The Standing Committee on Social Policy (Committee) will be holding public hearings to consider Bill 149, Working for Workers Four Act, 2023 on Monday, February 12 and Tuesday, February 13, 2024. Interested parties who wish to be considered to make an oral submission before the Committee must register by 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 1,…
Insights
Hicks Morley publishes a number of materials, both electronic and print, on issue-specific and sector-specific topics of interest to our clients. Our insights section has links to all of our various publications, updates and blogs, both current and historical, to keep you informed of developments in the law that impact human resources.
HR HealthCheck
Ontario Seeking Input on Regulations Related to Personal Support Workers
The Ontario government is inviting comments on a proposed regulatory framework to be made under the Health and Supportive Care Providers Oversight Authority Act, 2021 (HSCPOA Act) and proposed amendments to a regulation made under the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021 (FLTC Act). Comments on these proposals are due by January 15, 2024. Proposed Regulatory…
Human Resources Legislative Update
Reminder of Upcoming Accessibility Compliance Report Deadline
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) sets out the process for developing and enforcing accessibility standards in Ontario. Its purpose is to achieve accessibility standards for Ontarians with physical and mental disabilities by 2025. All levels of government, private sector organizations and non-profit organizations must comply with this legislation. The Accessibility Compliance Report is a…
FTR Now
Highlights From the Federal Government’s 2023 Fall Economic Statement and Corresponding Bill
On November 30, 2023, the federal government introduced Bill C-59, Fall Economic Statement Implementation Act, 2023 (Bill C-59). Bill C-59 follows the tabling of a Notice of Ways and Means Motion, and would give effect to various initiatives set out in the 2023 Fall Economic Statement (Statement). In this FTR Now, we highlight proposals contained…
Federal Post
Reminder: Significant Amendments to the Termination Provisions of the Canada Labour Code Are Coming Into Effect on February 1, 2024
Amendments to the Canada Labour Code (Code) which come into effect on February 1, 2024 will require employers to provide individual employees with a graduated notice of termination based on their consecutive years of continuous employment. The amendments will also require employers to provide individual employees with a statement of benefits upon termination. These Code…
Human Resources Legislative Update
Federal Government Publishes Draft Amendments to Pay Equity Regulations
The federal government recently published proposed regulations which would amend the Pay Equity Regulations (Regulations) made under the federal Pay Equity Act (Act). The Act addresses systemic gender discrimination in compensation practices and pay systems as well as the portion of the wage gap attributable to the undervaluation of work traditionally done by women. The…
FTR Now
Federal Government Issues 2023 Fall Economic Statement
On November 21, 2023, the federal government issued its 2023 Fall Economic Statement. The Statement covers a wide array of initiatives including several proposals that will be of interest to employers, human resource professionals and pension plan administrators. Of particular interest are the following proposals: We are awaiting the release of the legislation giving effect…
FTR Now
Ensuring a Safe Holiday Party
The holiday season is a time for people to come together and celebrate. For many of us, this may include workplace parties. While the past few years have looked quite different due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many employers are back to embracing in-person workplace celebrations. No matter the size or type of workplace, all employers…
Human Resources Legislative Update
WSIB Publishes New Communicable Illnesses Policy
Following public consultations, the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has published a new operational policy on communicable illnesses (Policy), which will become effective December 1, 2023. The Policy defines a communicable illness as “an illness resulting from infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi.” In order to be entitled to benefits for…
FTR Now
Ontario Introduces Working for Workers Four Act, 2023
On November 14, 2023, the Ontario government introduced Bill 149, Working for Workers Four Act, 2023. Bill 149, if passed, would amend several statutes, including the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 (WSIA). This FTR Now reviews some of Bill 149’s key features of particular interest to employers….