Information Bulletins on Anti-spam Legislation Published

Two information bulletins have been published by the Canadian Radio-Television Communications Commission (CRTC) to help businesses better understand Bill C-28, the federal anti-spam legislation. The bulletins include, among other things, examples of acceptable practices. As previously reported, Bill C-28 enacts comprehensive anti-spam legislation and specifically amends the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (“PIPEDA”)…

PSFA Regulations Filed (Hiring Practices and Sick Leave Provisions 2012-2013)

On September 12, 2012, sections 1 through 19 (inclusive) and 21 of the Putting Students First Act, 2012 (”PSFA”) were proclaimed in force. The restraint period applies retroactively, as outlined in the Act. On that date, the Ontario government filed a new regulation under the Education Act with respect to hiring practices. It is important…

EI Rates Set for 2013

On September 14, 2012, the 2013 employment insurance premium rate for residents of all provinces (with the exception of Québec) was set at $1.88 per $100 of insurable earnings by resolution of the Canada Employment Insurance Financing Board. The 2013 employment insurance premium rate for Québec residents was set at $1.52 per $100 of insurable…

2013 Basic Rate Set By Superintendent of Financial Institutions

On September 7, 2012, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions set the basic rate for the Office year beginning on April 1, 2013 at $10.00, pursuant to the Assessment of Pension Plans Regulations. This rate applies to pension plans with a year-end between October 1, 2012, and September 30, 2013 and for newly…

The Proposed Protecting Public Services Act Would Significantly Change Terms and Conditions of Employment for Directors, Superintendants and Senior Board Officials

On September 26, 2012, the Ontario Minister of Finance announced draft omnibus legislation, the Protecting Public Services Act, 2012 (the “Draft Bill”), that would, if enacted, implement new compensation restraint measures for the Broader Public Sector (“BPS”) and would impose a significant new provincially mandated collective bargaining regime. At first glance, the Draft Bill may…

October 1 Deadline to Display New Health and Safety Poster

Ontario employers must find room on their bulletin boards by October 1, 2012 to display a new Ministry of Labour poster entitled “Health and Safety at Work: Prevention Starts Here.” The poster was developed in response to a recommendation of the Expert Advisory Panel to review Ontario’s occupational health and safety system and summarizes key…

Ontario Proposes Significant Changes to Wage Restraint and Collective Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector

On September 26, 2012, the Ontario Minister of Finance announced draft omnibus legislation, the Protecting Public Services Act, 2012 (the “Draft Bill”), which would implement new compensation restraint measures for the Broader Public Sector (“BPS”), and would impose a significant new provincially mandated collective bargaining regime. The Draft Bill would also make changes to the…

Ontario Releases Draft Compensation Restraint Legislation for Consultation

On September 26, 2012, the government announced draft omnibus legislation, the Protecting Public Services Act, 2012 (the “Draft Bill”), that would implement new, substantially more restrictive compensation restraint measures, and impose a significant new provincially mandated collective bargaining regime, for the Broader Public Sector (“BPS”).

New PSFA Regulation Filed – Deductions From Wages

On September 21, 2012, the Ontario government filed a new regulation under the Putting Students First Act, 2012. O. Reg. 282/12 (Orders to Reimburse Boards – Deductions From Wages) applies with respect to the deduction, under subsection 9 (6) of the PSFA, from an employee’s wages for amounts the employee is required to reimburse to…