On March 1, 2012, Bill 28, Registered Human Resources Professional Act, 2011, was referred to the Standing Committee on General Government. Bill 28 is a private member’s bill which is co-sponsored by three Members of Provincial Parliament, one from each of the Liberal, PC and NDP parties. If passed, Bill 28 will repeal the Registered…
Business Operation: Ontario
MOL Safety Blitz Targets High-Risk Construction Trades
The Ontario government has announced that effective March 1, 2012, Ministry of Labour inspectors are targeting high-risk construction trades in a month-long safety blitz intended to protect workers from preventable workplace injuries. Inspectors will visit construction projects employing workers in high-rise formwork, low-rise formwork and masonry, siding and built-up roofing work, and specifically check that:…
The Drummond Report – Impact on the Broader Public Sector
On February 15, 2012, the Commission on the Reform of Ontario’s Public Services (the “Commission”) released its long-awaited, 543-page report (the “Report”, commonly referred to as the “Drummond Report”) which identifies sweeping reform measures aimed at increasing efficiencies within the broader public service (“BPS”). In our companion FTR Now, Drummond Commission Reports on Elementary and…
Drummond Commission Reports on Elementary and Secondary Education Reform
On February 15, 2012, the Commission on the Reform of Ontario’s Public Services (the “Commission”) released its long-awaited, 543-page report (the “Report”, commonly referred to as the “Drummond Report”) which identifies sweeping reform measures aimed at increasing efficiencies within the broader public service. In our companion FTR Now, The Drummond Report – Impact on the…
Ontario Legislative Assembly Resumes Sitting
On February 21, 2012, the House resumed sitting.
BPS Solvency Funding Relief Regulation Amended
On February 17, 2012, the Ontario government filed an amendment to O. Reg. 178/11 (Solvency Funding Relief For Certain Public Sector Pension Plans) under the Pension Benefits Act. O. Reg. 12/12 prescribes those plans that have successfully applied for and, are receiving, solvency funding relief under O. Reg. 178/11. The Regulation is now in force….
Drummond Commission Reports on Public Service Reform
On February 15, 2012, the Commission on the Reform of Ontario’s Public Services (“Commission”) chaired by Don Drummond released its long-awaited report (“Drummond Report”) identifying wide-ranging reform measures aimed at increasing efficiencies within the broader public service. In June of 2011, the Ontario government tasked the Commission with the examination of its service delivery models,…
Super Priority for CCAA Charges Granted Preference Over Pension Deficits
On February 2, 2012, in On Re Timminco, the Commercial Court granted an order for “super priority” for an Administration Charge ($1,000,000) and Directors’ and Officers’ Charge ($400,000) in preference to other encumbrances, including pension deficits in Timminco’s pension plans (aggregate deficit is in excess of $11,000,000). Justice Morawetz found that federal insolvency legislation, specifically…
Federal Pooled Registered Pension Plan (“PRPP”) Legislation Referred to Committee
On February 1, 2012, Bill C-25, An Act relating to pooled registered pension plans and making related amendments to other Acts passed at Second Reading in the House of Commons, and was referred to the Standing Committee on Finance. As previously reported, Bill C-25 is new legislation implementing the framework for federally regulated PRPPs, and…
Raising the Bar – First Edition
On behalf of the Litigation Practice Group at Hicks Morley, we are delighted to introduce the inaugural issue of Raising the Bar. Our goal is to provide you with timely information and analysis about the key litigation-related legal developments that will have an impact on employers. Our focus is squarely on giving you the practical…