After six months of public consultation the Ontario government has introduced legislation to end mandatory retirement in the province.

Labour Minister Chris Bentley in early June announced the long-awaited bill to abolish the province's mandatory retirement law. The move will provide greater fairness and choice for workers aged 65 and older, Bentley said. "People are healthier and living longer, so it is unfair to insist that they stop working simply because they turn 65," he said. "Ending mandatory retirement would allow workers to retire based on lifestyle, circumstance and priorities." The province listened to the needs and concerns of business, organized labour and others, Bentley said. The new bill has been drafted in a way that protects rights to pension, early retirement and benefits plans and would become effective one year after receiving Royal assent. It will continue to allow mandatory retirement where it can be justified on "bona fide occupational requirement" grounds determined under the province's Human Rights Code. Such exceptions include circumstances where qualifications are necessary for essential job duties.

While many business and labour groups have opposed abolition of mandatory retirement, the Ontario Human Rights Commission and organizations, such as CARP (Canada's Association for the 50Plus), called for abolition of the legislation which they contend is a form of ageism. Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island have already ended mandatory retirement.