Human Resources Legislative Update

Good Government Act Receives Royal Assent

On March 30, 2011, Bill 110, the Good Government Act, received Royal Assent. As previously reported, the Good Government Act is omnibus legislation that makes a number of amendments to various statutes, including several which are employment-related. The Act should be consulted for coming into force information.

FTR Now

Ontario Budget 2011 – Highlights for Employers

INTRODUCTION On March 29, 2011, the Honourable Dwight Duncan, Ontario’s Minister of Finance, tabled the government’s 2011 Budget, “Turning the Corner to a Better Tomorrow”, before the Legislature and simultaneously introduced omnibus legislation amending a variety of statutes to implement some of these initiatives through Bill 173, the Better Tomorrow for Ontario Act (Budget Measures),…

Human Resources Legislative Update

TTC “Essential Service” Legislation Receives Royal Assent

On March 30, 2011, Bill 150, the Toronto Transit Commission Labour Disputes Resolution Act, 2011,  received Royal Assent and came into force. As previously reported, Bill 150 designates the Toronto Transit Commission an essential service and provides for binding arbitration by a neutral third party where a collective agreement cannot be reached through bargaining.

Human Resources Legislative Update

TTC “Essential Service” Legislation Passes Third Reading

On March 30, 2011, Bill 150, the Toronto Transit Commission Labour Disputes Resolution Act, 2011,  passed Third Reading.  It will come into force upon Royal Assent. As previously reported, Bill 150 designates the Toronto Transit Commission an essential service and provides for binding arbitration by a neutral third party where a collective agreement cannot be…

Human Resources Legislative Update

Occupational Health and Safety Legislation Passes Second Reading

On March 29, 2011, Bill 160, the Occupational Health and Safety Statute Law Amendment Act, 2011 passed second reading and was ordered referred to the Standing Committee on Social Policy. As previously reported, the proposed Bill 160 amendments are intended to respond to the recommendations provided by the Expert Panel on Occupational Health and Safety…

Human Resources Legislative Update

Pension Benefits Act Regulations

On March 25, 2011, the Ontario government filed two regulations amending General Regulation 909 under the Pension Benefits Act: O. Reg. 84/11, dealing with the deadlines for solvency valuations and related payments for certain plans in the public sector and broader public sector; and O. Reg. 85/11, providing for the adoption of the federal investment…

Human Resources Legislative Update

Ontario 2011 Budget Bill Introduced

On March 29, 2011, the Ontario government introduced Bill 173, the Better Tomorrow for Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2011 (PDF), omnibus legislation amending a variety of statutes to implement certain initiatives outlined in the 2011 Ontario Budget tabled on that date. Highlights in Bill 173 of interest to employers include: amendments to the Pension Benefits…

FTR Now

Court of Appeal Recognizes Employee Privacy Rights in Work Computer Subject to Employer Policy and Procedure

One week ago, the Ontario Court of Appeal issued a judgement that is very significant for its consideration of an employee’s expectation of privacy in personal information stored on a work computer. In R. v. Cole, the Court recognized an expectation of privacy in the specific circumstances of the case, but also demonstrated a willingness…

School Board Update

School Board Update – Court of Appeal Recognizes Employee Privacy Rights in Work Computer Subject to Employer Policy and Procedure

One week ago, the Ontario Court of Appeal issued a judgement that is very significant for its consideration of an employee’s expectation of privacy in personal information stored on a work computer. In R. v. Cole, the Court recognized an expectation of privacy in the specific circumstances of the case, but also demonstrated a willingness…

News

Submissions to the New Brunswick Pension Task Force

The Pension Task Force, established to examine the long-term stability and security of pensions in New Brunswick, is seeking submissions from the public regarding the pension plan issues under review including: the rules protecting employees and pensioners; ensuring the long-term sustainability of the pension promise made to workers; and the effectiveness of structures meant to…