On October 28, 2023, the federal government issued a notice regarding proposed Regulations Amending Certain Regulations Made Under the Canada Labour Code (the Proposed Regulations). The Proposed Regulations would amend the hazardous substances requirements for five occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations under the Canada Labour Code. The Proposed Regulations look to fill gaps in…
Industry: Mining & Natural Resources
Ontario’s Bill 79, Working for Workers Act, 2023 Receives Royal Assent
On October 26, 2023, Ontario’s Bill 79, Working for Workers Act, 2023 (Bill 79) received Royal Assent. Bill 79 amends several statutes including the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA), the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and the Employment Protection for Foreign Nationals Act, 2009 (EPFNA). Changes introduced by Bill 79 include: These measures came…
New CRA Administrative Policy Will Affect Payroll Administration for Fully Remote Work Arrangements
In September 2023, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) published a new administrative policy that could impact the payroll deductions an employer must make in respect of employees who work fully remotely. The new policy will be effective January 1, 2024 and may require changes to the payroll tables applied to fully remote workers in 2024…
Advantage CPD: Strategic Considerations for Employers: Understanding the Nuances Between Independent and Dependent Contractors and Employees
The classification of workers can have significant implications for employers, from compensation to risk management. This seminar will assist employers in navigating the strategic considerations that factor into organizing the workplace in a manner that best achieves their goals.
Federal Government Extends Consultation on Accessibility Standard on Employment
Accessibility Standards Canada (ASC) has extended the period for interested stakeholders to provide comments on its draft Accessibility Standard on Employment (Standard). Interested stakeholders now have until October 31, 2023 to provide comments. The Accessible Canada Act (ACA) came into force on July 11, 2019, and the Accessible Canada Regulations (Regulations) made under the ACA…
A Practical Guide to Recognizing and Addressing Discrimination in the Workplace
This session focuses on recognizing, addressing and responding to discrimination in the workplace. Discrimination in the workplace is multi-faceted (including direct, indirect, and systemic discrimination, unconscious bias, microaggressions, retaliations and reprisals, conduct by exclusion and abuse of authority). Without proper identification, discrimination cannot be appropriately addressed and combatted. This session will provide attendees with the tools necessary to identify the various types of discrimination at play in the workplace, and will provide legal and practical takeaways and best practices for responding proactively and reactively.
Reminder to Employers: Ontario Minimum Wage to Increase October 1, 2023
A reminder to employers that on October 1, 2023, the Ontario government will increase the general provincial minimum wage from $15.50 to $16.55 per hour. This minimum wage applies to most employees. Minimum wage rates will also increase on the same date for the following groups of employees: If you have any questions about your…
Workplace Investigation Training Workshop
This session focuses on investigation fundamentals. Attendees will learn the key takeaways from case law and best practices for investigating workplace incidents
Ontario Pension Plan Update: Ongoing Consultations of Interest
Ontario’s Ministry of Finance (Ministry) and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) have issued two separate consultations of interest to employers related to the design and governance of pension plans in Ontario. Consultations on “A Permanent Framework for Target Benefit Plans” The Ministry has published a second consultation paper regarding its proposed target benefit framework….
Kelly Brennan
Kelly is building a practice that includes advice and representation for employers in both the private and public sectors on a wide range of labour, employment, and human rights issues.