School Board Update

School Board Update – ETFO Organizing Campaign

As you know, the Ministry of Education’s Early Learning Program requires boards to hire designated early childhood educators (“DECEs”) to work alongside teachers in delivering the Program to junior kindergarten and kindergarten pupils. The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (“ETFO”) has recently made it clear that it will seek to represent the designated early childhood…

Human Resources Legislative Update

Federal Amendments to PIPEDA Introduced

On May 25, 2010, the federal government introduced two Bills that, if passed, would significantly amend PIPEDA: Bill C-29, the Safeguarding Canadians’ Personal Information Act and Bill C-28, the Fighting Internet and Wireless Spam Act. Bill C-29 would: specify the elements of valid consent for the collection, use or disclosure of personal information; permit the…

Human Resources Legislative Update

New Teacher Qualification Regulations

On May 20, 2010, the government filed the following new regulation under the Ontario College of Teachers Act, 1996: O. Reg. 176/10, which outlines the requirements for obtaining a certificate of qualification and registration. With certain exceptions, the Regulation is now in force. O. Reg. 182/10, which outlines amendments to O. Reg. 347/02 (the accreditation…

Human Resources Legislative Update

New Education Act Regulations

On May 20, 2010, the Ontario government filed the following Regulations under the Education Act: O. Reg. 180/10 (Supervisory Officers), in part clarifying the definition of “acceptable post-secondary degree” for the purposes of s. 1(1) of Regulation 309 of R.R.O. 1990; O. Reg. 183/10 (Operation of Schools), dealing with the assignment or appointment of teachers…

FTR Now

Implementing Phase One of Ontario Pension Reform: A Roadmap for Plan Sponsors and Administrators

On Tuesday, May 18, 2010, Bill 236, the Pension Benefits Amendment Act, 2010 (“Bill 236”), the first major piece of pension reform legislation to be approved by the Ontario Legislature in over two decades, received Royal Assent. The Bill 236 amendments enhance certain individual member rights and entitlements, provide the Superintendent of Financial Services with…

Human Resources Legislative Update

Department of Finance Proposes Changes to HST Calculation Rules Affecting Investment Funds

On May 19, 2010, the Department of Finance released proposed changes to the Harmonized Sales Tax (“HST”) rules covering the supply of financial services relating to the calculation of the provincial component of the HST under the Excise Tax Act. As outlined in the government Backgrounder, the proposed changes would affect, among others, mutual funds,…

FTR Now

Are You Ready for Bill 168? Preventing Workplace Violence and Bill 168 – A Guide for Employers

Bill 168, the Occupational Health and Safety Amendment Act (Violence and Harassment in the Workplace), 2009 will come into effect on June 15, 2010. Bill 168 requires employers to develop policies and programs to address workplace violence and harassment and to assess the risk of violence in its workplace. Hicks Morley has prepared Preventing Workplace…

Human Resources Legislative Update

Ontario’s Pension Reform Legislation Receives Royal Assent

On May 18, 2010, Bill 236, the Pension Benefits Amendment Act, 2010 received Royal Assent. A number of the Bill 236 amendments are now in force, while others will come into force later this year. Supporting regulations are also expected to be introduced. As previously reported, Bill 236 carried at Third Reading on May 5,…

Human Resources Legislative Update

Ontario’s Wage Freeze Bill Passes Third Reading, Receives Royal Assent

On May 18, 2010, Bill 16, the Creating the Foundation for Jobs and Growth Act, 2010 carried at Third Reading and received Royal Assent. As previously reported, Bill 16 was reported as amended by the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs on May 6, 2010. Originally introduced on March 26, 2010, the Bill is omnibus…

Human Resources Legislative Update

Ontario’s Full-Day Learning Legislation Receives Royal Assent

On May 18, 2010, Bill 242, the Full-Day Early Learning Statute Amendment Act, 2010 received Royal Assent and is expected to come into force on a date to be named by proclamation. Chapter Number: S.O.2010 C.10. As reported, Bill 242 carried at Third Reading on April 27, 2010. It amends provisions of the Education Act…