Effective this month, residents of Ontario will have the freedom to choose when they want to retire. The end of the province’s mandatory retirement legislation for most employees takes effect December 12.
“Ending mandatory retirement is the right thing to do,” Labour Minister Steve Peters said in announcing the official termination date. “Workers should be allowed to choose when to retire based on their circumstances and priorities.”
Abolition of the act was adopted by the provincial legislature at the end of last year over opposition from some labour and business groups, as well as the NDP. The move was endorsed by the Ontario Human Rights Commission and organizations representing Ontario seniors. The government provided a one-year transition period.
The legislature’s decision amends the Ontario Human Rights Code to protect people aged 65 and over from job discrimination. Further information is available at www.ontario.ca/mandatoryretirement. |
