Canada Bans Job Interview Ghosting With $50K Fine

Getting ghosted after a job interview just became illegal in one part of Canada, and it could change hiring practices worldwide.

Ontario passed a groundbreaking law requiring companies with more than 25 employees to notify all candidates within 45 days of their final interview. Companies that ignore applicants can face fines up to CA$100,000 (roughly £50,000). The law took effect in January 2026.

The change came after mounting frustration from jobseekers like Laura Gemma Bond, who traveled from Cambridge to London for three interviews, paid for train fares, and prepared extensively. She never heard back. Her TikTok posts about the experience reached 2.3 million views, striking a nerve with people who've had similar experiences.

The numbers show why this matters. A 2025 report from hiring platform Greenhouse found that 63% of candidates in the UK and Ireland have been ghosted by employers after interviews. It's not just rude. It wastes candidates' time and money while eroding trust in the entire hiring process.

Allison Venditti, founder of the Toronto-based Moms at Work network, campaigned for the legislation. "As an HR professional I cannot believe we have to legislate basic good behavior," she said. "If someone applies for a job, gets an interview and spends all that time on it, companies should let them know what is going on."

The law also requires employers to disclose salary ranges in job postings, another step toward making hiring more transparent and respectful.

The Ripple Effect

Some employer groups worry the rule adds administrative burden, especially for companies running large hiring rounds. Critics say it might just trigger automated rejection emails rather than meaningful feedback. But supporters argue that basic courtesy shouldn't be optional, regardless of company size.

The timing matters too. Job markets are tightening globally, with some graduates submitting hundreds of applications before landing offers. In the UK, unemployment is nearing a five-year high. When competition is fierce, transparency and respect become even more crucial.

Jessica Ciccozzi, founder of Australian executive advisory firm East Executive, believes Ontario's law will influence other regions. "Once accountability measures are introduced in one jurisdiction, they quickly influence practice elsewhere," she said.

A petition in the UK calling for similar legislation has launched, though it's still gathering signatures. Meanwhile, HR professionals like Danielle McConville from Greenhouse argue the real solution goes beyond regulation. "The real solution is a human-centric approach that ensures fair, respectful and structured hiring practices," she said.

Ontario just proved that treating job candidates with basic respect isn't too much to ask.