On December 18, 2013, the federal government published a regulation amending the Canada Pension Plan Regulations to add a new type of exempted employment in respect of which contributions are not required under Canada Pension Plan (“CPP”) legislation, in addition to the exemption for employment as a judge appointed by the Government of Canada. The…
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Ontario to Conduct Review of Health and Safety in Mining Sector
The Ontario government has announced that beginning in early 2014 the Chief Prevention Officer (Ministry of Labour) will be leading an advisory group in conducting a comprehensive health and safety review on a wide range of areas in the mining sector. Among other things, the review will include assessing existing health and safety regulations and…
SCC establishes framework for “preferability” analysis under CPA s. 5(1)(d)
The Supreme Court of Canada released a significant decision with respect to the s. 5(1)(d) “preferable procedure” criterion for certification of a proposed class action under the Class Proceedings Act, 1992 (“CPA”). The OSC investigated allegations that the appellant implemented measures that reduced, but failed to negate, harm associated with certain market timing activities engaged in by…
Just in Time for the New Year: The AODA and its January 1, 2014 Deadlines
The January 1, 2014 deadline to comply with a number of standards in the Integrated Accessibility Standards regulation (the “IAS Regulation”) under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (the “AODA”) is fast approaching for many organizations. In this FTR Now, we provide a brief overview of some key obligations required by that date….
New Pension Asset Transfer, Public Sector Solvency Funding Regulations
On December 14, 2013, the Ontario government published the following regulations under the Pension Benefits Act (the “Act”): O. Reg. 308/13 (Asset Transfers Under Section 80.1 of the Act), providing a supporting asset transfer framework for certain prescribed plans under paragraph 2 of subsection 80.1 (2) of the Act (transition, transfers upon the sale of…
Ontario Passes Employer Health Tax Act Amendments, Royal Assent Granted
On December 12, 2013, the Ontario government passed Bill 105, the Supporting Small Businesses Act, 2013. As previously reported, the Bill amends the Employer Health Tax Act to increase the exemption amount for eligible employers to $450,000 for the calendar years 2014 to 2018, after which an exemption amount would be adjusted every five years…
Ontario Introduces Omnibus Legislation (Bill 151, Strengthening and Improving Government Act)
On December 11, 2013, the Ontario government introduced Bill 151, the Strengthening and Improving Government Act, 2013, omnibus legislation that would, if passed, amend a number of Acts and affect a range of sectors. Highlights of the Bill include: amendments to the Pension Benefits Act that would clarify spousal entitlements to pre- and post-retirement death…
Application of “Family Status” Considered by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal
Canadian human rights tribunals have, of late, been rendering decisions which examine the reach of “family status” as a prohibited ground of discrimination. Recently, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (the “Tribunal”) examined a case that involved eldercare responsibilities the applicant had for his mother-in-law. It found that the eligibility rules of the employer’s Relocation Directive…
Parliament Adjourns
On December 13, 2013, the House of Commons adjourned for the winter break. It is scheduled to resume sitting on January 27, 2014.
Ontario Legislative Assembly Adjourns Until February 18, 2014
On December 12, 2013, the House adjourned for the winter break. It is scheduled to resume sitting on February 18, 2014.