Catalyst HR Consulting

01/22/2026

“If ____ trusts you, I trust you.”
“If ____ recommended you, I know you’ll be a great fit.”

Two phrases I’ve heard this month that truly make my heart swell.

As a small business owner, my reputation and referrals mean everything. Trust isn’t built overnight, and knowing that others are confident enough in my work to make an introduction or recommendation is something I never take lightly.

Trust is the foundation of everything I do, and I’m deeply grateful for all of the trust that keeps this business growing.

Catalyst HR Consulting

01/05/2026

⚠️ Ontario Employers: Are Your Recruiters Properly Licensed?

In Ontario, anyone acting as a recruiter or temporary help agency must be licensed under the Employment Standards Act (ESA). This applies whether recruitment is their primary business or a service offered alongside HR or consulting work.

Why this matters for employers:
• Using an unlicensed recruiter is a compliance risk
• Employers can face significant fines (up to $50,000!)
• Recruitment practices may be challenged, creating reputational risk

Benefits of working with a licensed recruiter:
• Verified compliance with Ontario employment legislation
• Professional accountability and standards
• Reduced legal and financial risk
• Greater confidence that workers’ rights are protected

📌 Good news: It’s easy to check. Ontario maintains a public registry where you can confirm whether a recruiter is licensed:
👉 https://www.ontario.ca/page/licensing-temporary-help-agencies-and-recruiters

Licensing isn’t just a formality — it’s a safeguard for both employers and workers. Taking a few minutes to verify a recruiter’s license can help prevent costly issues down the road.

Learn about licensing rules for temporary help agencies and recruiters under the Employment Standards Act, 2000, apply for a licence, and check the licensing status of a temporary help agency or a recruiter.

09/19/2025

Grateful for this wonderful feedback from a recent client! At Catalyst, we pride ourselves on delivering customized support, combining professionalism with genuine care at every stage of the journey.

09/16/2025

Did you know?

✨ For the first time in decades, work-life balance has surpassed pay as the leading motivator for employees. ✨

Compensation will always matter - but today’s talent are looking for fulfillment beyond the paycheck. They want balance, growth, connection, and workplaces that align with their values.

For organizations, this is both a challenge and an opportunity. Retaining and attracting top talent means going beyond competitive pay to create a strong employee experience - one that supports balance, well-being, and purpose.

💡 How is your organization adapting to these shifting expectations?

Want to talk? Catalyst HR Consulting is here to help!

Source: www.randstad.com

09/10/2025

Think Ontario’s Jan 1, 2026 Working for Workers changes are just about pay transparency?

Not quite! The Working for Workers Act brings several new requirements for job postings that every employer needs to prepare for:

✔️ AI Disclosure – If Artificial Intelligence is used in the hiring process, it must be clearly stated in the posting.
✔️ Canadian Experience – Employers can no longer require “Canadian experience” as a job qualification.
✔️ Vacancy Status – Postings must clarify if the role is an existing vacancy or a new position.
✔️ Interview Outcomes – Employers must notify interviewed candidates of their results within 45 days.
✔️ Record Keeping – All job postings and forms must be retained for 3 years.

📌 These updates go hand-in-hand with Ontario’s pay transparency requirements - and together, they’ll reshape how organizations recruit and communicate with talent.

Is your team ready?

Catalyst HR Consulting can help you update templates and policies, train your leaders, and keep you compliant.

09/03/2025

Who else had a checklist that looked a little like this this week?

✔️ Sign up for pizza lunch
✔️ New backpack
✔️ Name labels
✔️ Indoor/outdoor shoes
✔️ Pencil case & supplies

Same here! 🎒✂️

Now it’s time for your next checklist ⬇️

📅 Starting January 1, 2026 – Ontario’s new pay transparency requirements under the Working for Workers Act take effect.

✔️ Create or confirm salary bands
✔️ Review for pay equity
✔️ Create/update job posting templates

Need a hand getting ready? We’re here to help.

Reach out to Catalyst HR Consulting

07/08/2025

We’re Hiring!

Know someone who would be a great fit for this exciting new opportunity? Or maybe it’s you! We’d love to hear from you. Reach out to learn more or apply today!

https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4260133357

Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce Catalyst HR Consulting

Posted 1:24:43 PM. The Company:The Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce is a community of forward-thinking business…See this and similar jobs on LinkedIn.

06/11/2025

📣 Heads up, Ontario employers — more Working for Workers changes are coming!

Starting July 1, 2025, employers in Ontario with 25 or more employees will be required to provide specific job-related information to new hires before their first day of work (or as soon as reasonably possible if that’s not feasible.)

Here’s what must be shared in writing:

✅ The employer’s legal name, plus any operating or business names
✅ Contact info for the employer — including address, phone number, and at least one contact person
✅ The initial work location
✅ The employee’s starting wage or commission rate
✅ The pay period and pay day
✅ A general outline of the initial anticipated hours of work

Note: This requirement does not apply to assignment employees who are placed by temporary help agencies.

If your organization hasn't reviewed it's onboarding practices recently, now’s a good time! Have questions? Need a help implementing these changes? Lets connect!

Catalyst HR Consulting

I’ll continue posting updates on more Working for Workers changes — stay tuned.

06/02/2025

📣 Heads up, Ontario employers - More Working for Workers changes are on the way!

Starting June 19, 2025, a new long-term illness leave will be added to Ontario’s Employment Standards Act. Here’s what you need to know:

➡️ Employees with 13+ weeks of service will be entitled to unpaid, job-protected leave of up to 27 weeks within a 52-week period
➡️ This leave applies if the employee is unable to perform their job due to a serious medical condition
➡️ It can be taken all at once or split into multiple leaves
➡️ Entitlement resets every 52 weeks

Employers should request a certificate from a qualified health professional to confirm the condition and duration.

📌 If you haven’t reviewed your leave policies recently, now’s the time!

Have questions about what this means for your workplace? Let’s connect — always happy to chat HR strategy and compliance.

I'll be sharing more updates soon on additional Working for Workers changes — stay tuned.

Catalyst HR Consulting

02/25/2025

"A trusted partner that supports the needs of companies, executives and leaders that want to put their people first."

We have been working with Steve and his team at Northern Credit Union for quite some time now, and are happy to have formed an amazing partnership.

Thank you for the review Steve!

02/20/2025

Avoiding bias in your workplace, especially when it comes to employment matters, is a best practice in all areas, but did you know that it is the law when it comes to workplace investigations?

If someone claims that they have been the victim of harassment, for example, the employer must ensure that a confidential, thorough investigation be undertaken promptly, by an objective (unbiased) investigator.

In many cases, this can be difficult to complete internally, as you may have reporting relationships, personal relationships, or other authorities to consider. Not to mention the heavy workload that your internal team likely already has!

Need help? Have questions? Catalyst HR is here for you.

02/07/2025

"Through my organization I had the opportunity to work with Christine on a sensitive HR issue. At all times Christine was professional, empathetic, sensitive and able to view the issue from all sides. I would definitely work with her again in the future!"

Thank you to our fantastic clients for supporting Catalyst HR Consulting by not only trusting us with your HR needs, but sharing reviews as well!