Ontario Announces Consultations on Public Sector Pension Plans

The Ontario government has announced that it will begin consultations on a new legislative framework for jointly sponsored public sector pension plans. Further to its 2012 Budget reform proposals, the proposed framework will include as follows: in case of a new funding deficit, plans would be required to reduce future benefits or ancillary benefits before…

Education Act Regulatory Amendment Filed (Honoraria)

On April 18, 2012, the Ontario government filed an amendment to O. Reg. 357/06 under the Education Act (Honoraria for Board Members). O. Reg. 57/12 adds a new Part II (Rules For The Period From April 1, 2012 To March 31, 2014), imposing a temporary limit on honoraria for a chair, vice-chair or other member…

Retirement Homes Act Provisions Come Into Force

Effective April 15, 2012, certain provisions of the Retirement Homes Act came into force, including sections 34 to 49 of Part III (Licence to Operate a Retirement Home). Sections dealing with safety standards and compliance, staff skills, prescribed qualifications and training as well as Orders of the Registrar and Appeals (Part V), among other matters,…

2012 Federal Budget – Highlights For Employers

On March 29, 2012, the federal government tabled its 2012 Budget, Economic Action Plan 2012 – A Plan for Jobs, Growth and Long-Term Prosperity. As widely anticipated, the Budget alters the retirement landscape for many Canadians and announces cost-cutting measures and reform of the federal public service. It also proposes certain tax reform measures, and…

Ontario 2012 Budget Bill Introduced

On March 27, 2012, the Ontario government introduced Bill 55, Strong Action for Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2012 (“Bill 55”), omnibus legislation designed to implement a number of the proposals contained in its 2012 Budget, “Strong Action For Ontario.” In part, Bill 55 proposes amendments to reform the interest arbitration process in Ontario that would…

Federal Government Tables Budget 2012

On March 29, 2012, the federal government tabled its 2012 Budget, Economic Action Plan 2012 – A Plan for Jobs, Growth and Long-Term Prosperity. Among other things, the Budget includes the following proposals: a requirement that federally regulated private sector employers insure the long-term disability plans they offer to employees; tax changes in respect of…

Ontario Budget – Highlights for Employers

On Tuesday, March 27, the Ontario Government introduced its 2012 Budget, which is entitled Strong Action for Ontario (the “Budget”). The Government also introduced Bill 55, the Strong Action for Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2012 (“Bill 55”), omnibus legislation designed to implement a number of the proposals contained in the Budget. The Budget sets out…

Ontario to Table Budget Later Today

Finance Minister Dwight Duncan will be tabling the Government’s much-anticipated 2012 Budget at 4:00 p.m. this afternoon. The Budget comes on the heels of the Drummond Report, which was released in mid-February and which recommended sweeping reform measures aimed at increasing efficiencies within the broader public service and the delivery of a variety government programs….

Ontario 2012 Budget Introduced

On March 27, 2012, the Ontario government tabled its 2012 Budget, “Strong Action For Ontario.” The Budget comes on the heels of the Drummond Report, which was released in mid-February and which recommended sweeping reform measures aimed at increasing efficiencies within the broader public service and the delivery of a variety government programs. Key components…