Rayaz Khan, an associate at Hicks Morley has authored “Expert panel: The ins and outs of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy one year on” published in Benefits Canada Magazine on March 30, 2021. The article covers Canada’s initial reaction to the pandemic, the introduction of the wage subsidy, and an update on the current state of…
Industry: Colleges
Ontario Tables 2021 Budget
On March 24, 2021, the Ontario government tabled its 2021 Budget, Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy (Budget), and introduced supporting implementation legislation, Bill 269, Protecting the People of Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2021. In this FTR Now, we highlight certain aspects of the Budget that are of broad interest to…
Public Input Regarding Exemptions From The Police Record Checks Reform Act, 2015 Requested
On February 10, 2021, the Ontario government published a consultation paper seeking stakeholder input regarding possible changes to the exemptions from the Police Record Checks Reform Act, 2015 (Act). Because the information disclosed as a result of police record checks is often used to assist in determining suitability for employment, employers may wish to offer their…
Changes Proposed to Sexual Harassment and Violence Policies of Colleges, Universities and Private Career Colleges
On January 27, 2021, the Ontario government announced proposed changes to the sexual harassment and violence policies of colleges, universities and private career colleges. These policies are required by legislation. The government states the proposed changes are designed to increase campus safety and to encourage victims to report instances of sexual violence and harassment without…
Ontario Publishes Updated Tool for Screening Workers
The Ontario government has updated its COVID-19 tool for screening workers before they go to work each day. The “COVID-19 Screening Tool for Businesses and Organizations (Screening Workers),” issued by the Chief Medical Officer of Health, contains several changes of note to employers. These include: a reference to the regulatory screening requirement under O. Reg….
Ontario Declares Emergency, Issues Stay-at-Home Order
On January 12, 2021, the Ontario government declared a second emergency under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) in light of the surging COVID-19 cases in Ontario. The emergency declaration took effect immediately. At the same time, the government announced that it would be issuing a range of other orders to enhance the…
Ontario Declares Second Provincial Emergency
On January 12, 2021, the Ontario government declared a second provincial emergency under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMPCA) to address the concerning rise in COVID-19 cases, and also announced it is issuing a stay at home order. The government’s announcement outlined the changes that it will be implementing, which are summarized in…
Temporary Relief from ESA Termination and Severance Pay Obligations for Hospitality and Related Industries
On December 17, 2020, the Ontario government filed a new regulation under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA), Ontario Regulation 764/20: Terms And Conditions Of Employment In Defined Industries – Hospitality, Tourism And Convention And Trade Show Industries (Regulation). As stated by the government, the Regulation provides certain employers with an alternative to putting termination…
New Administrative Monetary Penalties under Canada Labour Code Coming into Force on January 1, 2021
On January 1, 2021, the new Part IV “Administrative Monetary Penalties” of the Canada Labour Code (Code) will come into force together with other amendments to the Code. Part IV Administrative Monetary Penalties Part IV was enacted by Bill C-44, Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 1. Among other things, Part IV: establishes a penalty system…
Federal Government Publishes Guideline on Incoming Work Place Harassment and Violence Prevention Obligations
On November 30, 2020, the federal government published Work Place Harassment and Violence Prevention (HVP), an Interpretations, Policy, Guidelines document (IPG Document) to address some questions relating to the incoming harassment and violence provisions of the Canada Labour Code (Code) and its supporting Regulation, which are set to come into force on January 1, 2021….