New AODA Built Environment Standards Regulations Filed

On December 17, 2012, the Ontario government filed two regulations amending the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service and the Integrated Accessibility Standards, regulations enacted under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 1995 (“AODA”). O. Reg. 413/12 adds new Built Environment Standards on the design of public spaces to the Integrated Accessibility Standards regulation (O….

First Aid Training Regulatory Amendments under Canada Labour Code Registered

On December 7, 2012, Regulations Amending Certain Regulations Made under the Canada Labour Code were registered. Among other things, the Regulations are intended to simplify the first aid training available to employees subject to federal jurisdiction through the following amendments to the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations: the definition of “approved organization” will now…

Federal Pooled Registered Pension Plan (PRPP) Framework Now in Force

On December 14, 2012, the federal government announced that the second and final tranche of the regulations under the Pooled Registered Pension Plans Act (“Act”) came into force on that day, following the conclusion of a period for public comment. As previously reported, these supporting regulations address provisions of the Act, including: general requirements regarding…

Second Omnibus Budget Bill (C-45) Receives Royal Assent

On December 14, 2012, Bill C-45, Jobs and Growth Act 2012, passed Third Reading in the Senate and received Royal Assent. As previously reported, Bill C-45 is the federal government’s second omnibus budget bill which gives effect to certain initiatives contained in its Budget 2012. The Bill should be consulted for coming into force information….

Helping Families in Need Act Receives Royal Assent

On December 14, 2012, Bill C-44, Helping Families in Need Act, received Royal Assent. As previously reported, Bill C-44 will, among other things, make certain amendments to the Canada Labour Code regarding an employee’s right to take leave if his or her child is critically ill or dies or disappears as the suspected result of…

When is a Pension Assignment not an Assignment?

Pension plan administrators are often required to interpret the wording of court orders and separation agreements to determine whether there is a valid and effective assignment of an interest to a member’s former spouse. Until now, the courts have not provided clear guidance on what language is needed in order to create an assignment. On…

Helping Families in Need Act Awaiting Royal Assent

On December 12, 2012, Bill C-44, Helping Families in Need Act, passed Third Reading in the Senate and is now awaiting Royal Assent. As previously reported, Bill C-44 will, among other things, make certain amendments to the Canada Labour Code regarding an employee’s right to take leave if his or her child is critically ill…