On August 18, 2010, the federal government published new regulations applicable to temporary foreign workers (“TFWs”) under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (Temporary Foreign Workers) are designed to protect TFWs and minimize their exploitation by employers and third-party agents by amending the Immigration and Refugee…
Industry: Healthcare
New Quality Assurance Regulations Filed for Defined Service Agencies
On August 7, 2010, the Ontario government published a regulation under the Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, 2008, which is not yet in force. O. Reg. 299/10 establishes comprehensive quality assurance measures for defined service agencies. These measures specifically relate to human resources practices, such as…
Consultations on Public Sector Compensation Begin
On July 20, 2010, the Ontario government initiated a consultation process designed to address upcoming compensation negotiations for “bargaining” employees not caught by the Compensation Restraint Act. In this FTR Now, we discuss the potential implications of this process for public sector employers. BACKGROUND In March, as part of its 2010 Budget, the government introduced…
FSCO Releases Final Records Retention Policy
The Financial Services Commission of Ontario (“FSCO”) issued a records retention policy for pension plan administrators effective July 9, 2010. The policy is intended to provide guidance for “prudent records management and retention practices” relating to Ontario-registered pension plans. The policy was approved and issued following the introduction of a draft policy last year and…
Federal Budget Bill Receives Royal Assent
On Monday, July 12, 2010, Bill C-9, the Jobs And Economic Growth Act, received Royal Assent. As previously reported, Bill C-9 was introduced on March 29, 2010 and is omnibus legislation that amends various Acts to implement certain key measures outlined in the federal government’s 2010 Budget. Amendments to the Pension Benefits Standards Act (“PBSA”)…
Occupational Health And Safety Act Regulations Amended
On June 28, 2010, the Ontario government published O. Reg. 259/10 (Designated Substances) under the Occupational Health And Safety Act. In part, the regulation revokes and substitutes Table 1 of O. Reg. 490/09, which sets out exposure limits. The regulation comes into force July 1, 2010.
Final Pension Regulations Released for Private Pension Plan Members
On June 25, 2010, the federal government released final regulations amending the Pension Benefits Standards Regulations, 1985. The regulations follow the publication of previously reported draft regulations on May 8, 2010, and are intended to enhance protections for private pension plan members by reducing funding volatility and modernizing the rules for investments by pension funds….
House of Commons Adjourns Until September 20, 2010
On Thursday, June 17, 2010, the federal House of Commons adjourned until 11:00 a.m. (EDT) on Monday, September 20, 2010.
New Workplace Violence Amendments to Ontario’s Occupational Health And Safety Act Take Effect
On June 15, 2010, Bill 168, the Occupational Health and Safety Amendment Act (Violence and Harassment in the Workplace), 2009, came into effect. As reported in our FTR Now of December 10, 2009, Bill 168 requires employers to develop policies and programs to address workplace violence and harassment and to assess the risk of violence…
Hicks Morley Introduces Legislative Update Blog
Hicks Morley is pleased to announce the launch of Human Resources Legislative Update, a blog designed to provide human resources professionals with timely information about developments in a range of employment-related areas. In this FTR Now, we highlight the features of this new service. To access the blog click here. BACKGROUND Since 1997, Hicks Morley…