The federal government has proposed a regulatory amendment to the Canada Pension Plan Regulations which prescribes the manner of employee elections (or revocations) regarding the new Post-Retirement Benefit (PRB), which will be available under the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) effective January 1, 2012. The PRB extends participation in the CPP to those employees (and self-employed…
Business Operation: Saskatchewan
Federal Budget Implementation Bill Introduced (C-13)
On October 4, 2011, the federal government introduced Bill C-13, Keeping Canada’s Economy and Jobs Growing Act, omnibus legislation designed to implement a number of measures proposed in its 2011 Budget (as previously discussed here). If passed, the Bill would, among other things: amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to eliminate the mandatory retirement age…
Proposed PIPEDA amendments re-introduced as Bill C-12
On September 29, 2011, the federal government introduced Bill C-12, Safeguarding Canadians’ Personal Information Act, which, if passed, will amend the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (“PIPEDA“). Bill C-12 reintroduces Bill C-29 (previously reported here), which expired on the Order Paper when Parliament was proclaimed dissolved in March, 2011. Among other things,…
2012 Basic Rate Set By Superintendent of Financial Institutions
On September 7, 2011, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions set the basic rate for the Office year beginning on April 1, 2012 at $18.00, pursuant to section 25 of the Pension Benefits Standards Regulations, 1985. This rate applies to the fees paid by federally regulated pension plans with a year-end between October…
Federal Consultations On Employee Profit Sharing Plan Tax Rules
On August 30, 2011, the federal government released a paper outlining proposed tax rules governing Employee Profit Sharing Plans (“EPSPs”) for public consultation, in furtherance of initiatives first announced in its 2011 Budget. Specifically, the government is seeking stakeholder input on the following issues: eligibility of non-arm’s length employees / “related persons” to participate in…
Federal Government Launches EI Consultations
On August 18, 2011, the federal government announced the launch of Employment Insurance (“EI”) rate-setting consultations, and released a related consultation paper. The EI consultations are intended to enhance delivery of benefits, and increase overall premium stability. Individuals and stakeholders may participate in the web-based consultation process online, or via email before November 30, 2011.
Taxation Rules for Lump Sum Amounts Received in Lieu of Benefits Coverage
In June, 2011, the Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”) announced new rules governing lump sum payments made to employees or retirees in lieu of their healthcare coverage. These new rules, which come into effect on January 1, 2012, followed the announcement in the 2011 federal Budget that CRA was re-examining its position on these payments (see…
New Income Tax Proposals Introduced – Federal Budget 2011
On August 16, 2011, the Department of Finance released draft legislative and regulatory proposals to implement a number of key tax measures first introduced by the federal government in Budget 2011, the Next Phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan—A Low-Tax Plan for Jobs and Growth. In part, “Legislative Proposals Relating to the Income Tax Act…
Anti-spam Regulation Proposed Under Bill C-28
On July 9, 2011, the federal government published proposed Electronic Commerce Protection Regulations under Bill C-28, the so-called “anti-SPAM” legislation. The proposed Regulations are administrative in nature and specifically provide definitions for terms used in Bill C-28, including “personal relationship” and “family relationship”. The Regulations also define the specific conditions under which consent would be…
House of Commons Adjourns until September 19, 2011
On Sunday June 26, 2011, the federal House of Commons adjourned until 11:00 a.m. (EDT) Monday, September 19, 2011.