On March 3, 2011, the Ontario government introduced Bill 160, the Occupational Health and Safety Statute Law Amendment Act, 2011 (PDF). The proposed Bill 160 amendments, which are intended to respond to the recommendations provided by the Expert Panel on Occupational Health and Safety, would significantly amend the Occupational Health and Safety Act (“OHSA”), by:…
Industry: Retail & Wholesale Trade
Draft Pension Regulations (Asset Division on Marriage Breakdown) Posted for Public Comment
On March 3, 2011, the Ontario government posted draft regulations under Bill 133, the Family Statute Law Amendment Act, 2009, and a related Consultation Paper for public review and comment. Among other family law-related matters, Bill 133 amends the Pension Benefits Act and creates new rules governing both: (1) the valuation of pension assets by…
Registered Human Resources Professionals Bill Referred to Committee
On March 3, 2011, Bill 138, the Registered Human Resources Professionals Act, 2010, passed Second Reading and was ordered referred to the Standing Committee on General Government. As previously reported, Bill 138 is a Private Member’s Bill that was introduced in the Ontario Legislature on November 23, 2010. If passed, it would create a more…
Proposed AODA Integrated Accessibility Regulation Posted For Public Comment
On February 1, 2011, the Ontario government published its proposed Integrated Accessibility Regulation (“IAR”) under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (“AODA”) for final public review and commentary. This draft regulation reflects public input received on the initial draft Integrated Accessibility Standard summary of proposed regulatory requirements released in September 2010. Among the…
Ontario Legislative Assembly Resumes Sitting
On February 22, 2011, the House resumed sitting.
New Federal Family Support Garnishment Regulations
On February 19, 2011, the federal government proposed new regulations under the Family Orders and Agreements Enforcement Assistance Act relating to the garnishment of designated federal monies for the purposes of family support obligations. Specifically, the proposed regulations would designate two new income-related federal sources of funds under section 3 of the Act, including payments…
2011 Minimum Wage Rate Set at $10.25 Per Hour
On February 11, 2011, the Ontario government announced that the provincial minimum wage rate will remain fixed at $10.25 per hour in 2011.
C-28, formerly the “Fighting Internet and Wireless Spam Act“
As we reported, Bill C-28 (formerly the Fighting Internet and Wireless Spam Act), received Royal Assent on December 15, 2010, and will come into force on a day to be fixed by order of the Governor in Council. Bill C-28 was originally introduced with a Short Title, the Fighting Internet and Wireless Spam Act. At…
House of Commons Resumes Sitting
On January 31, 2011, the House of Commons resumed sitting.
Compliance Reports Regulation Filed Under Wage Freeze Act
On January 17, 2011, the Ontario government filed O. Reg. 6/11 under the Public Sector Compensation to Protect Public Services Act, 2010. The regulation specifically prescribes the following Compliance Reports, which are required to be given to the Minister under section 13(1) of the Act (Reports by employers): a compliance report for the period beginning…