On October 25, 2010, Bill C-22, the Protecting Children From Online Sexual Exploitation Act, was reported to the House of Commons as amended by the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights. As previously reported, Bill C-22 would impose a mandatory duty on “persons” (defined to include individuals, corporations, partnerships, unincorporated associations or organizations) providing…
Industry: Retail & Wholesale Trade
Ontario Releases Discussion Paper on Retirement Income System
On October 29, 2010, the Ontario government released a paper, “Securing our Retirement Future: Consulting with Ontarians on Canada’s Retirement Income System”, for public discussion, and reiterated its intention to amend the Pension Benefits Act in respect of employment-based defined benefit plans, among other matters.
Ontario Passes Open for Business Act, 2010
On October 21, 2010, the Ontario government passed Bill 68, the Open for Business Act, 2010. As previously reported, Bill 68 is omnibus legislation that includes amendments to Ontario’s Employment Standards Act, 2000. These amendments will come into force on a date to be proclaimed. Bill 68 also amends the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act,…
Ontario Introduces Further Pension Reforms
On October 19, 2010, the Ontario government introduced Bill 120, the Securing Pension Benefits Now and for the Future Act, 2010. As previously reported, these pension reforms will build on the first phase of reforms which were passed earlier this year.
Ontario Introduces Good Government Act, 2010
On Tuesday, October 5, 2010, the Ontario government introduced Bill 110, the Good Government Act, 2010, omnibus legislation that would, if passed, make a number of amendments to various Acts, including several employment-related statutes.
WSIB Announces Funding Review of Unfunded Liability
On September 30, 2010, the Ontario government announced that Harry Arthurs will chair the Funding Review of the unfunded liability of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. As announced by the WSIB on the same date, the year-long Funding Review will gather input from experts and stakeholders regarding policy issues relating to the financial future…
Federal Government Introduces Sustaining Canada’s Economic Recovery Act
On September 30, 2010, the federal government introduced Bill C-47, the Sustaining Canada’s Economic Recovery Act. As outlined in the government announcement, Bill C-47 is omnibus legislation and addresses numerous measures of interest to employers including: income tax reforms relating to stock option plans and employee life and health trusts as outlined in the March…
Federal Government to Set Limits On EI Premium Rate Increase for 2011
On September 30, 2010, the federal government announced plans to limit the Employment Insurance (“EI”) maximum premium rate increase for 2011 to five cents per $100 of insurable earnings, and ten cents per $100 of insurable earnings for subsequent years. The rate increase is set by the Canada Employment Insurance Financing Board, which by November…
FSCO Publishes FAQ on Surplus Distribution for Full or Partial Plan Wind Ups
The Financial Services Commission of Ontario (“FSCO”) updated its long-running online “FAQ” for pension plan administrators to set out FSCO’s position on surplus distribution on full or partial plan wind ups in light of recent amendments to the Pension Benefits Act. A detailed discussion of the FAQ and FSCO’s position on this point is available…
Municipal Elections 2010: Employers’ Obligation to Provide Paid Time Off to Vote
Province-wide municipal elections will be held on October 25, 2010, and voting hours will run from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, all employees who are eligible to vote in the election are entitled to three consecutive hours during voting hours on election day to cast their vote. To be…