On March 26, 2011, Parliament was proclaimed dissolved following adoption of a motion of non-confidence in the House of Commons. As a result, all outstanding business before the House, including all government and Private Members’ Bills, expired on the Order Paper. At the present time, Parliament is scheduled to reconvene on May 30, 2011, following…
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
Ontario 2011 Budget Introduced
On March 29, 2011, the Ontario government introduced its 2011 Budget, “Turning the Corner to a Better Tomorrow” (PDF). Highlights in the Budget of interest to employers include: a general consolidation effort in respect of the broader public sector, including moving to “more coordinated bargaining in sectors where it is appropriate” and pursuing options for…
Human Resources Legislative Update
Federal Pension Regulations in Effect April 1, 2011
On April 1, 2011, regulatory amendments to the Pension Benefits Standards Regulations, 1985 will come into force. These amendments support the changes to the Pension Benefits Standards Act, 1985 (PBSA) made by Bill C-9, which is discussed here. As previously reported, these amendments will: permit plan sponsors to secure properly structured letters of credit in…
FTR Now
Federal Budget 2011
The Minister of Finance, the Honourable James M. Flaherty, tabled the Government of Canada’s 2011 Budget “A Low-Tax Plan for Jobs and Growth” in the House of Commons on March 22, 2011. In this FTR Now we review the key aspects of the Budget that are of most interest to employers and human resources professionals….
Human Resources Legislative Update
TTC “Essential Service” Legislation Ordered for Third Reading
On March 24, 2011, Bill 150, the Toronto Transit Commission Labour Disputes Resolution Act, 2011, was reported without amendment from the Standing Committee on General Government and ordered for Third Reading. As previously reported, Bill 150 is proposed legislation that would designate the Toronto Transit Commission an essential service and provide for binding arbitration by…
Human Resources Legislative Update
Federal Mandatory Reporting of Internet Child Pornography Bill Receives Royal Assent
On March 23, 2011, Bill C-22, an Act respecting the mandatory reporting of Internet child pornography by persons who provide an Internet service, received Royal Assent. As previously reported, Bill C-22 imposes a mandatory duty on persons providing an “internet service” (a service providing internet access, e-mail or internet content hosting) to the public to…
Human Resources Legislative Update
Federal 2011 Budget Introduced
On March 22, 2011, the federal government introduced its 2011 Budget “A Low-Tax Plan for Jobs and Growth”. Highlights in the Budget of interest to employers include: elimination of the mandatory retirement age for federally regulated employees volunteer firefighters tax credit anti-avoidance rules for RRSPs increase in EI premiums limited to 5 cents in 2011…
News
Québec Budget Announces New Voluntary Retirement Savings Plans for Employees
In its March 17, 2011 budget, Québec announced that it would implement voluntary retirement savings plans (VRSPs) for all workers who do not have access to a private pension plan. VRSPs will be capital accumulation plans (defined contribution savings plans) administered by third parties such as financial institutions. The financial institutions that offer these VRSPs…
Human Resources Legislative Update
Québec proposes stronger retirement income system
On March 17, 2011, the Québec government tabled its 2011-2012 Budget. The Budget proposed, among other things, to strengthen Québec’s retirement income system by: making adjustments to the Québec Pension Plan, as of January 1, 2012, to guarantee a new basic income to Québecers at retirement; and undertaking to implement new Voluntary Retirement Savings Plans…
FTR Now
Legislature Expresses Interest in Government Presenting Mandatory Retirement Legislation for Firefighters
On March 10, 2011, a private member’s motion calling upon the Ontario government to introduce legislation allowing for the mandatory retirement of firefighters involved in fire suppression duties at age 60 was passed in the Legislature. While there is no indication at this time as to whether the government will propose such legislation, the motion…