Human Resources Legislative Update

Ontario Passes Pension Reform Bill

On Tuesday, December 7, 2010, the Ontario government passed Bill 120, the Securing Pension Benefits Now and for the Future Act, 2010. As previously reported, Bill 120 was amended by the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs and ordered for Third Reading on December 1, 2010 under an accelerated schedule for consideration and debate….

Human Resources Legislative Update

Ontario Passes Accountability Bill

On December 2, 2010, the Ontario government passed Bill 122, the Broader Public Sector Accountability Act, 2010. As previously reported, the Bill was amended by the Standing Committee on Social Policy and ordered for Third Reading on November 30, 2010 under an accelerated schedule for consideration and debate.

Human Resources Legislative Update

Pension Reform Bill Ordered for Third Reading Under Accelerated Schedule

In accordance with the terms of a special time allocation motion that was passed on November 3, 2010, Bill 120, the Securing Pension Benefits Now and for the Future Act, 2010, was reported to the House as amended by the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs and ordered for Third Reading on December 1,…

Human Resources Legislative Update

Accountability Bill Ordered for Third Reading Under Accelerated Schedule

In accordance with the terms of a special time allocation motion that was passed on November 4, 2010, Bill 122, the Broader Public Sector Accountability Act, 2010, was reported to the House as amended by the Standing Committee on Social Policy and ordered for Third Reading on November 30, 2010. The Committee amendments include: an…

Human Resources Legislative Update

Ontario’s Good Government Bill Ordered for Third Reading

On November 30, 2010, Bill 110, the Good Government Act, was reported to the House without amendments by the Standing Committee on General Government, and ordered for Third Reading. As previously reported, Bill 110 is omnibus legislation that would, if passed, make a number of amendments to various Acts, including several employment-related statutes.

Human Resources Legislative Update

ESA amendments proclaimed into force

On November 29, 2010, the amendments to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 in Schedule 9 of the Open for Business Act, 2010 were proclaimed into force.  As previously reported, the Open for Business Act, 2010 is omnibus legislation and the amendments to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 will: allow the Director of Employment Standards to…

Human Resources Legislative Update

Bill C-28 Passes Third Reading

On November 23, 2010, Bill C-28 passed Third Reading in the House of Commons. It was indicated in the speeches at Third Reading that the short title of the Bill will be the Electronic Commerce Protection Act (formerly the Fighting Internet and Wireless Spam Act). As previously reported, the Bill would enact comprehensive anti-SPAM legislation….

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Planning For a Safe Holiday Office Party

It is that time of year again when employers are planning their holiday festivities. Whether the festivity is large or small, it remains as important as ever that employers take proactive steps to ensure the health and safety of their employees who attend office parties or other celebrations. Over the years, a number of court…

Human Resources Legislative Update

WSIB temporary indexing factor of 0.5% extended to 2011 and 2012

On November 1, 2010, the Ontario government published O. Reg. 405/10, made under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997. The regulation amends O. Reg. 454/09, which established, for the purposes of subsections 51(5) and 52(1.3) of the Act, a temporary indexing factor of 0.5% for the year 2010. O.Reg. 405/10 extends the application of…

FTR Now

Arbitrator Upholds Right of Fire Department to Alter Service Levels During Statutory Freeze

On November 8, 2010, Arbitrator Chauvin issued a significant award which confirmed a fire department’s right to manage its operations by determining staffing levels. Arbitrator Chauvin also concluded that the statutory freeze imposed by the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 (“FPPA“) preserved this right and permitted the City to make changes to service levels…