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’s Good Government Bill Ordered for Third Reading

On November 30, 2010, Bill 110, the Good Government Act, was reported to the House without amendments by the Standing Committee on General Government, and ordered for Third Reading. As previously reported, Bill 110 is omnibus legislation that would, if passed, make a number of amendments to various Acts, including several employment-related statutes.

ESA amendments proclaimed into force

On November 29, 2010, the amendments to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 in Schedule 9 of the Open for Business Act, 2010 were proclaimed into force.  As previously reported, the Open for Business Act, 2010 is omnibus legislation and the amendments to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 will: allow the Director of Employment Standards to…

Bill C-28 Passes Third Reading

On November 23, 2010, Bill C-28 passed Third Reading in the House of Commons. It was indicated in the speeches at Third Reading that the short title of the Bill will be the Electronic Commerce Protection Act (formerly the Fighting Internet and Wireless Spam Act). As previously reported, the Bill would enact comprehensive anti-SPAM legislation….

Planning For a Safe Holiday Office Party

It is that time of year again when employers are planning their holiday festivities. Whether the festivity is large or small, it remains as important as ever that employers take proactive steps to ensure the health and safety of their employees who attend office parties or other celebrations. Over the years, a number of court…

New OHSA Regulations Filed

On November 5, 2010, the Ontario government filed a number of regulatory amendments under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, including: O. Reg. 419/10, amending Table 1 of Regulation 833 of the Revised Regulations of Ontario, 1990 (Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents); and O. Reg. 420/10, amending Regulation 851 (Industrial Establishments). The…