On November 27, 2014, the Ontario government filed O. Reg. 235/14, amending Regulation 909 made under the Pension Benefits Act (“PBA”). O. Reg. 235/14 establishes new rules regarding Statements of Investment Policies and Procedures (“SIP&Ps”). It requires that a SIP&P be filed with the Superintendent of Financial Services within 60 days after January 1, 2016…
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OLRB Refuses to hear CUPE Job Security Complaint
In a significant unfair labour practice case, Canadian Union of Public Employees v. Algoma District School Board, the Ontario Labour Relations Board (“OLRB”) held that CUPE’s complaints regarding the alleged alteration of employment terms by ten school boards during the statutory freeze period had to proceed through local grievance and arbitration procedures, rather than as an…
Arbitrators Address Off-Duty Social Media Comments
Two recent City of Toronto arbitrations have addressed the issue of discipline for off-duty social media comments. On November 12, 2014, Arbitrator Elaine Newman found that the social media comments of an off-duty Toronto firefighter, which disparaged women, the disabled and visible minorities (among others), constituted serious misconduct and damaged the reputation of the Toronto…
Deadline Extended for Alberta Pension Reform Plan Amendments
As discussed in our recent FTR Now, Alberta Introduces Significant Pension Reforms Effective September 1, 2014, the new Employment Pension Plans Act and accompanying Employment Pension Plans Regulation came into force on September 1, 2014. Pension plans registered in Alberta and plans registered elsewhere with members whose pension benefits are subject to Alberta pension legislation…
FSCO Extends Filing Deadline for EPPA-Related Plan Amendments
As we recently reported, on November 19, 2014, the Alberta government announced that plan sponsors or administrators could request and receive an extension of the deadline for filing plan amendments required under Alberta’s new Employment Pension Plans Act (“EPPA”) from December 31, 2014 to March 31, 2015. The Financial Services Commission of Ontario (“FSCO”) has…
Raising the Bar – Eighth Edition
Dear Readers, With the first big snowfall and the coming of the holiday season, we’re thrilled to bring you the Winter 2014 edition of Raising the Bar. This time, we’re doing something a little different. Rather than our usual format, we’re devoting this entire issue to a topic that clients have been increasingly asking us…
Ontario Announces ORPP Consultation Process
On November 18, 2014, the Ontario government published additional information outlining the Ontario Retirement Pension Plan (“ORPP”) framework, and is presently soliciting feedback on the ORPP design and implementation process through a series of targeted questions for employers and employees. Verbal or written feedback may be provided directly to the Associate Minister of Finance. No…
Omnibus Workplace Laws Bill Receives Royal Assent (Bill 18)
On November 20, 2014, Bill 18, the Stronger Workplaces for a Stronger Economy Act, 2014 (“Bill 18”) received Royal Assent, as amended by the Standing Committee on General Government. Among other matters, effective February 20, 2015 (i.e. three months after Royal Assent): the $10,000 cap on orders to pay wages under s. 103(4) of the…
Plans May Request Relief For Alberta EPPA Amendment Filing Deadline
As we recently reported, Alberta’s new Employment Pension Plans Act (“EPPA”) became effective September 1, 2014, and amendments to comply with the new EPPA rules were to be filed with the Alberta pension regulator by December 31, 2014. On November 19, 2014, the Alberta government announced that a plan sponsor (or its legal, actuarial or third…
Holiday Cheer: A Checklist For Employers
The holiday season is around the corner – and with it comes festivities and celebrations. Whether these seasonal events are large or small, employee health and safety remains a key priority for employers. In this FTR Now, we provide employers with a checklist of measures to consider implementing in planning for a safe holiday celebration….