In our year-end Federal Post, we review changes to federal labour and employment laws which are anticipated to come into force in 2020. We also provide a quick update on some unjust dismissal cases of note. As always, our best wishes for a happy holiday season. Incoming Legislative Changes in 2020 The past few years…
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.
FTR Now
IIROC-Regulated Employers Now Subject to New Cybersecurity Incident Reporting Obligations
As of November 14, 2019, investment dealers engaged in trading activity in Canadian markets (Dealer Members) that are regulated by the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) are now subject to new stringent reporting obligations for cybersecurity incidents. These new rules are the result of amendments to Rules 3100 and 3703 of the IIROC Rules that apply to all Dealer Members.
FTR Now
Employers with Drivers Operating in the U.S. Take Note: New U.S. Drug and Alcohol Testing Rule in Force January 6, 2020
On January 6, 2020, Canadian employers who have commercial drivers operating in the United States will be required to comply with the requirements under the new Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse program. Clearinghouse is administered by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
FTR Now
Ensuring a Safe Holiday Party
The holiday season is a time for celebration. For many of us, this may include workplace celebrations. All employers, big or small, should ensure that in addition to traditional party logistics, they take the time to develop a plan for providing a healthy and safe environment for employees and guests at any workplace celebrations.
Human Resources Legislative Update
Ontario’s Bill 132 Referred to Committee, Includes Proposed Amendments to PBA
On November 7, 2019, Bill 132, Better for People, Smarter for Business Act, 2019 (Bill 132), passed Second Reading and was referred to the Standing Committee on General Government. Bill 132 is omnibus legislation which, if passed, will amend a number of statutes, including the Ontario Pension Benefits Act (PBA). Proposed amendments to the PBA…
FTR Now
Update on Ontario Government Wage Restraint Initiatives
In this FTR Now, we look at the amendments made to the Bill and their impact on collective bargaining and non-union wage review activities that may have occurred since the Bill was first tabled. We also discuss the government’s recently announced plan regarding “designated executives” under the Broader Public Sector Executive Compensation Act, 2014 (BPSECA).
Human Resources Legislative Update
Proposed Public Sector Wage Restraint Legislation Referred to Committee
On October 31, 2019, Bill 124, Protecting a Sustainable Public Sector for Future Generations Act, 2019, passed Second Reading and was referred to the Standing Committee on General Government. The Committee will meet on Monday, November 4, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for public hearings on…
Case In Point
Ontario Superior Court Affirms that Pension Payments to a Non-Member Spouse Cease Upon Death
In Meloche v. Meloche, the Ontario Superior Court held that, following a pension division under the Ontario Pension Benefits Act (PBA), payments do not continue to the estate of a non-member spouse who predeceases the member spouse. The parties separated in 2017 after 30 years of marriage. The respondent teacher retired in 2015, and elected…
HR HealthCheck
Ransomware Attack on Three Ontario Hospitals Highlights a Growing Cybersecurity Risk
Three Ontario hospitals were recently targeted in ransomware attacks that highlight the emerging risk of cyberattacks on public institutions and healthcare providers. The CBC first reported these attacks, which are the latest in a growing list of public institutions whose computer systems are infiltrated by hackers. Are you prepared? Learn more in this HR HealthCheck.
Human Resources Legislative Update
Ontario to Consult on New Public Sector Benefits Pooling Model
The Treasury Board Secretariat has announced that it will begin consultations this year on a new benefits pooling model for broader public sector participants. The government consulted with public sector employers and bargaining agents in the spring and summer of this year about how to achieve reasonable public sector compensation growth, and a centralized benefits…