There is no legal requirement to check references, however it does make good business practice. Would you want somebody working on your program who has screwed up at other companies?

Hello Penelope’s.. Mom:
If you have an HR Administrator, it would be his/her job to check the references. There is no legal requirement by law that says this has to be done, BUT it is always best to ask for references and phone the numbers on the pages. Ask whoever you might want to hire to give a list of their last working positions and call them for a reference check.
You have to remember that some will not give out any information anymore do to the new guide lines of the Canadian Privacy Act. I think the HR Administrator is either trying to push the work onto you, or she just can’t be bothered doing her job.
I hope this helps
iamjustrandy

There is no legal requirement; however, it is prudent to do so, as it may reduce the cost of future litigation over incomplete or shoddy work done by contractors.

nope