FTR Now

How the New Privacy Tort Will Affect Employers

On January 18th, 2012, the Court of Appeal for Ontario in Jones v. Tsige recognized a new “intrusion upon seclusion” civil cause of action. In this FTR Now, we describe the new cause of action (or “tort”) and identify its significance to employers. THE INTRUSION UPON SECLUSION TORT Under Ontario law it is now clear…

FTR Now

Ten Questions and Answers about Computer Use Policies

It’s January 2012. Last year the Court of Appeal for Ontario recognized that an employee had a reasonable expectation of privacy that arose out of his personal use of a work computer. As discussed in a companion FTR Now called How the New Privacy Tort Will Affect Employers, this month the Court of Appeal recognized…

FTR Now

Ontario Human Rights Review Chair Invites Comments on 2008 Changes to Human Rights Code

The Ontario Human Rights Review Chair, lawyer Andrew Pinto, has published a Consultation Paper inviting public commentary, further to the review process mandated by section 57 of the Human Rights Code (Code). That section requires that the Minister appoint a person to review the implementation and effectiveness of changes resulting from the 2008 amendments to…

Human Resources Legislative Update

Ontario Human Rights Code Independent Review: Consultation Paper Published

As part of the independent, mandated review of the changes resulting from the enactment of amendments to the Ontario Human Rights Code (the “Code”) which came into effect June 30, 2008, a consultation paper has been published which identifies key issues and points for discussion for the public consultation process which will take place in…

Human Resources Legislative Update

Mandatory WSIB Coverage for Construction Industry To Commence January 1, 2013

Effective January 1, 2013, amendments to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 outlined in Bill 119, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Amendment Act, 2008 will extend mandatory WSIB coverage to certain persons in the construction industry. These amendments will apply, with certain exceptions, to independent operators who carry on business in construction, and to…

Human Resources Legislative Update

2012 Car Expense Benefit Rates, Deduction Limits Set

On December 29, 2011, the federal government announced automobile expense deduction limits and the prescribed rates for the automobile operating expense benefits that will apply in 2012. A number of deduction limits will remain the same, including: the existing, $30,000 capital cost allowance (“CCA”) ceiling with respect to passenger vehicles used for business purposes; the…

FTR Now

CPP Amendments – New Requirements for Employer-Paid Disability Benefits

On December 15, 2011, Bill C-13, Keeping Canada’s Economy and Jobs Growing Act received Royal Assent. Bill C-13 is omnibus legislation designed to implement a number of measures proposed in the federal government’s 2011 Budget. This FTR Now discusses one aspect of Bill C-13 that amends the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and creates new requirements…

FTR Now

Changes to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP): Important Information For Employers

Changes to required employer deductions for CPP contributions are coming into effect on January 1, 2012. This FTR Now reviews these changes to the CPP. NO WORK INTERRUPTION As of January 1, 2012, employees will no longer be required to either stop working or reduce their earnings in order to receive their CPP pension. As…

Human Resources Legislative Update

Mandatory Reporting of Internet Child Pornography Bill, Regulations Come Into Force (C-22)

On December 8, 2011, Bill C-22, an Act respecting the mandatory reporting of Internet child pornography by persons who provide an Internet service, came into force, along with supporting regulations. The Internet Child Pornography Reporting Regulations provide the enabling framework for the legislation. It names the designated organization (Canadian Centre for Child Protection) for the…

Human Resources Legislative Update

CPP Post-Retirement Benefit Elections Established

The federal government filed a regulatory amendment to the Canada Pension Plan Regulations which prescribes the manner of employee elections (or revocations) regarding the new Post-Retirement Benefit (“PRB”), which will be available under the Canada Pension Plan (“CPP”), effective January 1, 2012. The amendment was first proposed in October of 2011, as previously reported.