On October 19, 2010, the Ontario government introduced Bill 120, the Securing Pension Benefits Now and for the Future Act, 2010. As previously reported, these pension reforms are intended to build on the first phase of reforms, which were passed earlier this year. The government has announced that the Bill 120 reforms would, if passed:…
Business Operation: Ontario
Ontario Introduces Accountability Legislation for Broader Public Sector
On October 20, 2010, the Ontario government introduced Bill 122, the Broader Public Sector Accountability Act, 2010. The proposed legislation is intended to impose new rules and higher accountability standards for the broader public sector around the use of external lobbyists, consultants and expenses. The proposed legislation would apply to hospitals and Local Health Integration…
Ontario Passes Not-For-Profit Corporate Governance Legislation
On October 19, 2010, the Ontario government passed Bill 65, the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010. As previously reported, the legislation is designed to modernize the legal framework in which not-for-profit corporations operate. The legislation will come into force on a date to be named by proclamation.
Ontario Introduces Further Pension Reforms
On October 19, 2010, the Ontario government introduced Bill 120, the Securing Pension Benefits Now and for the Future Act, 2010. As previously reported, these pension reforms will build on the first phase of reforms which were passed earlier this year.
New Education Act Regulation Filed – Supervised Alternative Learning, Excusals
On September 29, 2010, the Ontario government published O. Reg. 374/10 under the Education Act, which sets out the rules applicable to supervised alternative learning and other excusals from attendance at school. O. Reg. 374/10 revokes Regulation 308 of the Revised Regulations of Ontario, 1990, and will come into force on February 1, 2011.
Ontario Introduces Good Government Act, 2010
On Tuesday, October 5, 2010, the Ontario government introduced Bill 110, the Good Government Act, 2010, omnibus legislation that would, if passed, make a number of amendments to various Acts, including several employment-related statutes.
WSIB Announces Funding Review of Unfunded Liability
On September 30, 2010, the Ontario government announced that Harry Arthurs will chair the Funding Review of the unfunded liability of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. As announced by the WSIB on the same date, the year-long Funding Review will gather input from experts and stakeholders regarding policy issues relating to the financial future…
Federal Government Introduces Sustaining Canada’s Economic Recovery Act
On September 30, 2010, the federal government introduced Bill C-47, the Sustaining Canada’s Economic Recovery Act. As outlined in the government announcement, Bill C-47 is omnibus legislation and addresses numerous measures of interest to employers including: income tax reforms relating to stock option plans and employee life and health trusts as outlined in the March…
Federal Government to Set Limits On EI Premium Rate Increase for 2011
On September 30, 2010, the federal government announced plans to limit the Employment Insurance (“EI”) maximum premium rate increase for 2011 to five cents per $100 of insurable earnings, and ten cents per $100 of insurable earnings for subsequent years. The rate increase is set by the Canada Employment Insurance Financing Board, which by November…
FSCO Publishes FAQ on Surplus Distribution for Full or Partial Plan Wind Ups
The Financial Services Commission of Ontario (“FSCO”) updated its long-running online “FAQ” for pension plan administrators to set out FSCO’s position on surplus distribution on full or partial plan wind ups in light of recent amendments to the Pension Benefits Act. A detailed discussion of the FAQ and FSCO’s position on this point is available…