Federal Government Introduces Legislation to Prevent Workplace Harassment and Violence

On November 7, 2017, the federal government tabled Bill C-65, An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code (harassment and violence), the Parliamentary Employment and Staff Relations Act and the Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 1, which, if passed, will amend the Canada Labour Code with respect to the prevention of workplace harassment and violence…

Setting up Shop in Canada? What U.S. Employers Need to Know About Canadian Employment Law

While Canada and the United States are alike in many respects, there are a few key differences in employment law that U.S. employers should be aware of if you are considering buying, selling or operating a business in Canada.

Ontario Introduces Cannabis, Smoke-Free Ontario and Road Safety Legislation

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.

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…

Federal Government Introduces Changes to Canada Labour Code

On October 27, 2017, the federal government introduced Bill C-63, Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 2, its second budget implementation bill relating to Budget 2017. Budget implementation bills are a means for the government to follow through with the legislative changes required to bring budget commitments into effect. In addition to changes to the Income…

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…