On May 20, 2011, the Ontario government announced that it has signed the Agreement Respecting Multi-Jurisdictional Pension Plans (the “MJPPA”) (PDF) with the government of Quebec. The MJPPA will be effective July 1, 2011 for multi-jurisdictional pension plans where the “major authority” (province of registration) is Ontario or Quebec, and the pension plans have Ontario and…
Industry: Arts, Entertainment & Sports
Occupational Health and Safety Legislation Passes
On May 18, 2011, Bill 160, the Occupational Health and Safety Statute Law Amendment Act, 2011, passed at Third Reading, as amended by the Standing Committee on Social Policy. It is expected to receive Royal Assent shortly. As previously reported, the proposed Bill 160 amendments are intended to respond to the recommendations provided by the…
Ontario 2011 Budget Bill Receives Royal Assent
On May 12, 2011, Bill 173, the Better Ontario for Tomorrow Act (Budget Measures), 2011 received Royal Assent. As previously reported, Bill 173 is omnibus legislation amending a variety of statutes to implement certain initiatives outlined in the 2011 Ontario Budget tabled on March 23, 2011. The Bill should be consulted for coming into force…
Ontario 2011 Budget Bill Passes Third Reading as Amended
On May 10, 2011, Bill 173, the Better Tomorrow for Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2011, carried at Third Reading after being reported as amended by the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs. It is expected to receive Royal Assent shortly. The Committee amendments to Bill 173 with respect to the Pension Benefits Act relate…
Occupational Health and Safety Legislation Ordered for Third Reading
On May 4, 2011, Bill 160, the Occupational Health and Safety Statute Law Amendment Act, 2011, was reported with amendments by the Standing Committee on Social Policy and ordered for Third Reading. As previously reported, the proposed Bill 160 amendments are intended to respond to the recommendations provided by the Expert Panel on Occupational Health…
Ontario 2011 Budget Bill Ordered for Third Reading
On May 5, 2011, Bill 173, the Better Tomorrow for Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2011, was reported as amended by the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs. As previously reported, Bill 173 is omnibus legislation amending a variety of statutes to implement certain initiatives outlined in the 2011 Ontario Budget tabled on March 23,…
Ontario Announces Safety Blitz Focusing On Young Workers
On April 27, 2011, the Ontario government announced that it will launch a safety blitz on May 1 intended to protect young workers by ensuring that employers are complying with regulations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. In part, the initiative will focus on whether young workers are: being instructed, trained and supervised on…
Bill C-9 Pension Reforms Come Into Force
Effective April 1, 2011 and July 1, 2011, certain sections of the federal Jobs and Economic Growth Act (Bill C-9) and the Pension Benefits Standards Act, 1985 (“PBSA”) come into force. As previously reported, amendments to the PBSA which were brought into force effective April 1, 2011 include provisions: permitting plan sponsors to secure letters…
There is Nothing Common About a Constructive Dismissal
In the first case of its kind, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice has denied a motion for certification of a class action for constructive dismissal on the basis that it lacked the essential element of commonality. The decision has very significant implications for employers, particularly in the context of employers’ approaches to managing and…
Federal Election 2011: Employers’ Obligation to Provide Paid Time Off to Vote
A federal election has been called for May 2, 2011. Under the Canada Elections Act, all employees who are electors – Canadian citizens who are 18 years of age or older – are entitled to three (3) consecutive hours on election day during voting hours to cast their vote. Under the Canada Elections Act, voting…