Ministry of Labour Publishes New ESA Poster

The Ministry of Labour has published a revised version of the ESA poster (Version 8.0) to reflect the recent changes to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 made by Bill 47, Making Ontario Open for Business Act, 2018. Employers are required to post the poster in a conspicuous place in the workplace, among other things. Learn more in this FTR Now.

Benefits Canada Publishes an Article by Thomas Agnew on Benefits Coverage for Medical Marijuana

Hicks Morley’s Thomas Agnew authored an article in Benefits Canada titled “Employer Obligations Around Medical Pot, Benefits Plans.” In a case from February 2017, the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal confirmed that an administrator of a benefits plan can choose what specific drugs and medications will be covered by a plan. In particular, it held that the exclusion of medical cannabis…

Ontario Government Files Regulations Further to Bill 47 Changes to ESA

On December 14, 2018, the Ontario government filed five regulations made under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) further to the repeal of certain provisions of Bill 148, Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017 by Bill 47, Making Ontario Open for Business Act, 2018. These changes are in effect January 1, 2019. O. Reg. 498/18…

More Changes to Workplace Laws Are on the Horizon for Ontario Employers

On December 6, 2018, Bill 57, Restoring Trust, Transparency and Accountability Act, 2018 passed Third Reading and received Royal Assent. On the same date, the government tabled Bill 66, Restoring Ontario’s Competitiveness Act, 2018, omnibus legislation which, if passed, will make significant amendments to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA), the Labour Relations Act, 1995 (LRA), the Pension Benefits Act (PBA) and other statutes.

Municipalities Take Note: The Expanded Role of Integrity Commissioners

In this FTR Now, we outline a number of major changes to the Municipal Act, 2001 and discuss their potential impact on municipalities. As you prepare for compliance with the reforms outlined in Bill 68, your implementation plan should include consideration of traditional “human resources” issues when establishing your Codes of Conduct.

Bill 57 Referred to Committee – Note Short Deadline for Making Submissions

On November 28, 2018, Bill 57, the Restoring Trust, Transparency and Accountability Act, 2018, was referred to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs (Committee). The Committee will meet on Monday December 3, 2018 for public hearings on the Bill. Any request to appear before the Committee must be submitted to the Clerk of…

FTR Now on Significant Reforms to Pension and Employment-Related Statutes Mentioned in Benefits and Pensions Monitor

An FTR NowM written by Hicks Morley’s Natasha D. Monkman, Paul E. Broad was mentioned in the November 26, 2018 Benefits and Pensions Monitor Daily News Alert. The alert emphasizes the implementation of variable benefits accounts described in the FTR Now titled “The Outlook is More Change: Ontario Proposes Significant Reforms to Pension and Employment-Related Statutes.“