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.
Business Operation: Ontario
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.
Ontario Amends PBA and PRPP Regulations; Introduces Legislation Affecting Police Sector Asset Transfers
Annuity Purchases on Wind Up On November 3, 2017, O. Reg. 412/17, amending Regulation 909 (General) made under the Pension Benefits Act (PBA), was filed. As discussed in our FTR Now, Ontario’s Bill 70: The New Face of Pension Regulation Revealed, amendments will be made to the PBA requiring administrators appointed by the Superintendent of…
Ontario Introduces Cannabis, Smoke-Free Ontario and Road Safety Legislation
On November 1, 2017, the Ontario government tabled Bill 174, Cannabis, Smoke-Free Ontario and Road Safety Statute Law Amendment Act, 2017 omnibus legislation which would, if passed, regulate the cultivation, sale, distribution and consumption of cannabis in Ontario, enact the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 and make amendments to the Highway Traffic Act relating to impairment by cannabis and road safety. Among other things, the Bill provides the provincial framework for the federal Bill C-45, Cannabis Act.
Ontario Proposes Regulatory Amendment Under ESA Permitting PRPP Differentiation Based on Age
On October 23, 2017, the Ontario government published a proposed draft amendment to O. Reg. 286/01 made under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) to create a new exemption for pooled registered pension plans (PRPPs) with respect to age-based differentiation in certain circumstances. Currently, the ESA prohibits employers from providing a pension plan that treats employees,…
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…
Ontario Court Affirms Plaintiff’s Evidentiary Burden Under The Class Proceedings Act, 1992
In Bartholomew v. Coco Paving Inc. et al, the Ontario Superior Court recently rendered a helpful decision in dismissing a motion for certification of a proposed class action. The Court re-affirmed the evidentiary burden which must be met by a plaintiff in satisfying the four tests under sections 5(1)(b) through 5(1)(e) of the Class Proceedings…
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 School Boards to Implement Care Plans for Students with Prevalent Medical Needs
On October 24, 2017, the Ontario government released a draft policy aimed at supporting students with prevalent medical conditions. Policy PPM 161- Supporting Children and Students with Prevalent Medical Conditions (Anaphylaxis, Asthma, Diabetes, and/or Epilepsy) in Schools, to be finalized in Winter 2018, will require school boards across Ontario to have individualized care plans in…