Beginning today, Ontario becomes the first jurisdiction in North America to mandate equal pay for for part time and permanent workers. Under the new rules, casual, part time, temporary and seasonal workers can not be paid less than full time or permanent employees for doing the same work. In addition, temp agencies won’t be allowed to pay temps less than those hired directly by the agency’s clients. The changes are the result of the province’s Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act.

Also today, Toronto hotel, motel and hostel guests will have to pay a 4 percent tax. The city says new tax will apply to all rooms used for rental accommodation for four hours or more and continuous stays of 30 days or less. The new revenue stream is expected to bring in funds for the city’s programs and services as well as for Tourism Toronto, a not-for-profit that promotes the city as a tourist destination.