Federal Pooled Registered Pension Plan (PRPP) Framework Now in Force

On December 14, 2012, the federal government announced that the second and final tranche of the regulations under the Pooled Registered Pension Plans Act (“Act”) came into force on that day, following the conclusion of a period for public comment. As previously reported, these supporting regulations address provisions of the Act, including: general requirements regarding…

Second Omnibus Budget Bill (C-45) Receives Royal Assent

On December 14, 2012, Bill C-45, Jobs and Growth Act 2012, passed Third Reading in the Senate and received Royal Assent. As previously reported, Bill C-45 is the federal government’s second omnibus budget bill which gives effect to certain initiatives contained in its Budget 2012. The Bill should be consulted for coming into force information….

Helping Families in Need Act Receives Royal Assent

On December 14, 2012, Bill C-44, Helping Families in Need Act, received Royal Assent. As previously reported, Bill C-44 will, among other things, make certain amendments to the Canada Labour Code regarding an employee’s right to take leave if his or her child is critically ill or dies or disappears as the suspected result of…

Helping Families in Need Act Awaiting Royal Assent

On December 12, 2012, Bill C-44, Helping Families in Need Act, passed Third Reading in the Senate and is now awaiting Royal Assent. As previously reported, Bill C-44 will, among other things, make certain amendments to the Canada Labour Code regarding an employee’s right to take leave if his or her child is critically ill…

Federal Budget Bill (C-45) Passes Third Reading

On December 5, 2012, Bill C-45, Jobs and Growth Act, 2012, passed Third Reading in the House of Commons and will proceed to the Senate for debate. As previously reported, Bill C-45 is the federal government’s second omnibus budget bill which, if passed, will give effect to certain initiatives contained in its Budget 2012. For…

Third Window for BPS Solvency Funding Relief Proposed

On December 5, 2012, the Ontario government posted a regulatory proposal regarding amendments to O. Reg. 178/11 (Solvency Funding Relief for Certain Public Sector Pension Plans), made under the Pension Benefits Act. Comments on the proposal are due by January 20, 2013. Under the proposal, the third and final window for solvency funding relief for…

Changes Made to the WSIB Appeals Process

On November 29, 2012, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (“WSIB”) issued a Consultation Report entitled “Modernization of the WSIB’s Appeals Program.” The Report is the result of a consultation process commenced in June 2012, when the WSIB released a Consultation Paper containing certain key proposed features to increase efficiencies within the WSIB appeals process…

PEI Introduces Pension Benefits Legislation

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…