Effective June 30, 2021, all public health units in Ontario will be permitted to move to Step 2 of the province’s Roadmap to Reopen. Once this occurs, all public health units in the province will be subject to the conditions established by O. Reg. 263/20, Rules for Areas in Step 2, as amended by O….
Author: Hicks Morley
Federal Government Designates September 30 as Public Holiday for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
On June 3, 2021, Bill C-5, An Act to amend the Bills of Exchange Act, the Interpretation Act and the Canada Labour Code (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation), received Royal Assent. It officially designates September 30 of each year as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This marks a new public holiday under the Canada Labour Code (Code).
Ontario to Enter Step 1 of Reopening on June 11, 2021
The Ontario government has announced that effective June 11 at 12:01 a.m., all regions of the province will enter Step 1 of its Roadmap to Reopen as the COVID-19 cases slowly begin to drop and the vaccination rates increase.
New SPPA Amendment Restricts the Recording and Dissemination of Tribunal Hearings
On June 3, 2021, the amendment to the Statutory Powers Procedure Act (SPPA) that makes it an offence to record or publish a tribunal hearing came into force. This amendment – as set out in a new section 29 to the SPPA – was included in Ontario’s Supporting Recovery and Competitiveness Act, 2021 which received…
Details about WSIB Reimbursement Process for Paid IDEL Now Available
On April 29, 2021, the Ontario government amended the Employment Standards Act, 2000 to provide paid infectious disease emergency leave (IDEL) for certain absences related to COVID-19. Employers who provide paid IDEL to eligible employees are entitled to reimbursement through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), up to $200 per employee per day taken….
Ontario Seeking Input on Health Care Accessibility Standards under AODA
On May 7, 2021, the Health Care Standards Development Committee (Committee) published initial recommendations for the development of health care accessibility standards under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). The 22 recommendations provide guidance on how to integrate accessibility in health care planning and how to identify, remove and prevent recurring barriers….
Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario Seeking Public Input on Proposed Changes to its Documents and Processes
On April 20, 2021, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO or Tribunal) announced that it is seeking feedback on changes to some of its forms, guides, rules and processes in an attempt to provide more efficient dispute resolution. The Tribunal is inviting feedback from the public and stakeholders with regards to the following: Draft…
Federal Budget 2021 Tabled
On April 19, 2021, the federal government tabled its Budget 2021, “A Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth and Resilience”. We are currently reviewing the Budget and an FTR Now detailing initiatives of interest to employers, human resources professionals and pension plan administrators will be available in the coming days.
Ontario Minimum Wage to Increase October 1, 2021
On October 1, 2021, the general minimum wage in Ontario will increase from $14.25 to $14.35 per hour. This minimum wage applies to most employees. Minimum wage rates will also increase for the following employees: students: from $13.40 to $13.50 an hour liquor servers: from $12.45 to $12.55 an hour homeworkers: from $15.70 to $15.80…
Court Finds Workplace Violence and Harassment Dispute Falls Within Exclusive Jurisdiction of Labour Arbitrator
The Ontario Superior Court recently confirmed that disputes arising from a collective agreement, including allegations of sexual harassment and sexual assault in a unionized workplace, fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of a labour arbitrator and cannot be pursued through a civil action. In De Facendis v. Toronto Parking Authority, the Court held that this regime…