{"id":11080,"date":"2025-12-10T20:09:04","date_gmt":"2025-12-11T01:09:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/?p=11080"},"modified":"2025-12-15T19:04:24","modified_gmt":"2025-12-16T00:04:24","slug":"non-compete-ontario-employers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/blog\/non-compete-ontario-employers\/","title":{"rendered":"Non-compete Ontario: The old rules are dead. Here&#8217;s how to protect your business now"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull blog-template-header has-neutral-100-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--16)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div style=\"--bb--crumb-gap:.4em;\" class=\"blog-template-breadcrumb wp-block-employmentherocom2025-breadcrumb-block\"><nav role=\"navigation\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"breadcrumb\"><ol class=\"breadcrumb-items\"><li class=\"breadcrumb-item breadcrumb-item--current breadcrumb-item--home\"><span class=\"breadcrumb-item-name\">Home<\/span><\/li><\/ol><\/nav><script 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13.8468 6.50785 13.2694 5.78232C15.2033 6.78886 16.8752 8.23337 18.1519 10.0007C17.201 11.3015 14.1277 15.0007 10.0002 15.0007Z\" fill=\"currentColor\"\/> <\/g> <defs> <clipPath id=\"clip0_5893_17419\"> <rect width=\"20\" height=\"20\" fill=\"white\"\/> <\/clipPath> <\/defs> <\/svg><\/span>Blog<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<ul style=\"display: flex; gap: var(--wp--preset--spacing--2); padding-left: 0; flex-wrap: wrap;\"><li style=\"background-color: #e8e7e8;padding: var(--wp--preset--spacing--0-5) var(--wp--preset--spacing--3);border-radius: var(--wp--preset--spacing--8);margin: 0;display: inline-flex;align-self: center;\">\n                <span class=\"has-sm-font-size\" >\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/resources\/hiring-recruitment\" title=\"Hiring &amp; Recruitment\" style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Hiring &amp; Recruitment<\/a>\n                <\/span>\n                <\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group blog-template-social-desktop 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Here&#8217;s how to protect your business now<\/h1><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-query wp-block-hosts-query has-global-padding is-content-justification-left is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-query-is-layout-1 wp-block-query-is-layout-constrained\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group blog-template-meta-row is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-employmentherocom2025-custom-post-date has-sm-font-size\">\n    <span>Last Updated<\/span>&nbsp;<time datetime=\"2025-12-15T19:04:24-05:00\">Dec 15, 2025<\/time>\n<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-sm-font-size\" style=\"border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--neutral-700);border-left-width:1px;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--2)\"><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull blog-image-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large blog-template-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"601\" src=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/12\/Non-compete-Ontario-The-old-rules-are-dead.-Heres-how-to-protect-your-business-now.-thumbnail-1024x601.webp\" alt=\"Non-compete Ontario The old rules are dead. Here\u2019s how to protect your business now. thumbnail\" class=\"wp-image-11086\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/12\/Non-compete-Ontario-The-old-rules-are-dead.-Heres-how-to-protect-your-business-now.-thumbnail-1024x601.webp 1024w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/12\/Non-compete-Ontario-The-old-rules-are-dead.-Heres-how-to-protect-your-business-now.-thumbnail-300x176.webp 300w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/12\/Non-compete-Ontario-The-old-rules-are-dead.-Heres-how-to-protect-your-business-now.-thumbnail-768x451.webp 768w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/12\/Non-compete-Ontario-The-old-rules-are-dead.-Heres-how-to-protect-your-business-now.-thumbnail-1536x901.webp 1536w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/12\/Non-compete-Ontario-The-old-rules-are-dead.-Heres-how-to-protect-your-business-now.-thumbnail-864x508.webp 864w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/12\/Non-compete-Ontario-The-old-rules-are-dead.-Heres-how-to-protect-your-business-now.-thumbnail-440x258.webp 440w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/12\/Non-compete-Ontario-The-old-rules-are-dead.-Heres-how-to-protect-your-business-now.-thumbnail.webp 1728w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:66px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:30%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group sticky-side-panel is-vertical is-content-justification-stretch is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-11 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex wp-container-2 is-position-sticky\">\n<p class=\"has-lg-font-size\" style=\"border-bottom-color:var(--wp--preset--color--neutral-200);border-bottom-width:0.1rem;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--4);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--4)\"><strong>Contents<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"content-single-table-content\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:70%\">\n<div id=\"content-wrapper\" class=\"wp-block-group content-wrapper has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-12 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--4)\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/12\/Employees-Busy-Working-Using-Laptop-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"Three people seated at a table, collaborating over a laptop in a casual setting.\" class=\"wp-image-11089\" srcset=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/12\/Employees-Busy-Working-Using-Laptop-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/12\/Employees-Busy-Working-Using-Laptop-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/12\/Employees-Busy-Working-Using-Laptop-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/12\/Employees-Busy-Working-Using-Laptop-1536x1025.webp 1536w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/12\/Employees-Busy-Working-Using-Laptop-440x293.webp 440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">For years, the non-compete agreement was a standard tool in an employer&#8217;s toolkit. But for Ontario businesses, the game has changed completely. Relying on old contracts isn&#8217;t just outdated\u2014it\u2019s illegal and leaves your business exposed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This isn&#8217;t a reason to panic. It&#8217;s a mandate to get smarter. The old rules are dead, but your need to protect your client lists, trade secrets and top talent is more critical than ever. This guide is your new playbook. It\u2019s a straightforward plan to help you understand the new landscape and use the powerful, legal tools you still have to keep your business secure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ontario&#8217;s non-compete ban: What every employer must know<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The ground has shifted for Ontario employers. Bill 27, also known as the <em>Working for Workers Act, 2021<\/em>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontario.ca\/document\/your-guide-employment-standards-act-0\/non-compete-agreements\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">made most non-compete agreements illegal<\/a>. This was a major change and understanding it is the first step to protecting your business properly. This isn\u2019t about a loss of control; it&#8217;s about adapting to a new reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Understanding Bill 27 and the Working for Workers Act<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Ontario government enacted this legislation for a clear reason: to boost the economy by increasing labour mobility. The goal was to stop employers from unfairly restricting an employee&#8217;s ability to earn a living and find new work in their field. It was a decisive move to empower workers and shift the balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When the ban took effect: October 25, 2021<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This date is critical. The ban on non-compete agreements is not retroactive. It applies to any employment agreement entered into <strong>on or after October 25, 2021<\/strong>. Any non-compete clause you\u2019ve included in a new hire\u2019s contract since that date is void and unenforceable, with only a couple of very specific exceptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So what exactly counts as a non-compete in the eyes of the law?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What exactly is a non-compete agreement under Ontario law?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Simply put, a non-compete agreement is any clause in an employment contract that tries to prohibit an employee from working for a competitor or starting a similar business for a set period of time after they leave your company. The government\u2019s definition is intentionally broad to capture any attempt to limit an employee&#8217;s future work opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Time and location limits don&#8217;t save you<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a point many employers miss. In the past, you might have been able to enforce a &#8220;reasonable&#8221; non-compete clause\u2014one with tight restrictions on time, geography and the type of work. That is no longer the case. Under the new law, even a perfectly reasonable non-compete agreement is banned for most employees. The old tests for reasonableness are now irrelevant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While the ban is sweeping, it\u2019s not absolute. There are two very narrow exceptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The two exceptions: When non-competes are still allowed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The law provides <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ontario.ca\/document\/your-guide-employment-standards-act-0\/non-compete-agreements#section-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">two specific and limited situations<\/a> where a non-compete agreement can still be valid. These aren&#8217;t loopholes for you to exploit; they are explicit exceptions for unique circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Exception #1: In the sale of a business<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are buying a business, you are also buying its value and goodwill. To protect that investment, you can require the seller of the business\u2014who may continue on as your employee for a time\u2014to sign a non-compete agreement. This prevents them from immediately turning around and opening a competing business across the street, destroying the value of what you just purchased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Exception #2: For the C-suite<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The law also provides an exemption for true &#8220;executives.&#8221; The legislation defines an executive as any person who holds the office of chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, chief operating officer or any other chief executive position. This exception is for the highest level of leadership only. It does not apply to senior staff or mid-level managers, no matter how important their role is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With non-competes off the table for over 99% of your team, you need a new strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The new playbook: Your alternatives to non-competes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The non-compete is gone, but your need to protect your business isn&#8217;t. The good news is that the legal tools you should have been using all along are still powerful and effective. These aren\u2019t weaker options; they are the smarter, more enforceable options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Non-Solicitation Agreement: Your first line of defence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is your new go-to clause. A non-solicitation agreement prevents a former employee from actively poaching your clients or your other employees for a reasonable period. This is your key tool for protecting your revenue streams and preventing a departing employee from gutting your team. When drafted correctly, these clauses are perfectly legal and enforceable in Ontario.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA): Your vault<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your NDA is arguably your most powerful protective tool. It prevents employees from ever\u2014during or after their employment\u2014sharing or using your confidential information, trade secrets and proprietary data. This is what protects the &#8220;secret sauce&#8221; of your business, from client lists and pricing models to marketing plans and software code. A well-drafted confidentiality clause has no expiration date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The critical difference: Compete vs. Solicit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Think of it this way:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A <strong>non-compete<\/strong> says, &#8220;You can&#8217;t play in the same league as us after you leave.&#8221; (Now banned).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A <strong>non-solicit<\/strong> says, &#8220;You can play in the league, but you can&#8217;t try to steal our specific players or our dedicated fans.&#8221; (Still legal and your best strategy).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The first option is gone. The second is how you protect your business now.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Protecting your IP and client lists post-ban<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Legal documents are just one part of the equation. You also need strong internal controls to protect your most valuable assets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strengthen your confidentiality clauses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Be explicit in your employment agreements about what you consider &#8220;confidential information.&#8221; Don&#8217;t be vague. List concrete examples like customer and supplier lists, financial information, pricing strategies, marketing plans, business processes and internal reports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Protect client relationships with a strong non-solicitation clause<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To make your non-solicitation clause enforceable, it must be reasonable. That means it should be limited in time (e.g., 6-12 months after employment ends) and scope. For example, you might restrict the employee from soliciting only the clients they personally worked with or had access to confidential information about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lock down your trade secrets<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Practical steps are just as important as legal ones. Use password protection and tiered access controls on sensitive digital files. Mark important documents as &#8220;Confidential.&#8221; And, critically, conduct exit interviews where you remind departing employees\u2014in a positive and professional way\u2014of their ongoing confidentiality obligations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, what should you do right now?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best practices for every Ontario employer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is your immediate action plan to ensure you are compliant and protected in 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1: Audit all your existing employment contracts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Pull up your standard offer letter and employment agreement templates immediately. If they contain a non-compete clause, you must remove it for all future hires (unless they fall into one of the two narrow exceptions). Leaving it in, even by accident, can create legal complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2: Beef up your non-solicitation and confidentiality clauses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Simply deleting the non-compete isn&#8217;t enough. You must proactively strengthen the clauses that are still legal and enforceable. Review your non-solicitation and confidentiality clauses. Are they clear? Are they specific? Are they reasonable? This is the moment to make them ironclad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3: Train your managers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your managers are on the front lines of protecting your business. They need to understand what&#8217;s changed. Train them on the importance of protecting confidential information and make sure they know never to ask candidates in an interview about non-compete agreements they may have signed with former employers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s next?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Relying on outdated, illegal documents is a risk you can&#8217;t afford to take. It&#8217;s time to adapt your strategy and protect your business the right way.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-paragraph-2-m-font-size\">Take command of your contracts, protect your hard-earned assets and move forward with the confidence that comes from knowing your business is secure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ready to future-proof your business?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-2 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/request-a-demo\/\">Book a demo<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<style>\r\n.content-wrapper p, .content-wrapper ul, .content-wrapper ol{\r\nfont-size: var(--wp--preset--font-size--paragraph-2-m) !important;\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-employmentherocom2025-faq eh-faq eh-faq__bg-light\"><div class=\"eh-faq__container\"><div class=\"eh-faq__header\"><h2 class=\"eh-faq__title\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2><p class=\"eh-faq__subtitle\"><\/p><\/div><div class=\"eh-faq__content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-employmentherocom2025-simple-accordion eh-simple-accordion\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"accordion-1765413634135\" class=\"eh-simple-accordion__checkbox\"\/><label for=\"accordion-1765413634135\" class=\"eh-simple-accordion__header\"><h3 class=\"eh-simple-accordion__title\">What is your refund policy?<\/h3><span class=\"eh-simple-accordion__icon\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M10.3966 3.60341C10.3966 2.71788 11.1145 2 12 2C12.8855 2 13.6034 2.71788 13.6034 3.60341V10.3966H20.3966C21.2822 10.3966 22 11.1145 22 12C22 12.8856 21.2822 13.6034 20.3966 13.6034H13.6034V20.3966C13.6034 21.2822 12.8855 22 12 22C11.1145 22 10.3966 21.2822 10.3966 20.3966V13.6034H3.6034C2.71786 13.6034 2 12.8856 2 12C2 11.1145 2.71786 10.3966 3.6034 10.3966H10.3966V3.60341Z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/label><div class=\"eh-simple-accordion__content\"><div class=\"eh-simple-accordion__inner\">\n<p>Bill 27, the Working for Workers Act, 2021, made it illegal for most employers in Ontario to use non-compete clauses in their employment agreements. This applies to any contract signed on or after October 25, 2021. The law was designed to increase mobility for workers, preventing employers from unfairly restricting them from finding new work in their field.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-employmentherocom2025-simple-accordion eh-simple-accordion\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"accordion-1765413634142\" class=\"eh-simple-accordion__checkbox\"\/><label for=\"accordion-1765413634142\" class=\"eh-simple-accordion__header\"><h3 class=\"eh-simple-accordion__title\">Are there any exceptions to the ban?<\/h3><span class=\"eh-simple-accordion__icon\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M10.3966 3.60341C10.3966 2.71788 11.1145 2 12 2C12.8855 2 13.6034 2.71788 13.6034 3.60341V10.3966H20.3966C21.2822 10.3966 22 11.1145 22 12C22 12.8856 21.2822 13.6034 20.3966 13.6034H13.6034V20.3966C13.6034 21.2822 12.8855 22 12 22C11.1145 22 10.3966 21.2822 10.3966 20.3966V13.6034H3.6034C2.71786 13.6034 2 12.8856 2 12C2 11.1145 2.71786 10.3966 3.6034 10.3966H10.3966V3.60341Z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/label><div class=\"eh-simple-accordion__content\"><div class=\"eh-simple-accordion__inner\">\n<p>Yes, there are two very narrow exceptions to Ontario\u2019s non-compete ban. A non-compete may still be allowed only (1) for certain true \u201cC-suite\u201d executives (for example, a CEO, President, CFO, COO), or (2) in a sale-of-business scenario where the person selling the business becomes an employee of the buyer right after the sale. In that case, the non-compete can restrict the seller-turned-employee to protect the value of what was sold \u2014 it does not automatically apply to other employees or managers who didn\u2019t sell the business.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-employmentherocom2025-simple-accordion eh-simple-accordion\"><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"accordion-1765413760438\" class=\"eh-simple-accordion__checkbox\"\/><label for=\"accordion-1765413760438\" class=\"eh-simple-accordion__header\"><h3 class=\"eh-simple-accordion__title\">What&#8217;s the difference between a non-compete and a non-solicitation clause?<\/h3><span class=\"eh-simple-accordion__icon\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M10.3966 3.60341C10.3966 2.71788 11.1145 2 12 2C12.8855 2 13.6034 2.71788 13.6034 3.60341V10.3966H20.3966C21.2822 10.3966 22 11.1145 22 12C22 12.8856 21.2822 13.6034 20.3966 13.6034H13.6034V20.3966C13.6034 21.2822 12.8855 22 12 22C11.1145 22 10.3966 21.2822 10.3966 20.3966V13.6034H3.6034C2.71786 13.6034 2 12.8856 2 12C2 11.1145 2.71786 10.3966 3.6034 10.3966H10.3966V3.60341Z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/label><div class=\"eh-simple-accordion__content\"><div class=\"eh-simple-accordion__inner\">\n<p>A non-compete (now banned) tries to stop a former employee from working for a competitor. A non-solicitation clause (still legal and enforceable) simply prevents them from actively poaching your clients or your employees for a reasonable period. This is now your most important tool for protecting your revenue and your team.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\n    \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\/\",\n    \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n    \"mainEntity\": [\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"What is your refund policy?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"<p>Bill 27, the Working for Workers Act, 2021, made it illegal for most employers in Ontario to use non-compete clauses in their employment agreements. This applies to any contract signed on or after October 25, 2021. The law was designed to increase mobility for workers, preventing employers from unfairly restricting them from finding new work in their field.<\/p>\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Are there any exceptions to the ban?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"<p>Yes, there are two very narrow exceptions to Ontario\\u2019s non-compete ban. A non-compete may still be allowed only (1) for certain true \\u201cC-suite\\u201d executives (for example, a CEO, President, CFO, COO), or (2) in a sale-of-business scenario where the person selling the business becomes an employee of the buyer right after the sale. In that case, the non-compete can restrict the seller-turned-employee to protect the value of what was sold \\u2014 it does not automatically apply to other employees or managers who didn\\u2019t sell the business.<\/p>\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"What's the difference between a non-compete and a non-solicitation clause?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"<p>A non-compete (now banned) tries to stop a former employee from working for a competitor. A non-solicitation clause (still legal and enforceable) simply prevents them from actively poaching your clients or your employees for a reasonable period. This is now your most important tool for protecting your revenue and your team.<\/p>\"\n            }\n        }\n    ]\n}<\/script>\n\n\n<style>\n.eh-faq__container {flex-direction:column!important;}\n@media screen and (min-width: 1441px) {\n    .eh-faq__content {\n       max-width: 904px!important;\n        min-width: 715px!important;\n    }\n}\n.eh-faq {padding:0px 0px 24px 0px!important;}\n<\/style>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull is-style-default has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-content-justification-space-between is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-13 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related Resources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-link-arrow is-style-link-arrow--3\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-btn-brand-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"\/resources\/?topic%5B0%5D%5B0%5D=Product\">View all<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-query blog-3-col-query-loop is-layout-flow wp-block-query-is-layout-flow\"><ul class=\"columns-3 alignfull wp-block-post-template is-layout-grid wp-container-core-post-template-is-layout-1 wp-block-post-template-is-layout-grid\"><li class=\"wp-block-post post-16693 resources type-resources status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry resource-type-templates\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-neutral-100-border-color has-white-background-color has-background is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-16 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"border-width:1px;min-height:100%\"><figure style=\"aspect-ratio:auto; padding-bottom:0;padding-top:0;margin-bottom:0;\" class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/resources\/how-to-write-a-retail-job-ad\/\" target=\"_self\"  ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/Retail-Job-Ad-template.webp\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"How to write retail job ads in Canada that attract the right candidates\" style=\"width:100%;height:100%;object-fit:fill;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/Retail-Job-Ad-template.webp 1600w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/Retail-Job-Ad-template-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/Retail-Job-Ad-template-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/Retail-Job-Ad-template-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/Retail-Job-Ad-template-1536x864.webp 1536w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/Retail-Job-Ad-template-440x248.webp 440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-15 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-14 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\"><div style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\" class=\"taxonomy-resource-type eh-resource-type wp-block-post-terms\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-post-terms-icon\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" alt=\"icon-blog\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/10\/Blog-thumbnail.png\"><a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/resources\/templates\/\" rel=\"tag\">Templates<\/a><\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/resources\/how-to-write-a-retail-job-ad\/\" target=\"_self\" >How to write retail job ads in Canada that attract the right candidates<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt has-text-color has-contrast-2-color has-small-font-size wp-container-content-2\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Top retail candidates move fast. Learn how to write a retail job ad that&#8217;s clear, compliant and compelling for Canadian&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<a style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;\" class=\"wp-elements-9dfcbcb7662772ecb2d671e8976a6c51 wp-block-read-more has-text-color has-violet-500-color\" href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/resources\/how-to-write-a-retail-job-ad\/\" target=\"_self\">Read more<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">: How to write retail job ads in Canada that attract the right candidates<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/resources\/how-to-write-a-retail-job-ad\/\" target=\"_self\" class=\"group-block-link\"><\/a>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-16651 resources type-resources status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry resource-type-templates\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-neutral-100-border-color has-white-background-color has-background is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-19 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"border-width:1px;min-height:100%\"><figure style=\"aspect-ratio:auto; padding-bottom:0;padding-top:0;margin-bottom:0;\" class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/resources\/career-progression-plan-template-for-retail\/\" target=\"_self\"  ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/Template-2.webp\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"The retail career progression template that stops your best people from checking out\" style=\"width:100%;height:100%;object-fit:fill;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/Template-2.webp 1600w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/Template-2-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/Template-2-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/Template-2-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/Template-2-1536x864.webp 1536w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/Template-2-440x248.webp 440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-18 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-17 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\"><div style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\" class=\"taxonomy-resource-type eh-resource-type wp-block-post-terms\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-post-terms-icon\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" alt=\"icon-blog\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/10\/Blog-thumbnail.png\"><a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/resources\/templates\/\" rel=\"tag\">Templates<\/a><\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/resources\/career-progression-plan-template-for-retail\/\" target=\"_self\" >The retail career progression template that stops your best people from checking out<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt has-text-color has-contrast-2-color has-small-font-size wp-container-content-4\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Download our free career progression plan template for retail. Help employees grow, stay engaged and achieve their career goals. <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<a style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;\" class=\"wp-elements-9dfcbcb7662772ecb2d671e8976a6c51 wp-block-read-more has-text-color has-violet-500-color\" href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/resources\/career-progression-plan-template-for-retail\/\" target=\"_self\">Read more<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">: The retail career progression template that stops your best people from checking out<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/resources\/career-progression-plan-template-for-retail\/\" target=\"_self\" class=\"group-block-link\"><\/a>\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-16713 resources type-resources status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry resource-type-templates\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-neutral-100-border-color has-white-background-color has-background is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-22 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"border-width:1px;min-height:100%\"><figure style=\"aspect-ratio:auto; padding-bottom:0;padding-top:0;margin-bottom:0;\" class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/resources\/how-to-write-a-job-ad-in-ontario\/\" target=\"_self\"  ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/Ontario-Job-Ad-Template.webp\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"How to write job ads that meet the latest Ontario legislations\" style=\"width:100%;height:100%;object-fit:fill;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/Ontario-Job-Ad-Template.webp 1600w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/Ontario-Job-Ad-Template-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/Ontario-Job-Ad-Template-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/Ontario-Job-Ad-Template-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/Ontario-Job-Ad-Template-1536x864.webp 1536w, https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/05\/Ontario-Job-Ad-Template-440x248.webp 440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-21 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-20 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\"><div style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600\" class=\"taxonomy-resource-type eh-resource-type wp-block-post-terms\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-block-post-terms-icon\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" alt=\"icon-blog\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2025\/10\/Blog-thumbnail.png\"><a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/resources\/templates\/\" rel=\"tag\">Templates<\/a><\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/resources\/how-to-write-a-job-ad-in-ontario\/\" target=\"_self\" >How to write job ads that meet the latest Ontario legislations<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt has-text-color has-contrast-2-color has-small-font-size wp-container-content-6\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">Ontario&#8217;s new job posting rules require pay transparency and AI disclosure. Learn how to write compliant job ads and download&hellip; <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<a style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;\" class=\"wp-elements-9dfcbcb7662772ecb2d671e8976a6c51 wp-block-read-more has-text-color has-violet-500-color\" href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/resources\/how-to-write-a-job-ad-in-ontario\/\" target=\"_self\">Read more<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">: How to write job ads that meet the latest Ontario legislations<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/resources\/how-to-write-a-job-ad-in-ontario\/\" target=\"_self\" class=\"group-block-link\"><\/a>\n<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn about Ontario&#8217;s non-compete ban and how to protect your business. Help support compliance and ensure trade secret protection.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":11086,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"_lite_auth_enabled":false,"_lite_auth_trigger_method":"scroll","_lite_auth_scroll_percent":25,"_lite_auth_click_element_query":"","exclude_from_algolia":false,"reading_time":"6 min read","display_reading_time":false,"download_content_type":"","download_file":"","download_url":"","download_cta_label":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"resource-type":[30],"topic":[268],"industry":[],"audience":[],"business-size":[],"product-tag":[],"funnel-stage":[],"region":[],"pain-point":[],"persona":[],"post_features":[],"class_list":["post-11080","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorised","resource-type-blog","topic-hiring-recruitment"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11080","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11080"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11080\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11198,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11080\/revisions\/11198"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11086"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11080"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11080"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11080"},{"taxonomy":"resource-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resource-type?post=11080"},{"taxonomy":"topic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/topic?post=11080"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=11080"},{"taxonomy":"audience","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/audience?post=11080"},{"taxonomy":"business-size","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/business-size?post=11080"},{"taxonomy":"product-tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product-tag?post=11080"},{"taxonomy":"funnel-stage","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/funnel-stage?post=11080"},{"taxonomy":"region","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/region?post=11080"},{"taxonomy":"pain-point","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pain-point?post=11080"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=11080"},{"taxonomy":"post_features","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/employmenthero.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_features?post=11080"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}