New Legislation to Amend Employment Standards Act, 2000

On May 17, 2010, the Ontario government introduced Bill 68, the Open For Business Act, 2010, omnibus legislation that would amend various acts, including the Employment Standards Act, 2000. If passed, these amendments would in part: allow the Director of Employment Standards to require claimants to provide specific information and let their employer know about…

Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts & Technology Regulation Amended

On May 14, 2010, the Ontario government filed O. Reg. 169/10, amending Regulation 34/03 (General) under the Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology Act, 2002. In part, the amendments provide a new method for appointing members of a board of governors after October 1, 2010, and the terms of the office.

MOL Enforcement Blitz Targets Construction Sites

On May 13, the Ontario government announced plans to increase enforcement of violations and enhance awareness of safety measures to protect workers on construction sites. The initiative follows a 90-day provincial enforcement campaign to ensure that workplace parties are complying with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (“OHSA”) and its regulations. An expert panel will make…

Private Member’s Pension Bill Passes Second Reading, Referred to Committee

On May 13, 2010, Bill 54, the Retirement Savings Plans for Employees and Self-Employed Persons Act, 2010 was referred to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs. Bill 54 is a Private Member’s Public Bill, first introduced on May 5, 2010. As outlined in our FAQ section, historically, very few Private Member Bills progress beyond the…

Ontario Legislation to Enhance Not-For-Profit Corporate Governance, Accountability

On May 12, 2010, the Ontario government introduced legislation designed to modernize the legal framework in which not-for-profits operate. If passed, Bill 65, the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, would enhance corporate governance and accountability by providing a statutory duty of care for directors; provide specific protection from liability for directors; enhance member democracy by expanding member…

Healthcare Accountability Legislation Carries at Second Reading, Referred to Committee

On May 12, 2010, Bill 46, the Excellent Care for All Act, 2010 carried at Second Reading and was Ordered referred the Standing Committee on Justice Policy. As previously reported, the Act would, if passed, make health care providers and executives accountable for improving patient care and enhance the patient experience. Although aimed at the…

Post-Secondary Legislation Referred to Committee

On May 11, 2010, Bill 43, the Post-Secondary Education Statute Law Amendment Act, 2010. If passed, this omnibus legislation would amend various Acts as follows: the Post-Secondary Education Choice and Excellence Act, 2000 to refine definitions of terms such as “degree” and “educational institution”, the application of the Act to defined persons, and certain prohibitions….

New Federal Pension Regulation Amendments Proposed

On May, 8, 2010, the Federal government published proposed amendments to the Pension Benefits Standards Regulations, 1985. The proposed amendments would: amend the funding rules to adopt a new standard for establishing minimum funding requirements on a solvency basis using average (rather than current) solvency ratios to determine minimum funding requirements; introduce a solvency margin…

Ontario’s Wage Freeze Legislation Ordered for Third Reading

On May 6, 2010, the Creating the Foundation for Jobs and Growth Act, 2010 (Bill 16) was reported as amended by the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs. Originally introduced on March 26, 2010, the Bill is omnibus legislation amending various Acts to give effect to the initiatives outlined in its 2010 Budget. Of…