Ontario employers with 25+ staff must disclose AI use in job postings for screening, assessment, or selection starting January 1, 2026¹. This hits financial services (certified advisors) and manufacturing (technical plant managers) hardest², where algorithms fail certification verification.
What the Law Actually Requires
- Disclose AI in job postings if used for screening/selection³
- Applies to employers with 25+ employees in Ontario
- Exemptions: Small businesses (<25 staff), non-Ontario postings
- Ties to Quebec’s Law 25 (already enforced since 2023)⁴
Why AI Screening Fails Steven’s Core Industries
Financial advisors need CFP/CIC certification verification². Manufacturing plant managers need proven hands-on experience. AI tools consistently miss both:
- Algorithms can’t verify live certifications²
- Resume parsing fails on manufacturing-specific experience⁵
- Stat: AI hiring tools show baked-in bias despite training data⁶
Manufacturing Case Study
A food manufacturing firm wasted 45 days on AI-screened candidates. None had required HACCP certification or 5+ years managing unionized plants. Phone calls to target competitors identified 3 qualified plant managers in week 2².
Phone-First Search: The Compliant Alternative
- Target Identification: Research exact companies/roles needed
- Direct Verification: Confirm certifications on first call
- Relationship Building: 5-minute conversations reveal interest
- No Ghosting Risk: 76% industry ghosting rate avoided⁷
Your 2026 AI Compliance Checklist
- Audit current ATS/sourcing tools for AI components
- Update ALL job posting templates with disclosure language
- Train hiring managers on human oversight requirements
- Document final decision-making processes
- Partner with recruiters using transparent methods²
When to Call the Right Recruiter
For senior financial services and manufacturing roles where compliance + speed matter, structure your search proactively from day one. Phone-first specialists excel where automation fails.
Footnotes
¹ Ontario AI disclosure requirements effective Jan 1, 2026
² Steven Cardwell Rebrand Guide: Financial services/manufacturing certifications
³ Ontario government AI regulation page
⁴ Quebec Law 25 AI enforcement (2023-present)
⁵ AI bias in manufacturing hiring algorithms
⁶ HR Reporter: AI mirrors human bias study
⁷ Reddit recruitinghell: 76% ghosting statistics 2025