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…
Industry: Retail & Wholesale Trade
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,…
MOL Announces Safety Blitz Targeted at Summer Students
The Ministry of Labour has announced that it will be conducting safety blitzes focused on summer students with targeted inspections of the retail, restaurant, food, beverage, hospitality and recreational services industries. The blitz will continue until the end of August 2019.
Diversity Disclosure Requirements under CBCA in force January 1, 2020
As previously reported, Bill C-25, An Act to amend the Canada Business Corporations Act, the Canada Cooperatives Act, the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act, and the Competition Act received Royal Assent on May 1, 2018 and will, among other things, impose new obligations on corporations incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA) with the goal…
Gender Identity and Gender Expression
Gender identity and gender expression are protected grounds under Ontario’s Human Rights Code (Code). While the law in this area is highly dynamic, this Client Toolkit provides employers with guidelines and best practices for understanding its unique aspects, supporting trans people in the workplace, and ensuring compliance with the Code.
If You Are Subject to the Canada Business Corporations Act, Take Note of New Record-Keeping Obligations
Effective June 13, 2019, corporations that are subject to the Canada Business Corporations Act must maintain and provide access to a register of individuals who, directly or indirectly, have “significant control” over the corporation.
Ontario Health and Safety Regulations Amended
On June 10, 2019, the Ontario government filed a number of amendments to regulations made under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. O. Reg. 186/19 replaces the “Equivalency” provision of Regulation 851 (Industrial Establishments) with a new provision entitled “Alternative methods and materials.” It now requires employers to provide written notice to the joint health…
Ontario Clarifies DB Funding Reforms under the Pension Benefits Act
On May 21, 2019, the Ontario government filed Regulation 105/19 amending Regulation 909 (General Regulation) under the Pension Benefits Act (PBA). The amendments mainly relate to clarifying elements of the defined benefit (DB) funding rules that took effect on May 1, 2018. Many of the new clarifications have been requested by the pension industry over…
Ontario Budget Bill (Bill 100) Passes
As previously reported, on April 11, 2019, the Ontario government released its 2019 Budget and introduced Bill 100, Protecting What Matters Most Act (Budget Measures), 2019. Bill 100 received Royal Assent on May 29, 2019. Of particular interest to employers and human resource professionals are the amendments made to the following statutes: Public Sector Labour…