On August 30, 2011, the federal government released a paper outlining proposed tax rules governing Employee Profit Sharing Plans (“EPSPs”) for public consultation, in furtherance of initiatives first announced in its 2011 Budget. Specifically, the government is seeking stakeholder input on the following issues: eligibility of non-arm’s length employees / “related persons” to participate in…
Business Operation: Ontario
Federal Government Launches EI Consultations
On August 18, 2011, the federal government announced the launch of Employment Insurance (“EI”) rate-setting consultations, and released a related consultation paper. The EI consultations are intended to enhance delivery of benefits, and increase overall premium stability. Individuals and stakeholders may participate in the web-based consultation process online, or via email before November 30, 2011.
New Income Tax Proposals Introduced – Federal Budget 2011
On August 16, 2011, the Department of Finance released draft legislative and regulatory proposals to implement a number of key tax measures first introduced by the federal government in Budget 2011, the Next Phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan—A Low-Tax Plan for Jobs and Growth. In part, “Legislative Proposals Relating to the Income Tax Act…
Taxation Rules for Lump Sum Amounts Received in Lieu of Benefits Coverage
In June, 2011, the Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”) announced new rules governing lump sum payments made to employees or retirees in lieu of their healthcare coverage. These new rules, which come into effect on January 1, 2012, followed the announcement in the 2011 federal Budget that CRA was re-examining its position on these payments (see…
Supporting Regulations Proposed for Transfer Agreements under Section 80.1
The Ontario government has posted proposed content for Pension Benefits Act regulations for public review and commentary. These regulations are required before amendments to section 80.1 of that Act come into effect. Once proclaimed in force, section 80.1 of the Act will allow the administrators of certain public sector plans to negotiate agreements to give…
Anti-spam Regulation Proposed Under Bill C-28
On July 9, 2011, the federal government published proposed Electronic Commerce Protection Regulations under Bill C-28, the so-called “anti-SPAM” legislation. The proposed Regulations are administrative in nature and specifically provide definitions for terms used in Bill C-28, including “personal relationship” and “family relationship”. The Regulations also define the specific conditions under which consent would be…
House of Commons Adjourns until September 19, 2011
On Sunday June 26, 2011, the federal House of Commons adjourned until 11:00 a.m. (EDT) Monday, September 19, 2011.
Bill 181, Mandatory Retirement Legislation For Firefighters, Receives Royal Assent
On June 1, 2011, Bill 181, Fire Protection and Prevention Amendment Act, 2011, received Royal Assent. As previously reported, Bill 181 amends the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 to provide for the mandatory retirement at age 60 of firefighters regularly assigned to fire suppression duties, in certain circumstances, and impose a duty of fair…
Application of PSLRTA Extended by Regulation to Amalgamations of Children’s Aid Societies
On June 27, 2011, the Ontario government filed O. Reg. 314/11 under the Public Sector Labour Relations Transition Act, 1997 (“Act”). O. Reg 314/11 extends the application of the Act to the amalgamations of any two or more of the children’s aid societies designated in the regulation. O. Reg. 314/11 came into force on July…
Bill 133 Regulations (Asset Division on Marriage Breakdown) Filed Under Pension Benefits Act
On June 24, 2011, the Ontario government filed long-anticipated regulations in support of amendments to the Pension Benefits Act effected by Bill 133, the Family Statute Law Amendment Act, 2009. O. Reg. 287/11 (Family Law Matters) follows the previously reported March 2011 release of draft regulations and a related Consultation Paper, and reflects that consultation…