In our year-end Federal Post, we review changes to federal labour and employment laws which are anticipated to come into force in 2020. We also provide a quick update on some unjust dismissal cases of note. As always, our best wishes for a happy holiday season. Incoming Legislative Changes in 2020 The past few years…
Industry: Retail & Wholesale Trade
Ensuring a Safe Holiday Party
The holiday season is a time for celebration. For many of us, this may include workplace celebrations. All employers, big or small, should ensure that in addition to traditional party logistics, they take the time to develop a plan for providing a healthy and safe environment for employees and guests at any workplace celebrations.
Ontario’s Bill 132 Referred to Committee, Includes Proposed Amendments to PBA
On November 7, 2019, Bill 132, Better for People, Smarter for Business Act, 2019 (Bill 132), passed Second Reading and was referred to the Standing Committee on General Government. Bill 132 is omnibus legislation which, if passed, will amend a number of statutes, including the Ontario Pension Benefits Act (PBA). Proposed amendments to the PBA…
FTR Quarterly – Issue 14
In This Issue An Update on Reasonable Notice Periods An Update on Executive Compensation Through the Notice Period Featured Lawyer – Kimberly D. Pepper Featured Topic – Employment Law Featured Articles An Update on Reasonable Notice Periods By: Mitchell R. Smith and Evon Gayle Determining an employee’s reasonable notice upon termination of employment used to…
Budding Industry: Amendments to Cannabis Regulations Legalizing Edible Cannabis Coming Into Force
On October 17, 2019, one year after Canada legalized the sale and purchase of dried and fresh cannabis, oil, seeds, and plants, the government of Canada’s amendments to the Cannabis Regulations made under the federal Cannabis Act will come into force, establishing rules for the legal production and sale of three new classes of cannabis….
Reminder of Upcoming AODA Deadlines
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) sets out the process for developing and enforcing accessibility standards in Ontario. Its purpose is to achieve accessibility standards for Ontarians with physical and mental disabilities by 2025. All levels of government, private sector organizations and non-profit organizations must comply with this legislation. Compliance deadline dates depend…
Ministry of Labour Consulting on “Safe at Work” Initiatives
The Ontario Ministry of Labour has announced a consultation entitled “Safe at Work Ontario 2020-21.” The Ministry is seeking information and input from stakeholders in response to specific questions related to the following issues: Hazards The Ministry has identified the top 10 occupational health and safety issues and violations in the workplace. It is asking…
Appellate Court: Employee Can’t Transform Employer’s Supportive Leniency (Allowing Flexibility in Her Start Time) into Contractual Obligation
The Ontario Divisional Court recently considered the issue of whether flexibility offered by an employer to an employee alters a fundamental term of the employee’s employment contract. In Peternel v. Custom Granite & Marble Ltd., the Divisional Court upheld a trial judge decision that the employee’s 8:30 a.m. start time at work was an existing…
Canada Heads to the Polls: Employers’ Obligation to Provide Paid Time Off to Vote
A federal election has been called for October 21, 2019. As the candidates hit the campaign trail and Election Day rapidly approaches, in this FTR Now, we provide guidance to employers on their obligations towards their employees under the Canada Elections Act.
Federal Government Publishes Draft Regulations Relating to Pay Transparency
On August 10, 2019, the federal government released proposed amendments to the Employment Equity Regulations made under the federal Employment Equity Act (Act). The amendments are in support of an amendment to the Act made by Bill C-97, the Budget Implementation Act, 2019, No. 1 to include new pay transparency requirements. Once proclaimed into force,…