Hicks Morley is pleased to announce that Greg Power has been named one of Lexpert’s 2016 Rising Stars: Leading Lawyers Under 40. Lexpert recognizes Greg as a “problem-solver” and acknowledges his outstanding work for employers across the country…
Industry: Retail & Wholesale Trade
Ontario Proposes Creation of Employer “Health and Safety Management Systems” under OHSA
On November 16, 2016, the Ontario government introduced Bill 70, Building Ontario Up for Everyone Act (Budget Measures), 2016, omnibus legislation that would, among other things, amend the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) to provide for the establishment of employer “health and safety management systems.” Specifically, the amendments would: define “health and safety management…
Ontario Proposes Significant Overhaul of Pension Regulatory Framework
On November 16, 2016, the Ontario government introduced Bill 70, Building Ontario Up for Everyone Act (Budget Measures), 2016, omnibus legislation that would, among other things: enact the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario Act, 2016 to establish a new framework for the creation of the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA), replacing both…
Ontario PRPP Legislation Now in Force
On November 8, 2016, the Ontario Pooled Registered Pension Plans Act (Act) came into force. As we previously reported, pooled registered pension plans (PRPPs) are a relatively new type of savings plan, operating much like a defined contribution pension plan that holds assets pooled together from multiple participating employers and employees. PRPPs are administered by…
New Rules for Administrator Appointment & Advisory Committee Establishment
On October 31, 2016, the Ontario government filed new regulations under the Pension Benefits Act (PBA) to implement the measures set out below. Appointment of administrator. Effective October 31, 2016, the PBA regulations are amended to set out the prescribed circumstances in which the Superintendent may appoint an administrator for a pension plan or act…
Federal Government Introduces Legislation to Establish Target Benefit Plans Framework
On October 19, 2016, the federal government introduced Bill C-27, An Act to amend the Pension Benefits Standards Act, 1985, legislation that would, if passed, provide a framework for the establishment, administration and supervision of target benefit plans (TBPs). TBPs provide for fixed or capped contributions, a targeted “defined benefit type” pension formula and flexibility…
Federal Government Introduces Amending Legislation to Support CPP Enhancement
On October 6, 2016, the federal government introduced Bill C-26, An Act to amend the Canada Pension Plan, the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board Act and the Income Tax Act, new omnibus legislation to support Canada Pension Plan (CPP) enhancement. If passed, Bill C-26 would, among other things, amend the CPP to: increase the maximum…
Tribunal Rejects the Johnstone Test for Establishing Family Status Discrimination in New Eldercare Case
In a significant recent decision relating to eldercare accommodation, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (Tribunal) indicated its intention to depart from the test for family status discrimination outlined by the Federal Court of Appeal in Canada (Attorney General) v. Johnstone and Canadian National Railway v. Seeley…
Minimum Wage to Increase on October 1, 2016
As previously reported, on October 1, 2016, the general minimum wage in Ontario will increase from $11.25 to $11.40 an hour. This minimum wage applies to most employees…
ESA Blitz This Fall to Target Repeat Violators
The Ministry of Labour has announced that from September 1, 2016 to October 31, 2016, employment standards officers will conduct blitzes targeting employers who have a history of non-compliance with the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA). The blitz will primarily target sectors where there is a level of precarious employment, including personal care and professional…