Industry: Professional & Technical Services

Long-Awaited Federal Pension Regulations are Proposed

· 2 min read

On September 19, 2014, the federal government released long-awaited regulations for public comment that would, if adopted as drafted, implement significant reforms to the current framework governing federally-regulated private pension plans. Investment-related reforms will also have implications for Ontario regulated pension plans, and for pension plans regulated by other provinces where such jurisdictions have adopted…

Alberta Legislature Prorogues

· 1 min read

On September 18, 2014, the Alberta government prorogued until November 17, 2014, bringing all business and legislation on the Order Paper before the Legislative Assembly to an end. The government’s announcement indicates that it does not intend to re-introduce Bill 9, the Public Sector Pension Plans Amendment Act or Bill 10, the Employment Pension (Private…

Long-Awaited Federal Pension Regulations Are Proposed

· 2 min read

On September 19, 2014, the federal government released long-awaited regulations for public comment that would, if adopted as drafted, implement significant reforms to the current framework governing federally regulated private pension plans. Investment-related reforms will also have implications for Ontario regulated pension plans, and for pension plans regulated by other provinces where such jurisdictions have adopted the federal…

2015 EI Maximum Insurable Earnings Rate Set

· 1 min read

On September 12, 2014, the Canada Employment Insurance Commission (“CEIC”) announced that the 2015 Employment Insurance (“EI”) Maximum Insurable Earnings rate will increase to $49,500 from $48,600 in 2014. Premiums will be reduced by $0.34 per $100 of insurable earnings for residents of Quebec covered under the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan. Accordingly, those residents will…

Mandatory Insurance of LTD Plans: New Federal and Provincial Requirements

· 1 min read

As previously reported, effective July 1, 2014, federally-regulated employers, including Crown corporations, who are governed by Part III of the Canada Labour Code and who provide their employees with long-term disability (“LTD”) plan benefits must insure the plan, on a go-forward basis, with an entity that is licensed to provide insurance under the laws of…

Small Business Job Credit and New EI Rate-Setting Mechanism Announced

· 1 min read

On September 11, 2014, the federal government announced the introduction of the Small Business Job Credit (“Credit”), which is intended to provide tax relief for small employers. The Credit effectively lowers the Employment Insurance (“EI”) premium rate for eligible businesses from the current, legislated rate of $1.88, to $1.60 per $100 of insurable earnings in…

Hicks Morley Welcomes Three New Associates

Hicks Morley is pleased to announce the hiring of three new associates to our team. Working out of the firm’s Toronto office are Tatyana Luneyko, Edward J. O’Dwyer and Sean P. Porter. View announcement.

Ontario Court Voids Termination Provision for Non-Compliance with the Employment Standards Act

· 2 min read

In Miller v. A.B.M. Canada Inc., the Ontario Superior Court again nullified a termination provision in an employment contract because it did not strictly comply with the requirements of the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (“ESA”). The plaintiff worked for the defendant for 17 months in a middle management position at an annual salary of $135,000.The…