Ontario has proposed significant changes governing the unlocking of funds held in Life Income Funds (LIF), locked-in Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIF) and Locked-In Retirement Accounts (LIRA). The proposal is most relevant to financial institutions that administer these accounts.
Practice Area: Pensions, Benefits & Compensation
Ontario Court of Appeal Case is a Warning to Employers to Review Their Incentive Plans
The decision has significant implications for employers that provide equity awards or other incentive plans. Employers should review their plans and award documents before the same drafting issue produces a similarly significant claim.
Highlights from the Federal Government’s 2026 Spring Economic Update
The federal government’s 2026 Spring Economic Update includes several proposals that may affect employers, HR professionals and pension plan administrators.
Highlights of the 2026 Ontario Budget
Ontario’s 2026 Budget — A Plan to Protect Ontario — is here, and employers, HR teams, and pension plan administrators will want to pay attention. Read our take on what Ontario employers need to know.
Temporary Employment Insurance Relief Extended Through October 2026
EI update for employers! Temporary relief measures introduced in response to U.S. tariffs are now extended to October 10, 2026. Read our FTR Now to learn more.
Employment Insurance Work-Sharing Program Special Measures Extended Into 2027
Temporary special measures under the EI Work Sharing Program have been extended until March 31, 2027. Clare Wooland examines why tariff-impacted employers may want to re evaluate whether to apply for the Program.
Worker Retention Grant for Employment Insurance Work-Sharing Employers Announced
The federal government has launched a new Worker Retention Grant that can boost Work Sharing income replacement benefits from 55% to up to approximately 70%. Andrew Easto breaks down what you need to know about eligibility, funding supports, and the potential upside for employers.
BC Labour Relations Board Overturns Arbitration Award Regarding Age 65 Cutoff to LTD Benefits
A recent BCLRB decision clarifies how age 65 LTD cut offs can still qualify as “bona fide” under human rights legislation. Natasha Monkman and Andrew Easto break down the decision and what this could mean for employers.
Proposed Pension Act Amendments Could Reshape JSPP Transfer Framework
Hicks Morley’s Natasha Monkman and David Gruber break down the latest amendments to the Pension Benefits Act introduced in Bill 68 that pave the way for converting a defined contribution (DC) plan into a jointly sponsored pension plan (JSPP).
Ontario Government Responds to Poirier Review Recommendations Regarding OMERS
Natasha Monkman and Andrew Easto unpack key takeaways from the recently released OMERS Governance Review Report and examine how the proposed reforms may affect employers and plan sponsors.