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…

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…

Federal Budget Bill (C-45) Passes Third Reading

On December 5, 2012, Bill C-45, Jobs and Growth Act, 2012, passed Third Reading in the House of Commons and will proceed to the Senate for debate. As previously reported, Bill C-45 is the federal government’s second omnibus budget bill which, if passed, will give effect to certain initiatives contained in its Budget 2012. For…

PEI Introduces Pension Benefits Legislation

On November 21, 2012, the Prince Edward Island government introduced Bill 12, Pension Benefits Act, in the legislature. The government has stated that with the exception of a few minor changes, Bill 12 is the same as Bill 41, pension legislation that was introduced in May 2012 but which did not pass first reading. Prince…

Bill Requiring Disclosure of Information by Labour Organizations Reported Back to House of Commons

On November 27, 2012, Bill C-377, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (requirements for labour organizations), was deemed reported without amendment back to the House of Commons from the Standing Committee on Finance. As previously reported, Bill C-377 is a private member’s bill which, if passed, will amend the Income Tax Act to…

Federal Budget Bill Reported Back to House of Commons

On November 26, 2012, Bill C-45, Jobs and Growth Act, 2012, was reported back to the House of Commons from the Standing Committee on Finance without amendment. As previously reported, Bill C-45 is the federal government’s second omnibus Bill which, if passed, will give effect to certain initiatives contained in its Budget 2012. For more…

Proposed Amendments to CIRB Regulation Published for Comment

On November 17, 2012, the federal government published proposed Regulations Amending the Canada Industrial Relations Board Regulations, 2001, inviting interested parties to comment on the proposed regulatory text within two weeks of the date of publication. The proposed Regulations follow consultations conducted by the Canada Industrial Relations Board (“CIRB”) throughout 2011 with labour and management…