Update on Ontario Government Wage Restraint Initiatives

In this FTR Now, we look at the amendments made to the Bill and their impact on collective bargaining and non-union wage review activities that may have occurred since the Bill was first tabled. We also discuss the government’s recently announced plan regarding “designated executives” under the Broader Public Sector Executive Compensation Act, 2014 (BPSECA).

Proposed Public Sector Wage Restraint Legislation Referred to Committee

On October 31, 2019, Bill 124, Protecting a Sustainable Public Sector for Future Generations Act, 2019, passed Second Reading and was referred to the Standing Committee on General Government. The Committee will meet on Monday, November 4, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for public hearings on…

Advantage CPD: As the World Turns – Legislative/Case Law Updates in Labour and Employment Law

In a fast paced review, we will examine federal and Ontario legislative changes followed by a review of new risks and liabilities arising out of some recent noteworthy decisions rendered by tribunals, arbitrators and the courts. Before turning to your questions, we will close with a “To Do” list summarizing the learnings.

Ontario Superior Court Affirms that Pension Payments to a Non-Member Spouse Cease Upon Death

In Meloche v. Meloche, the Ontario Superior Court held that, following a pension division under the Ontario Pension Benefits Act (PBA), payments do not continue to the estate of a non-member spouse who predeceases the member spouse. The parties separated in 2017 after 30 years of marriage. The respondent teacher retired in 2015, and elected…

FTR Quarterly – Issue 14

In This Issue An Update on Reasonable Notice Periods An Update on Executive Compensation Through the Notice Period Featured Lawyer – Kimberly D. Pepper Featured Topic – Employment Law Featured Articles An Update on Reasonable Notice Periods By: Mitchell R. Smith and Evon Gayle Determining an employee’s reasonable notice upon termination of employment used to…

Ontario to Consult on New Public Sector Benefits Pooling Model

The Treasury Board Secretariat has announced that it will begin consultations this year on a new benefits pooling model for broader public sector participants. The government consulted with public sector employers and bargaining agents in the spring and summer of this year about how to achieve reasonable public sector compensation growth, and a centralized benefits…

Advantage CPD Colleges Webinar: Student Complaints of Faculty Misconduct

Student complaints of faculty misconduct are a rare event at many colleges. However, the means by which these complaints are investigated, managed and dealt with when they do arise are drawing increased scrutiny from the institution, the public and decision-makers. Join us for a webinar on the latest legal developments and best practices for addressing complaints in the college sector.

Budding Industry: Amendments to Cannabis Regulations Legalizing Edible Cannabis Coming Into Force

On October 17, 2019, one year after Canada legalized the sale and purchase of dried and fresh cannabis, oil, seeds, and plants, the government of Canada’s amendments to the Cannabis Regulations made under the federal Cannabis Act will come into force, establishing rules for the legal production and sale of three new classes of cannabis….

Ryan J. Freeman

Ryan maintains a broad labour relations practice, with a specific focus on construction labour relations. His practice also includes civil litigation, human rights and collective bargaining. When advising his clients, Ryan takes a strategic, forward-thinking approach and always endeavours to ensure the avoidance of unnecessary legal problems and risks. He actively listens to and engages with his clients, and they regularly reach out to him for guidance on how matters will impact their organizations in the long term.