In This Issue Considering Cannabis Coverage under Benefits Plans Recreational Cannabis and Your Workplace: Five Steps to Consider Featured Topic – Cannabis Expertise Featured Articles Considering Cannabis Coverage under Benefits Plans By: Natasha D. Monkman With the legalization of recreational cannabis on October 17, 2018, employers across Canada have been preparing to answer questions about whether…
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 Nexus
Setting up Shop in Canada? What U.S. Employers Need to Know About Canadian Human Rights Law [Video]
Understanding Canadian human rights law is key to ensuring your organization is fully prepared to deal with issues when they arise. In this video, David Alli discusses what U.S. employers need to know about Canadian human rights law (known as “anti-discrimination law” in the United States) and outlines some key differences between Canadian and U.S. laws.
FTR Now
’Tis the Season: Holiday Tips for Employers
With the holiday season just around the corner, many of us are preparing for the seasonal festivities, which may include workplace celebrations. It is important that employers, whether large or small, take proactive steps to ensure the health and safety of their employees who attend office parties or other workplace celebrations.
Human Resources Legislative Update
Bill 47 Referred to Committee with Public Hearings to be Held on November 15: Note Quick Deadline for Request to Make Submissions
On November 12, 2018, Bill 47, the Making Ontario Open for Business Act, 2018, was carried on division at Second Reading and was referred to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs. The Committee will be holding public hearings on the Bill in Toronto on Thursday, November 15, 2018. For those parties who wish…
Human Resources Legislative Update
Government Proposes Changes to ESA Regulations in Support of Bill 47
On November 7, 2018, the government of Ontario posted proposed changes to regulations made under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) in support of the ESA amendments introduced by Bill 47, Making Ontario Open for Business Act, 2018. Proposed Changes to O. Reg. 502/06 (Terms and Conditions of Employment in Defined Industries – Automobile Manufacturing,…
Federal Post
Federal Government Proposes Significant Workplace Law Reforms
On October 29, 2018, the federal government tabled Bill C-86, the Budget Implementation Act, 2018, No. 2, omnibus legislation giving effect to certain initiatives in its 2018 Federal Budget. If passed, the Bill will make substantial changes to the Canada Labour Code and enact a federal Pay Equity Act, among other things. For federally regulated…
Human Resources Legislative Update
Federal Government Passes Legislation Aimed at Preventing Harassment and Violence in the Workplace
On October 25, 2018, Bill C-65, An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code (harassment and violence), the Parliamentary Employment and Staff Relations Act and the Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 1 (Act) received Royal Assent. As previously reported on November 9, 2017, November 27, 2017, and June 28, 2018, this Act amends the Canada Labour…
Human Resources Legislative Update
Increased Penalties for Cell Phone Use While Driving In Force January 1, 2019
Changes to the Highway Traffic Act enacted by Bill 174, the Cannabis, Smoke Free Ontario and Road Safety Statute Law Amendment Act, 2017 which relate to cell phone use while driving are coming into force on January 1, 2019. Beginning on January 1, 2019, penalties will increase as set out below for conviction of the…
Human Resources Legislative Update
Ontario Government Introduces Safe and Supportive Classrooms Act, 2018
On October 25, 2018, the Ontario government introduced Bill 48, the Safe and Supportive Classrooms Act, 2018. If passed, Bill 48 will amend the Early Childhood Educators Act, 2017, the Ontario College of Teachers Act, 1996, and the Teaching Profession Act to expand the definition of sexual abuse. Notably, the amendments include: clarification that sexual…
Human Resources Legislative Update
Regulatory Exemption for Record Check Process under Police Record Checks Reform Act, 2015 Filed
As discussed in our previous post, the Police Record Checks Reform Act, 2015 (Act) creates new procedural requirements for requesting and obtaining criminal record, judicial matters and vulnerable sector backgrounds checks. The Act creates a requirement for a two-stage consent process where: (1) the individual must consent to the type of check being conducted; and…