Michael Hines Quoted in The Globe and Mail

Hicks Morley’s Michael Hines was quoted in the January 29, 2013 edition of The Globe and Mail. In an article entitled, “Teachers are using children’s activities as ‘political tool’: school board lawyers“, Michael comments on directives from the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario which have instructed teachers to stop leading sports teams or attending field…

Michael Hines Mentioned in the Toronto Star

Hicks Morley’s Michael Hines was mentioned in the February 6, 2013 edition of the Toronto Star in an article entitled, “Ontario teacher turmoil: School boards’ points to studies that show benefits of extracurriculars.” The article provides details regarding a hearing at the Ontario Labour Relations Board during which Michael asked the Board to look at…

Certain Education Act Regulations Revoked

On January 25, 2013, the Ontario government filed O. Reg. 38/13 made under the Education Act. The Regulation revokes the following regulations made under the Education Act, effective January 25, 2013: Regulation 287 of R.R.O. 1990 – Designation of School Divisions Regulation 288 of R.R.O. 1990 – Designation of Support Staff Regulation 289 of R.R.O….

Regulatory Changes to 2013-2014 Professional Activity Days Filed under Education Act

On January 21, 2013, the Ontario government filed O. Reg. 13/13, amending Regulation 304, School Year Calendar, Professional Activity Days, made under the Education Act. Among other things, O. Reg. 13/13 amends subsection 2(3.1) (requirement that every school year shall include a minimum of 194 school days as designated) to add that for the school…

Nortel Pension Plans Regulation Filed

On January 15, 2013, the Ontario government filed O. Reg. 10/13, Nortel Pension Plans, made under the Pension Benefits Act (“Act”) In May 2011, the Act was amended to allow all pensioners of two specified Nortel Networks pension plans to transfer the commuted value of their benefits out of the plans. O. Reg. 10/13 prescribes…

BYOD Policy – Charting A Good Path To Higher Ground

The desire to use personal mobile devices to undertake work has risen like the incoming tide. Employers must make a choice: turn the tide on the use of personal devices by re-enforcing an outright ban or chart a thoughtful path to higher “Bring Your Own Device” or “BYOD” ground. Employers that do neither will sink…

Algoma Steel Pension Plan Regulation Amended

On January 11, 2013, the Ontario government filed O. Reg. 7/13, amending O. Reg. 202/02 “Algoma Steel Inc. Pension Plans” made under the Pension Benefits Act. The regulation is effective as of the date of filing. It makes a number of housekeeping amendments to O. Reg. 202/02 by changing the name “Algoma Steel Inc.” to…