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2027

Grow. Innovate. Connect.

Thank You for an Incredible CONNECT 2026

Thank you to the retailers, groomers, distributors, manufacturers, service providers, and pet professionals who joined us March 4 and 5, 2026 at CONNECT in Niagara Falls.

Over two incredible days, the Canadian pet industry came together to share ideas, discover new products, attend education sessions, and build the relationships that continue to move our industry forward. From the busy show floor to the CONNECT Tool Box vendors and networking events, the energy and collaboration made this year’s event truly special.

CONNECT has always been built by pet professionals for pet professionals, and it is your participation, passion, and commitment to the industry that make the event what it is.

Thank you for being part of CONNECT. We look forward to seeing you again next year.

Paul Ford

"Connect truly delivers. It’s a standout event for high-quality conversations, intentional networking, and a genuine sense of community.
Everything runs seamlessly thanks to the Team Connect crew, who go above and beyond to support attendees. Plus, the experience is top-notch with great food, comfortable carpeted aisles, and social events that perfectly bring everyone together."

Craig MacIntyre

"An absolute success and blast at the Connect Pet Expo! Unmatched networking opportunities and such excellent energy. The professionalism and support from Grant, and his team at Connect make it a perfect venue and experience to connect with new prospects, educate for stronger retail, and catch up with current and old partners. Highly recommend for anyone in the Pet Industry sector to attend."

Codie Bonner

"Connect Pet Expo offers a truly valuable and refreshing experience. The environment allows for meaningful, one-on-one time with brands, creating space for real conversations, thoughtful questions, and stronger relationship building. The overall atmosphere is welcoming, collaborative, and genuinely supportive of the pet specialty community. It’s an event that prioritizes connection and quality interactions".

Jennifer Murray

“One of the qualities that makes Connect stand out is its accessibility. The show operates without membership fees, making it easier for new entrepreneurs and emerging brands to enter the market and present their ideas alongside more established companies. This open structure encourages innovation and provides smaller businesses with a platform to introduce new concepts to retailers.”

Riley Card

"Connect Pet Expo was a great experience for us, especially being a newer business. It was really well organized, and we were able to make some strong connections with retailers that actually made sense for us. Overall, it felt like a show that delivered real value and helped us keep building momentum."

Connect:

A B2B pet trade event celebrating the Canadian pet industry hosted and created with a team that is 100% built with individuals and vendors from the Canadian Pet Industry.

Ontario’s ESA Update

Ontario’s ESA Update

News
September 09, 2025•2 min read

New Hiring Rules for Ontario!


Ontario’s ESA Update

Posted on July 9th, 2025 in Human Resources Advisory

Brown gavel on a white background with a teal dot behind it.

Ontario’s Employment Standards Act (ESA) has undergone a series of important updates aimed at strengthening transparency, fairness, and staff protections. From new hiring disclosure rules to expanded job-protected leave and mandatory pay transparency, these changes, rolling out between June 2025 and January 2026, will impact how businesses hire, manage, and support their employees.

Effective June 19, 2025 – Long‑Term Illness Leave Introduced

A brand‑new, job-protected, unpaid leave allows eligible employees (13 weeks’ continuous employment) up to 27 weeks of leave within a 52 week window, for serious medical conditions. Specific requirements must be met to request this leave, and it may be extended under certain conditions. It is also not a requirement that the weeks of leave be consecutive.

Effective July 1, 2025 – Mandatory Written Hiring Details

Ontario employers with 25+ staff must now provide new employees, before (or as soon after) their first workday, written details that include:

  • Employer’s legal and operating name(s)

  • Complete contact information and at least one contact person

  • General work location

  • Starting wage rate or commission

  • Pay period and payday

  • Anticipated hours of work

Effective January 1, 2026 – Pay Transparency & Fair Hiring Rules

For publicly advertised roles, employers with 25+ staff are subject to new requirements:

  • Compensation Disclosure: Required if salary is under $200,000; salary range may span up to $50,000.

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transparency: Must disclose any use of AI in screening or selection.

  • Vacancy Status: Employers must specify whether a posting is for an existing vacancy.

  • Ban on “Canadian Experience” Requirement: Job postings can no longer mandate Canadian work experience.

  • Interview Follow-Up: Applicants must be notified within 45 days after the last interview about the hiring decision.

  • Record Retention: Employers must keep job postings, applications, and candidate correspondence on file for three (3) years.

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