The Ontario Retirement Pension Plan (“ORPP”) is coming and all municipal sector employers need to consider and prepare for the potential of ORPP participation and associated additional payroll costs commencing as early as January 1, 2017. In this FTR Now we provide an overview of the ORPP and highlight key issues that you should be…
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PTSD Strategy Announced by Ontario
On February 1, 2016, the Ontario government announced new initiatives designed to address post-traumatic stress disorder (“PTSD”) suffered by first responders. The initiatives build on the feedback received by the government at its Summit on Work-Related Traumatic Mental Stress, hosted by the Minister of Labour in March 2015. In this FTR Now, we review these…
An Update on WSIB Rate Framework Reform
In March, 2015, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (“WSIB”) proposed a new Rate Framework (“Proposed Framework”) which, if adopted, would fundamentally change the way the WSIB classifies Schedule 1 employers and sets their premium rates (see our FTR Nows of April 17, 2015 “WSIB Rate Framework Reform: Stakeholder Input Invited” and August 21, 2015 “An…
Ontario Government Announces New ORPP Design Details
On January 26, 2016, the Ontario government announced new Ontario Retirement Pension Plan (“ORPP”) design details. Among other things, the announcement provides further clarity and guidance on the following issues of particular interest to employers: coverage, and in particular the definition of “employment in Ontario,” as well as application of the ORPP to non-residents and…
Workplace Law In Canada: A Primer
This Guide provides non-Canadians with an introduction to employment laws and regulations that affect businesses in Canada. It provides an overview of the main differences between Canadian and U.S. workplace laws. To obtain a copy please contact Knowledge Management.
New Mortality Tables in Effect for Ontario Commuted Value Calculations
On December 10, 2015, the Ontario government amended the Regulations under the Pension Benefits Act (“PBA”) to require pension plans to use the new mortality tables when calculating commuted values (“CVs”) for Ontario members. The use of the new mortality assumptions, which are found under section 3500 of the Actuarial Standards Board Standards of Practice…
Ontario Passes New Legislation Governing Tips and Gratuities
On December 7, 2015, the Ontario government passed Bill 12, An Act to Amend the Employment Standards Act, 2000 With Respect to Tips and Other Gratuities (“Bill 12”). Bill 12 which subsequently received Royal Assent on December 10, 2015, will come into force on June 10, 2016. It will prohibit employers from withholding, making deductions…
Update on Timing of Proposed Changes to Taxation of Stock Options
In remarks accompanying the new federal government’s first fiscal update, on November 20, 2015, Canada’s Minister of Finance provided further guidance on proposed changes to tax rules that would limit the annual deduction from income that employees can claim upon exercising stock options. Significantly, Minister Morneau indicated that any such changes would only apply to…
New CRA Technical Direction Published for Health and Welfare Trusts
The Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”) has posted an updated technical direction regarding Health and Welfare Trusts. Effective July 27, 2015, Income Tax Folio S2-F1-C1: Health and Welfare Trusts replaces and cancels CRA’s prior administrative position, as outlined in Interpretation Bulletin IT–85R2, Health and Welfare Trusts for Employees. The new Technical Direction incorporates a number of…
ORPP: Ontario Government Announces Implementation Details
Editor’s Note: Following publication of this communication, the Ontario government announced that the first wave of ORPP implementation will be delayed by one year to January 1, 2018. Please be sure to read our FTR Now of February 17, 2016 for updated information on this significant development, or contact your regular Hicks Morley lawyer for…