On November 21, 2012, the Prince Edward Island government introduced Bill 12, Pension Benefits Act, in the legislature. The government has stated that with the exception of a few minor changes, Bill 12 is the same as Bill 41, pension legislation that was introduced in May 2012 but which did not pass first reading. Prince…
Industry: Education
Bill Requiring Disclosure of Information by Labour Organizations Reported Back to House of Commons
On November 27, 2012, Bill C-377, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (requirements for labour organizations), was deemed reported without amendment back to the House of Commons from the Standing Committee on Finance. As previously reported, Bill C-377 is a private member’s bill which, if passed, will amend the Income Tax Act to…
Alberta Pension Reform Bill Passes Third Reading
On November 20, 2012, Bill 10, Employment Pension Plans Act, passed Third Reading in the Alberta Legislature. As previously reported, Bill 10 is an overhaul of the existing pension legislation in Alberta and will repeal and replace the Employment Pension Plans Act. The government of Alberta has issued an update outlining the key differences between…
Federal Budget Bill Reported Back to House of Commons
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…
Arbitrator has no Jurisdiction Under OECTA MOU in Absence of Renewal Collective Agreement
On November 23, 2012, Arbitrator Kevin Burkett issued a significant award in which he found he had no jurisdiction to determine a grievance under the Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) entered into by the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association (“OECTA”) and the Ministry of Education in July 2012. The grievance was brought by OECTA against the…
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.
Regulatory Proposal Issued Regarding School Bus Driver Requirements
On November 22, 2012, the Ontario government (Ministry of Education) issued a regulatory proposal regarding the requirement that school bus drivers have a clear criminal record check report in order to qualify for and hold the requisite driver’s licence. That requirement is currently found in a regulation under the Highway Traffic Act. Under this proposal,…
Regulation Filed under Public Sector Salary Disclosure Act
On November 22, 2012, the Ontario government filed O. Reg. 385/12 made under the Public Sector Salary Disclosure Act, 1996. It provides that the following amounts are to be considered “salary” for the purposes of the Act for each year, commencing in 2012: 1. An amount received by an employee as remuneration on a per…