On November 27, 2017, Bill 148, the Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017 (Bill 148) received Royal Assent. Bill 148 makes significant changes to the workplace laws of Ontario. Read more to learn critical coming into force information.
Industry: Municipalities & Municipal Agencies
Bill 148 Receives Royal Assent
On November 27, 2017, Bill 148, the Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017, received Royal Assent. Many provisions of Bill 148 come into force on January 1, 2018, including the amendments to the Labour Relations Act, 1995. There are several exceptions to the general January 1, 2018 coming into force date for the Employment Standards Act,…
Bill 148 Passes
On November 22, 2017, the Ontario government passed Bill 148, Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017, legislation that significantly changes workplace laws in Ontario. For more information, see our recent FTR Nows (which are best read in conjunction with one another): More Changes to Bill 148 after Second Committee Review (November 17, 2017) Big Changes…
Regulations Amending the Old Age Security Act Regulations Released
On November 15, 2017, amendments to the Old Age Security Regulations (Regulations) were published in the Canada Gazette to: Phase in automatic enrollment for Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) benefits, alongside enrollment for Old Age Security (OAS), by the 65th birthday of eligible individuals Revert the age of eligibility for OAS benefits to age 65 from…
Ontario Amends PBA and PRPP Regulations; Introduces Legislation Affecting Police Sector Asset Transfers
Annuity Purchases on Wind Up On November 3, 2017, O. Reg. 412/17, amending Regulation 909 (General) made under the Pension Benefits Act (PBA), was filed. As discussed in our FTR Now, Ontario’s Bill 70: The New Face of Pension Regulation Revealed, amendments will be made to the PBA requiring administrators appointed by the Superintendent of…
Ontario Introduces Cannabis, Smoke-Free Ontario and Road Safety Legislation
On November 1, 2017, the Ontario government tabled Bill 174, Cannabis, Smoke-Free Ontario and Road Safety Statute Law Amendment Act, 2017 omnibus legislation which would, if passed, regulate the cultivation, sale, distribution and consumption of cannabis in Ontario, enact the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 and make amendments to the Highway Traffic Act relating to impairment by cannabis and road safety. Among other things, the Bill provides the provincial framework for the federal Bill C-45, Cannabis Act.
Quebec Proposes to Mirror CPP Enhancements
On November 2, 2017, the Quebec government introduced Bill 149, An Act to enhance the Québec Pension Plan and to amend various retirement-related legislative provisions. Among other things, Bill 149 will enhance the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP), in a manner similar to the forthcoming enhancements to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) outlined in our FTR…
Ontario Proposes Regulatory Amendment Under ESA Permitting PRPP Differentiation Based on Age
On October 23, 2017, the Ontario government published a proposed draft amendment to O. Reg. 286/01 made under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) to create a new exemption for pooled registered pension plans (PRPPs) with respect to age-based differentiation in certain circumstances. Currently, the ESA prohibits employers from providing a pension plan that treats employees,…
Changes to EI Benefits and Canada Labour Code Leaves to Take Effect on December 3, 2017
As previously reported, amendments to the Employment Insurance Act were passed by the federal government on June 22, 2017 when Bill C-44, Budget Bill Implementation Act, 2017, No. 1 received Royal Assent. These amendments have been proclaimed into force effective December 3, 2017. The changes to the employment insurance (EI) regime, among other things, allow…
Ontario Municipal Human Resources Association (OMHRA) One-Day Seminar: Combating Benefits Fraud
Several topics will be covered at this informative and interactive session including a discussion on Benefits Fraud Management, “Uncovering The Fraud”, Case Law Updates, the TTC Experience, Benefits Law/Governance and more!