Federal Pension Regulations Proposed

On Tuesday, December 14, 2010, the federal government proposed a number of regulatory amendments to the Pension Benefits Standards Regulations, 1985 for public commentary. The proposed amendments are designed to increase protection of plan members and retirees and would, in part: permit plan sponsors to secure properly structured letters of credit in lieu of making…

Federal Economic Recovery Bill Passes

On December 15, 2010, Bill C-47, the Sustaining Canada’s Economic Recovery Act, received Royal Assent. The Bill is omnibus legislation and addresses numerous measures of interest to employers, including: income tax reforms relating to stock option plans and employee life and health trusts as outlined in the March 2010 Budget previously reported on August 30,…

Expert Panel Tables Recommendations To Improve Health and Safety

On December 16, 2010, the Expert Advisory Panel on Occupational Health and Safety tabled its Report and Recommendations to the Minister of Labour (“Report”) on ways to improve workplace health and safety in Ontario. As recommended by the Report, the government announced the creation of a Chief Prevention Officer position, which will be tasked with…

Ontario Passes Pension Reform Bill

On Tuesday, December 7, 2010, the Ontario government passed Bill 120, the Securing Pension Benefits Now and for the Future Act, 2010. As previously reported, Bill 120 was amended by the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs and ordered for Third Reading on December 1, 2010 under an accelerated schedule for consideration and debate….

Ontario Passes Accountability Bill

On December 2, 2010, the Ontario government passed Bill 122, the Broader Public Sector Accountability Act, 2010. As previously reported, the Bill was amended by the Standing Committee on Social Policy and ordered for Third Reading on November 30, 2010 under an accelerated schedule for consideration and debate.