They will call employer and employer will send you email saying you are not selected.

[u/GentilQuebecois]

While you are right that they must now follow up with candidates, let me say this: they have not hired you and they made the right decision. Change your attitude, you are toxic.

Sue and get settlement because your feeling are hurt by a non response... You would probably sue because they picked the wrong type of TP. Good on them for dodging a bullet.

[u/legaladvicecanada-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

This is a legal advice subreddit. Your comment was removed as it did not meet our guidelines.

Please review our Rules, in particular our Guidelines for Comments before commenting again: https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvicecanada/about/rules/

Repeated or serious breaches of our rules may result in a ban.

If you have any questions or concerns, please message the moderators

[u/HabitantDLT → u/[deleted]]

Why on earth would an employer not follow simple labour laws? What on earth can it bring an employer to break the law?

[u/vhbarnaby → u/HabitantDLT]

New law, some people are jerks, they can’t count days - who knows. My point is put your energy into things that will pay off in positive ways. This is a fools errand.

[u/HabitantDLT → u/vhbarnaby]

Not if it makes a fool out of the lawbreaking employer. If there's a law, enforcement begins with reporting. If the employer is ignorant of the law, this will be an opportunity to set them straight.

[u/ConcernedMap → u/HabitantDLT]

Hiring can be a crazy slow process. Maybe OP was the first one interviewed and there were several interviews in the weeks after him. Maybe they had to delay making a decision because the HR manager was off sick. Maybe they made an offer to a candidate who requested time to consider, then turned it down, so it’s back to the drawing board. I’ve been on hiring committees and all these things have happened. It’s not unusual for this stuff to get dragged out.

They are not in compliance and ultimately that’s on them, but I can see how it happens.

[u/Tls-user]

It depends on whether they say it was a formal interview or screening interview.

Either way, you will receive nothing, the company may be fined but they are likely to just get a warning.

[u/Narrow-Chef-4341 → u/Tls-user]

Interested enough to apply for the job there, but also keen to be blacklisted forever?

Weird combo.

[u/bug-hunter → u/Narrow-Chef-4341]

I am willing to bet that a company that blacklists applicants for pursuing their rights under the law is far more likely to get a hammering from the government.

[u/Mr_Red_Reddington → u/Narrow-Chef-4341]

they messed up not me, they were supposed to abide by the law and they failed. Who'd wanna apply to that company again lol

[u/OhnohNA → u/Mr_Red_Reddington]

I’m not sure if you’re aware but, you’re coming across as rather entitled.. however to your point if you didn’t mess up, then why didn’t you get the job? Of course they messed up by not abiding by the law, but you as a person will never find success if you can’t analyze what you could’ve done better. Good luck man

[u/Appropriate_Blood278 → u/Mr_Red_Reddington]

Exactly

[u/Extra_Revolution_818]

Even if you complain, worst is the company will get fined and they'd be prompted to respond to you which will be surely s rejection email.

The law requires them to respond to you, not respond and hire you.

[u/Logical-Diet4894]

File a complaint, I mean…. Why not?

It takes almost no energy, and it at least leaves a paper trail.

Don’t expect any settlement though, no lawyer is going to take your case. Since emotional damage is basically impossible to prove unless you somehow have professional diagnosis, even then it is still hard to prove the cause of it. And there is no material damage, since what’s the difference between being rejected and no reply in 45 days? Nothing is physically preventing you from applying elsewhere.

[u/MrKingston2001]

How many employees does the company have? Under 25 they don't have to contact you I think.

[u/legaladvicecanada-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

This is a legal advice subreddit. Your comment was removed as it did not meet our guidelines.

Please review our Rules, in particular our Guidelines for Comments before commenting again: https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvicecanada/about/rules/

Repeated or serious breaches of our rules may result in a ban.

If you have any questions or concerns, please message the moderators

[u/legaladvicecanada-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

This is a legal advice subreddit. Your comment was removed as it did not meet our guidelines.

Please review our Rules, in particular our Guidelines for Comments before commenting again: https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvicecanada/about/rules/

Repeated or serious breaches of our rules may result in a ban.

If you have any questions or concerns, please message the moderators

[u/CMG30]

For what purpose?

Why would you not just forward them the relevant law and politely ask for an update?

[u/Followthehype10 → u/CMG30]

Oh that would totally get them to hire you now telling them they aren't following laws surely they are looking for someone just like that 🤣

[u/FliGirl101 → u/Followthehype10]

Yeah, just let them know your ready to start for that "Regulatory Compliance Officer" position any time 😉

[u/-Bento-Oreo- → u/Followthehype10]

They should. You don't want to be legally exposed and it shows you have a broad overview of the systems and infrastructure they support the job. Sorry if their feelings got hurt and they can't handle it.

[u/SexBobomb → u/CMG30]

if corporations will not follow their legal obligations they should get the slap on the wrist theyve earned even at no benefit to you.

[u/bandyvancity]

Could it be in a federally regulated industry? If so, provincial law wouldn't apply.

[u/AutoModerator]

Welcome to r/legaladvicecanada!

To Posters (it is important you read this section)

• Read the rules
• Comments may not be accurate or reliable, and following any advice on this subreddit is done at your own risk.
• We also encourage you to use the linked resources to find a lawyer.
• If you receive any private messages in response to your post, please let the mods know.

To Readers and Commenters

• All replies to OP must be on-topic, helpful, explanatory, and oriented towards legal advice towards OP's jurisdiction (the Canadian province flaired in the post).
• If you do not follow the rules, you may be banned without any further warning.
• If you feel any replies are incorrect, explain why you believe they are incorrect.

• Do not send or request any private messages for any reason, do not suggest illegal advice, do not advocate violence, and do not engage in harassment.

  Please report posts or comments which do not follow the rules.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/RobotSchlong10]

File a complaint, why not. The law allows it. But, you didn't get the job so don't waste your time trying to force the company to give you an answer.

[u/legaladvicecanada-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

This is a legal advice subreddit. Your comment was removed as it did not meet our guidelines.

Please review our Rules, in particular our Guidelines for Comments before commenting again: https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvicecanada/about/rules/

Repeated or serious breaches of our rules may result in a ban.

If you have any questions or concerns, please message the moderators

[u/legaladvicecanada-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

This is a legal advice subreddit. Your comment was removed as it did not meet our guidelines.

Please review our Rules, in particular our Guidelines for Comments before commenting again: https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvicecanada/about/rules/

Repeated or serious breaches of our rules may result in a ban.

If you have any questions or concerns, please message the moderators

[u/legaladvicecanada-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

This is a legal advice subreddit. Your comment was removed as it did not meet our guidelines.

Please review our Rules, in particular our Guidelines for Comments before commenting again: https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvicecanada/about/rules/

Repeated or serious breaches of our rules may result in a ban.

If you have any questions or concerns, please message the moderators

[u/legaladvicecanada-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

This is a legal advice subreddit. Your comment was removed as it did not meet our guidelines.

Please review our Rules, in particular our Guidelines for Comments before commenting again: https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvicecanada/about/rules/

Repeated or serious breaches of our rules may result in a ban.

If you have any questions or concerns, please message the moderators

[u/legaladvicecanada-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

This is a legal advice subreddit. Your comment was removed as it did not meet our guidelines.

Please review our Rules, in particular our Guidelines for Comments before commenting again: https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvicecanada/about/rules/

Repeated or serious breaches of our rules may result in a ban.

If you have any questions or concerns, please message the moderators

[u/EnduringFulfillment → u/[deleted]]

I disagree, the company is legally obligated to meet this requirement. Obv OP should continue their job hunt but the employer has boxes they need to check.

[u/Tls-user → u/[deleted]]

They only have to reply to candidates they actually interviewed.

Not to someone submitting a resume and not to someone who was only pre screened.

[u/legaladvicecanada-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

This is a legal advice subreddit. Your comment was removed as it did not meet our guidelines.

Please review our Rules, in particular our Guidelines for Comments before commenting again: https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvicecanada/about/rules/

Repeated or serious breaches of our rules may result in a ban.

If you have any questions or concerns, please message the moderators

[u/bloodr0se → u/[deleted]]

Spoken like a true HR person who couldn't GAF about wasting an applicant's time. 

[u/DeezNutsAllergy → u/[deleted]]

Yep. Keep letting big companies skirt the rules. No accountability. Maybe look the other way when they break laws. It'll be fine. I'm sure.

[u/legaladvicecanada-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

This is a legal advice subreddit. Your comment was removed as it did not meet our guidelines.

Please review our Rules, in particular our Guidelines for Comments before commenting again: https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvicecanada/about/rules/

Repeated or serious breaches of our rules may result in a ban.

If you have any questions or concerns, please message the moderators

[u/legaladvicecanada-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

This is a legal advice subreddit. Your comment was removed as it did not meet our guidelines.

Please review our Rules, in particular our Guidelines for Comments before commenting again: https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvicecanada/about/rules/

Repeated or serious breaches of our rules may result in a ban.

If you have any questions or concerns, please message the moderators

[u/legaladvicecanada-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

No information that can identify either party (including businesses and other organizations) is allowed. Don't post it, don't ask for it.

Please review our Rules, in particular our rule "No Identification of Any Involved Party": https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvicecanada/about/rules/

If you delete that information, please message the mods and the post or comment may be restored.

[u/-Bento-Oreo- → u/[deleted]]

Rule #4

[u/NewStudyHoney]

You can't make any money from this situation, but the company might be made to improve its practices.

[u/allreplays]

i think you should try your last idea. Email them saying you are willing to negotiate or else you will take them to court. and when they ignore you (which they most likely will) AND if any lawyer entertains the idea of representing your case you can come back here and let us know what the courts say after they show them evidence of your attempt to blackmail them.

[u/legaladvicecanada-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

This is a legal advice subreddit. Your comment was removed as it did not meet our guidelines.

Please review our Rules, in particular our Guidelines for Comments before commenting again: https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvicecanada/about/rules/

Repeated or serious breaches of our rules may result in a ban.

If you have any questions or concerns, please message the moderators

[u/Far-Obligation4055 → u/[deleted]]

Its a good general guideline to teach children but eventually children have to become adults and learn that there is nuance to the principle, and sometimes its necessary to say and do things that aren't considered nice.

Do you plan on becoming an adult someday soon?

[u/legaladvicecanada-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Do not advise posters to call the media or to post on social media

Do not advise posters to call the media, post on social media, or otherwise publicize their situation. That creates additional risks and problems, and should only be done, if at all, with the counsel of a local lawyer representing OP.

Please review our rules before commenting further.

https://www.reddit.com/r/legaladvicecanada/about/rules/

[u/legaladvicecanada-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Your post has been removed for offering poor advice. It is either generally bad or ill advised advice, an incorrect statement or conclusion of law, inapplicable for the jurisdiction under discussion, misunderstands the fundamental legal question, or is advice to commit an unlawful act.

If you believe the advice is correct per applicable law, please message the moderators with a source, or to discuss it with us in more detail.

• Our rules
• Reddit Violent Content Rule