On November 1, 2017, the Ontario government tabled Bill 174, Cannabis, Smoke-Free Ontario and Road Safety Statute Law Amendment Act, 2017 omnibus legislation which would, if passed, regulate the cultivation, sale, distribution and consumption of cannabis in Ontario, enact the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 and make amendments to the Highway Traffic Act relating to impairment by cannabis and road safety. Among other things, the Bill provides the provincial framework for the federal Bill C-45, Cannabis Act.
Industry: Social Services
Quebec Proposes to Mirror CPP Enhancements
On November 2, 2017, the Quebec government introduced Bill 149, An Act to enhance the Québec Pension Plan and to amend various retirement-related legislative provisions. Among other things, Bill 149 will enhance the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP), in a manner similar to the forthcoming enhancements to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) outlined in our FTR…
Ontario Proposes Regulatory Amendment Under ESA Permitting PRPP Differentiation Based on Age
On October 23, 2017, the Ontario government published a proposed draft amendment to O. Reg. 286/01 made under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) to create a new exemption for pooled registered pension plans (PRPPs) with respect to age-based differentiation in certain circumstances. Currently, the ESA prohibits employers from providing a pension plan that treats employees,…
Changes to EI Benefits and Canada Labour Code Leaves to Take Effect on December 3, 2017
As previously reported, amendments to the Employment Insurance Act were passed by the federal government on June 22, 2017 when Bill C-44, Budget Bill Implementation Act, 2017, No. 1 received Royal Assent. These amendments have been proclaimed into force effective December 3, 2017. The changes to the employment insurance (EI) regime, among other things, allow…
Ontario Consulting on ESA Exemptions
On October 18, 2017, the Ontario government announced that it would be conducting consultations on a range of exemptions under the Employment Standards Act, 2000, including key exemptions that apply to managers and supervisors, as well as to IT professionals. Submissions are due by December 1st, and employers should consider whether to participate in this important undertaking that could significantly impact your operations.
Ontario Seeking Input on Occupations Exempted Under ESA
As part of Ontario’s review of workplace laws, the government has announced that it is reviewing the special rules and exemptions under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA). It is seeking public input on the following occupations currently exempted: Architects Domestic Workers, Homemakers and Residential Care Workers IT Professionals Managerial and Supervisory Employees Pharmacists Residential…
Bill 148 Passes Second Reading, Ordered (Back) to Committee for Further Review
On October 18, 2017, Bill 148, Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017 (Bill 148), as amended by the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs, passed Second Reading after debate and was referred back to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs for further review. Read the government’s announcement here. We will continue to…
Ontario Proposes Amendments to ESA Regulations in Anticipation of Bill 148 and to Administrative Monetary Penalties under ESA, EPFN
On October 11, 2017, the Ontario government published proposed amendments to regulations made under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) which would be required if Bill 148, Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017 (Bill 148) is passed. Proposed consequential amendments to O. Reg. 285/01 (Exemptions, Special Rules and Establishment of Minimum Wage) and O. Reg….
2018 EI Premium Rate, Maximum Insurable Earnings Set
The Canada Employment Insurance Commission (CEIC) has set the 2018 Employment Insurance (EI) premium rate at$1.66 per $100 of insurable earnings. This represents a 3 cent increase for employees over the 2017 rate, and 4 cents for employers who pay 1.4 times the employee rate. For Quebec residents covered under the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan,…
WSIB Rate Framework Policy Consultation Extended
As we previously reported, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board has launched a public consultation on draft policies for the new Rate Framework, which will be implemented on January 1, 2020. The deadline for submissions on the Rate Framework Policy Consultation has been extended from October 13, 2017 to December 5, 2017. Submissions can be…