Ontario Tables Budget 2016

On February 25, 2016, the Ontario government tabled its 2016 Budget “Jobs for Today and Tomorrow” and the corresponding Budget Bill, Bill 173, Jobs for Today and Tomorrow Act (Budget Measures), 2016.

Ontario Filing Requirements for Statements of Investment Policies and Procedures and Form 14

Recent amendments to Ontario’s Pension Benefits Act regulations now require that administrators of Ontario registered pension plans file Statements of Investment Policies and Procedures (“SIPPs”) with the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (“FSCO”), together with a detailed information summary form (“Form 14”). We discuss these new filing requirements and supporting FSCO resources in this FTR…

ORPP Implementation Delayed to January 1, 2018

On February 16, 2016, the Ontario government announced that the first wave of Ontario Registered Pension Plan (“ORPP”) implementation has been delayed by one year to January 1, 2018. This change, which impacts certain large employers with more than 500 employees, is one of several significant developments outlined in this FTR Now. THE ANNOUNCEMENT The…

Legislation Expanding Ombudsman Jurisdiction to Municipalities, Universities and School Boards Now In Force

On January 1, 2016, provisions of Schedule 9 of the Public Sector and MPP Accountability and Transparency Act, 2014 came into force. These provisions amend the Ombudsman Act (“Act“) to expand the jurisdiction of the Ontario Ombudsman to investigate matters related to publicly-funded universities and municipal sector entities (defined as municipalities, local boards and municipally-controlled corporations). On September 1, 2015, provisions…

Court Recognizes New Privacy Tort: “Public Disclosure of Embarrassing Private Facts”

In a case that can only add to the risk of privacy claims faced by organizations, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice recently awarded damages based on the new tort of “public disclosure of embarrassing private facts.” In Doe 464533 v N.D., the Court awarded damages to a plaintiff whose former boyfriend coaxed her to…

New Proposed Federal Bill to Reverse Canada Labour Code Certification and Decertification Reforms, C-377 Union Disclosure Obligations

Further to its election platform, on January 28, 2016, the federal government introduced Bill C-4, An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code, the Parliamentary Employment and Staff Relations Act, the Public Service Labour Relations Act and the Income Tax Act. Among other things, this legislation would, if passed, amend the Canada Labour Code (“CLC”) to effectively repeal…

Ontario Government Announces Additional ORPP Design Details

Editor’s Note: Following publication of this communication, the Ontario government announced that the first wave of ORPP implementation will be delayed by one year to January 1, 2018. Please be sure to read our FTR Now of February 17, 2016 for updated information on this significant development, or contact your regular Hicks Morley lawyer for…

Ontario Government Announces New ORPP Design Details

On January 26, 2016, the Ontario government announced new Ontario Retirement Pension Plan (“ORPP”) design details. Among other things, the announcement provides further clarity and guidance on the following issues of particular interest to employers: coverage, and in particular the definition of “employment in Ontario,” as well as application of the ORPP to non-residents and…

Construction Project Manager Sentenced to 3.5 Years for Christmas Eve Fatalities

The Metron Construction Corporation (“Metron”) project manager who oversaw the construction project on which a swing stage collapsed, resulting in the deaths of four workers and injury to a fifth, has been sentenced to 3.5 years in jail. In this FTR Now, we discuss the background to this important decision and its significance. On Christmas…

Workplace Law In Canada: A Primer

This Guide provides non-Canadians with an introduction to employment laws and regulations that affect businesses in Canada. It provides an overview of the main differences between Canadian and U.S. workplace laws. To obtain a copy please contact Knowledge Management.