Highlights of the 2024 Federal Budget and Budget Bill

On May 2, 2024, the federal government introduced Bill C-69, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on April 16, 2024, for first reading. Bill C-69 contains legislation that, if passed, would enact certain measures outlined in the 2024 Budget, “Fairness for Every Generation” (Budget) that was previously tabled on…

Ontario Introduces Working for Workers Five Act, 2024

On May 6, 2024, the Ontario government introduced the Working for Workers Five Act, 2024 (Bill 190). Bill 190 proposes amendments to various employment-related statutes, including the Employment Standards Act, 2000, Occupational Health and Safety Act, and Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997. Some of these proposed amendments were discussed in our FTR Now of…

The College of Nurses of Ontario Seeks Feedback on Proposed Amendments to the Educational Requirements for Registered Nurses and Registered Practical Nurses

The College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) has announced a public consultation on proposed amendments to O. Reg. 275/94 under the Nursing Act, 1991 that would amend the educational requirements for registration as a registered nurse (RN) or registered practical nurse (RPN). These proposed amendments were developed based on feedback received during an initial public…

Important Amendments Made to the Temporary Help Agency and Recruiter Licensing Framework in Ontario

On July 1, 2023, a new licensing regime was introduced under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 for any temporary help agency (THA) or recruiter operating in Ontario. Of significant concern to many recruiters and THAs was the requirement to provide a $25,000 irrevocable line of credit in order to be licensed. While the new regime…

Ontario Proposes Changes to Sick Leave Under the Employment Standards Act, 2000

The Ontario government has announced it is proposing changes that would restrict an employer from requiring a medical note to substantiate an unpaid sick leave day under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA). Currently, an employee who has been employed for at least two consecutive weeks is entitled to up to three days of unpaid…

Highlights of the 2024 Ontario Budget

On March 26, 2024, the Ontario government tabled its 2024 budget, “Building a Better Ontario” (Budget) and Bill 180, Building a Better Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2024 (Bill 180). In this FTR Now, we highlight information contained in the Budget and Bill 180 that is of broad interest to employers, human resources professionals and pension…

Ontario Seeking Comments on Proposed Regulations Under the Connecting Care Act, 2019

On March 28, 2024, the Ontario government posted Proposed New Regulations and Amendments to Regulations under the Connecting Care Act, 2019 and other Acts for comment from stakeholders. The proposed regulations would support changes to the Connecting Care Act, 2019 (CCA) as amended by the Convenient Care at Home Act, 2023, which have not yet…

Working for Workers Four Act, 2024 Receives Royal Assent

On March 21, 2024, Ontario’s Bill 149, Working for Workers Four Act, 2024 (Bill 149) received Royal Assent. Bill 149 amends several statutes including the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA), Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 (WSIA), Digital Platform Workers’ Rights Act, 2022 (DPWRA), and Fair Access to Regulated Professions and Compulsory Trades Act, 2006…

Employment Expenses: Updated Process and T2200 Form

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has published revised guidance on the process for claiming home office expenses for the 2023 taxation year just in time for tax season. The CRA has confirmed that the two temporary methods for claiming deductions for home office expenses—form T2200S, “Declaration of Conditions of Employment for Working at Home Due…

Ontario Court of Appeal Upholds in Part Lower Court Finding That Bill 124 Is Unconstitutional; Bill to Be Repealed

On February 12, 2024, the Ontario Court of Appeal rendered its much-anticipated decision in Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association v. Ontario (Attorney General). A majority of the Court upheld in part the decision of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (ONSC) which found that Bill 124, the Protecting a Sustainable Public Sector for Future Generations…