In an unexpected development, Premier McGuinty announced yesterday that he will be resigning as Premier of Ontario and as leader of the Ontario Liberal party. Premier McGuinty also announced that he asked the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario to prorogue the Legislature, which now appears to have occurred. While both announcements will come as a surprise…
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.
Human Resources Legislative Update
Tax Measures from Federal Budget 2012 to be Implemented
On October 15, 2012, the federal government tabled a Notice of Ways and Means Motion to implement certain tax measures contained in the government’s March 2012 budget, the Economic Action Plan, 2012 – A Plan for Jobs, Growth and Long-Term Prosperity. Among other things, the Notice of Ways and Means Motion includes implementation of the…
Human Resources Legislative Update
Ontario Legislature Prorogues
On October 15, 2012, Ontario Premier McGuinty announced his resignation and as well the Ontario Legislature prorogued. As a result of the prorogation, all outstanding business before the Legislature, including all government and Private Members’ Bills, “died” on the Order Paper. All Committee work has also ended. For more information on the prorogation, and especially…
Human Resources Legislative Update
Helping Families in Need Act Passes Second Reading, Referred to Committee
On October 2, 2012, Bill C-44, Helping Families in Need Act, passed Second Reading and was referred to the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities. As previously reported, among other things Bill C-44, if passed, will make certain amendments to the Employment Insurance Act and…
Human Resources Legislative Update
Information Bulletins on Anti-spam Legislation Published
Two information bulletins have been published by the Canadian Radio-Television Communications Commission (CRTC) to help businesses better understand Bill C-28, the federal anti-spam legislation. The bulletins include, among other things, examples of acceptable practices. As previously reported, Bill C-28 enacts comprehensive anti-spam legislation and specifically amends the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (“PIPEDA”)…
FTR Now
The Reasonable Expectation of Privacy: Where Does it End?
Privacy is an expanding area of law, and it has particular impact on employers. In a recent decision outside of the employment context – R v. Ward – the Court of Appeal for Ontario speaks to the scope of an individual’s reasonable expectation of privacy. The decision in Ward highlights two points of importance to…
Human Resources Legislative Update
PSFA Regulations Filed (Hiring Practices and Sick Leave Provisions 2012-2013)
On September 12, 2012, sections 1 through 19 (inclusive) and 21 of the Putting Students First Act, 2012 (”PSFA”) were proclaimed in force. The restraint period applies retroactively, as outlined in the Act. On that date, the Ontario government filed a new regulation under the Education Act with respect to hiring practices. It is important…
Case In Point
Operation of Pension and Benefit Plans do not Discriminate on the Basis of Age: Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario
Recent decisions of the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (the “Tribunal”) provide welcome guidance for employers who have been confronted with allegations that provisions of their pension and benefit plans discriminate on the basis of age under the Ontario Human Rights Code (the “Code”). In several decisions the Tribunal has held that some age-based distinctions…
Human Resources Legislative Update
New Regulation Gives Pharmacists Ability to Administer Flu Shots, Renew Prescriptions
On October 1, 2012, O. Reg. 302/12 made under the Pharmacy Act, 1991 was filed. The regulation amends O. Reg. 202/94 (General) by adding “Controlled Acts” provisions permitting, among other things: a pharmacist to administer the influenza vaccine to a patient five years or older in accordance with prescribed conditions; and a pharmacist or other…
Raising the Bar
Raising the Bar – Fourth Edition
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” L.M. Montgomery Dear Friends, We are pleased to provide you with the fourth issue of Raising the Bar. Our batteries are recharged following a summer break, and we are ready for autumn! In this issue, we share with you recent decisions that you…