Ontario Introduces Further Pension Reforms

On October 19, 2010, the Ontario government introduced Bill 120, the Securing Pension Benefits Now and for the Future Act, 2010.  As previously reported, these pension reforms will build on the first phase of reforms which were passed earlier this year. 

Federal Government Introduces Sustaining Canada’s Economic Recovery Act

On September 30, 2010, the federal government introduced Bill C-47, the Sustaining Canada’s Economic Recovery Act. As outlined in the government announcement, Bill C-47 is omnibus legislation and addresses numerous measures of interest to employers including: income tax reforms relating to stock option plans and employee life and health trusts as outlined in the March…

WSIB Announces Funding Review of Unfunded Liability

On September 30, 2010, the Ontario government announced that Harry Arthurs will chair the Funding Review of the unfunded liability of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. As announced by the WSIB on the same date, the year-long Funding Review will gather input from experts and stakeholders regarding policy issues relating to the financial future…

Federal Government to Set Limits On EI Premium Rate Increase for 2011

On September 30, 2010, the federal government announced plans to limit the Employment Insurance (“EI”) maximum premium rate increase for 2011 to five cents per $100 of insurable earnings, and ten cents per $100 of insurable earnings for subsequent years. The rate increase is set by the Canada Employment Insurance Financing Board, which by November…

FSCO Publishes FAQ on Surplus Distribution for Full or Partial Plan Wind Ups

The Financial Services Commission of Ontario (“FSCO”) updated its long-running online “FAQ” for pension plan administrators to set out FSCO’s position on surplus distribution on full or partial plan wind ups in light of recent amendments to the Pension Benefits Act. A detailed discussion of the FAQ and FSCO’s position on this point is available…

Municipal Elections 2010: Employers’ Obligation to Provide Paid Time Off to Vote

Province-wide municipal elections will be held on October 25, 2010, and voting hours will run from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, all employees who are eligible to vote in the election are entitled to three consecutive hours during voting hours on election day to cast their vote. To be…

Bill Amending Employment Standards Act, 2000 Ordered for Third Reading

On September 13, 2010, Bill 68, the Open For Business Act, 2010, was reported as amended by the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs and ordered for Third Reading. As previously reported, Bill 68 is omnibus legislation that would amend Ontario’s Employment Standards Act, 2000 as follows: to allow the Director of Employment Standards…