New legislation has been tabled that will, if passed, change the retirement framework in Ontario – and the rules around pension plan administration, governance and funding. The proposals outlined in Bill 177, Stronger, Fairer Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2017, include permanent solvency funding measures, discharges for annuity purchases, a new registry for missing beneficiaries, multi-employer pension plans and target benefits changes and a host of other key amendments. Learn more about these important Bill 177 pension proposals and how they could impact your organization in this FTR Now.
Author: Hicks Morley
More Changes to Bill 148 after Second Committee Review
On November 16, 2017, the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs (the Committee) adopted significant amendments to Bill 148, the Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017 (Bill 148). These amendments are in addition to amendments the Committee made in August of this year after First Reading of Bill 148, and are expected to be adopted by the Legislature in the near future.
Waiving the Biennial Statement Requirement for Missing Members: FSCO’s New Policy
On September 30, 2017, the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) published a new policy outlining the procedures administrators must follow to obtain a waiver of the requirement to send biennial statements to missing former and retired members. Find out more in this FTR Now.
Ontario Proposes Significant Reforms to the Pension Benefits Act and other Employment-Related Statutes
On November 14, 2017, the Ontario government introduced Bill 177, the Stronger, Fairer Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2017 (Bill 177), omnibus legislation supporting key reforms outlined in the 2017 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review (Fiscal Review), which was also released on that date.
Check Your Holiday Party List – And Check It Twice: Tips for Ensuring a Safe Seasonal Workplace Event
With winter fast approaching, many of us are preparing for seasonal and holiday celebrations. Whether large or small, it is important that employers take proactive steps to ensure the health and safety of their employees who attend office parties or other celebrations. In this FTR Now, we are pleased to bring you our annual checklist of measures to consider implementing to help plan a safe holiday celebration for all.
Setting up Shop in Canada? What U.S. Employers Need to Know About Canadian Employment Law
While Canada and the United States are alike in many respects, there are a few key differences in employment law that U.S. employers should be aware of if you are considering buying, selling or operating a business in Canada.
Education Law in Canada: A Guide for Teachers and Administrators Published
Lauri Reesor and Brenda Bowlby recently published a chapter on Special Education Law in the text, Education Law in Canada: A Guide for Teachers and Administrators. The book is a comprehensive examination of the many legal issues that impact public education in this country. With informative and easily accessible contributions from members of the legal and academic communities, the topics in this edited collection will be of particular interest to those who work or have an interest in schools and the educational system.
FTR Quarterly – Issue 7
In This Issue Extended EI Benefits – Top 3 Ways Your Workplace Could be Affected FTRQ&A – Chronic Mental Stress Pension Plan Funding Reform: At the Precipice Pension, Benefits & Executive Compensation Featured Articles Extended EI Benefits – Top 3 Ways Your Workplace Could be Affected By: Henry Dinsdale A number of recent changes to the…
New Public Hearing Dates for Bill 148 Consultation Announced for Next Week (Note 5 p.m. Deadline Today)
On October 26, 2017, the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs (Committee) announced that it intends to hold another round of public hearings in Toronto with respect to Bill 148 next week. Please note the deadline of today at 5:00 p.m. to notify the Committee of an intention to participate in the hearings next…
Ontario Consulting on ESA Exemptions
On October 18, 2017, the Ontario government announced that it would be conducting consultations on a range of exemptions under the Employment Standards Act, 2000, including key exemptions that apply to managers and supervisors, as well as to IT professionals. Submissions are due by December 1st, and employers should consider whether to participate in this important undertaking that could significantly impact your operations.