On November 26, 2012, Bill C-45, Jobs and Growth Act, 2012, was reported back to the House of Commons from the Standing Committee on Finance without amendment. As previously reported, Bill C-45 is the federal government’s second omnibus Bill which, if passed, will give effect to certain initiatives contained in its Budget 2012. For more…
Industry: Construction
Activities of a School Board Found to be Construction Activities for the Purposes of the Labour Relations Act
The Court of Appeal for Ontario has upheld a decision of the Divisional Court which found the Ontario Labour Relations Board (“OLRB”) was reasonable in its conclusion that the Greater Essex District School Board (“School Board”) was…
PBA Letters of Credit Amendment Proclaimed Into Force
Section 3 of Schedule 44 to the Strong Action for Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2012, has been proclaimed into force effective January 1, 2013. This section repeals and replaces 55.2(12) of the Pension and Benefits Act to provide that section 55.2, Letters of Credit, will not apply with respect to a jointly sponsored pension plan…
Contribution Limit for TFSA Raised $500
The federal government has announced that it will be raising the annual contribution limit for the Tax-Free Savings Account (“TFSA”) by $500, from the current $5000.00 to $5500.00, commencing in 2013.
Helping Families in Need Act Passes Third Reading
On November 20, 2012, Bill C-44, Helping Families in Need Act, was passed at Third Reading in the House of Commons and was referred to the Senate. As previously reported, if passed Bill C-44 will, among other things, make certain amendments to the Canada Labour Code regarding an employee’s right to take leave if his…
Enjoying a Safe Holiday Office Party
Once again, the holiday season is upon us and it is that time of year when employers begin to plan for seasonal and holiday celebrations. Whether these celebrations are large or small, it is important that employers take proactive steps to ensure the health and safety of their employees who attend office parties or other…
Letters of Credit Amendment to PBA Proclaimed into Force
Section 18 of the Securing Pension Benefits Now and for the Future Act, 2010 has been proclaimed into force effective January 1, 2013. This section amends the Pension Benefits Act (“PBA”) to add section 55.2, Letters of Credit. As previously reported, the supporting regulation to section 55.2, O. Reg. 364/12, was filed on November 15,…
Federal Committee Considers Bill Requiring Disclosure of Information by Labour Organizations
On November 7, 2012, Bill C-377, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (Requirements for labour organizations) was considered before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance. Bill C-377 is a private member’s bill which, if passed, will amend the Income Tax Act to require labour organizations to file a public information return…
Letters of Credit Pension Regulation Filed
On November 15, 2012, the Ontario government filed O. Reg. 364/12, which amends Regulation 909 made under the Pension Benefits Act (“PBA”) and implements the framework for letters of credit under the yet to be proclaimed section 55.2 of the PBA. Section 55.2 of the PBA will allow the use of letters of credit in…
New Solvency Funding Relief Regulations Filed
On November 1, 2012, the Ontario government filed O. Reg. 329/12 and O. Reg 330/12, each of which amends Regulation 909 (General) made under the Pension Benefits Act. Further to the government’s Budget 2012, O. Reg 329/12 extends temporary solvency funding relief measures for private sector defined benefit pension plans, as first introduced in 2009…