Significant amendments to the Employment Insurance Regulations have been filed and were published in the Canada Gazette on November 15, 2017 to implement the availability of Employment Insurance (EI) benefits for the care of critically ill adult family members and the option to extend parental leaves, initiatives outlined in the 2017 Federal Budget. The changes…
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
More Changes to Bill 148 after Second Committee Review
On November 16, 2017, the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs (the Committee) adopted significant amendments to Bill 148, the Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017 (Bill 148). These amendments are in addition to amendments the Committee made in August of this year after First Reading of Bill 148, and are expected to be adopted by the Legislature in the near future.
FTR Now
Waiving the Biennial Statement Requirement for Missing Members: FSCO’s New Policy
On September 30, 2017, the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) published a new policy outlining the procedures administrators must follow to obtain a waiver of the requirement to send biennial statements to missing former and retired members. Find out more in this FTR Now.
FTR Now
Ontario Proposes Significant Reforms to the Pension Benefits Act and other Employment-Related Statutes
On November 14, 2017, the Ontario government introduced Bill 177, the Stronger, Fairer Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2017 (Bill 177), omnibus legislation supporting key reforms outlined in the 2017 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review (Fiscal Review), which was also released on that date.
FTR Now
Check Your Holiday Party List – And Check It Twice: Tips for Ensuring a Safe Seasonal Workplace Event
With winter fast approaching, many of us are preparing for seasonal and holiday celebrations. Whether large or small, it is important that employers take proactive steps to ensure the health and safety of their employees who attend office parties or other celebrations. In this FTR Now, we are pleased to bring you our annual checklist of measures to consider implementing to help plan a safe holiday celebration for all.
Human Resources Legislative Update
Ontario Amends PBA and PRPP Regulations; Introduces Legislation Affecting Police Sector Asset Transfers
Annuity Purchases on Wind Up On November 3, 2017, O. Reg. 412/17, amending Regulation 909 (General) made under the Pension Benefits Act (PBA), was filed. As discussed in our FTR Now, Ontario’s Bill 70: The New Face of Pension Regulation Revealed, amendments will be made to the PBA requiring administrators appointed by the Superintendent of…
Human Resources Legislative Update
Federal Government Introduces Legislation to Prevent Workplace Harassment and Violence
On November 7, 2017, the federal government tabled 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, which, if passed, will amend the Canada Labour Code with respect to the prevention of workplace harassment and violence…
Case In Point
Supreme Court of Canada Affirms Management Rights Must Be Exercised Reasonably and Consistently with the Collective Agreement
It is critical for employers in the unionized context to remember that when creating policies or workplace rules as an exercise of management rights, the rule must constitute a reasonable “balancing of interests” and must be consistent with the collective agreement. In Association of Justice Counsel v. Canada (Attorney General), the Supreme Court of Canada…
FTR Nexus
Setting up Shop in Canada? What U.S. Employers Need to Know About Canadian Employment Law
While Canada and the United States are alike in many respects, there are a few key differences in employment law that U.S. employers should be aware of if you are considering buying, selling or operating a business in Canada.
Human Resources Legislative Update
Ontario Introduces Cannabis, Smoke-Free Ontario and Road Safety Legislation
On November 1, 2017, the Ontario government tabled Bill 174, Cannabis, Smoke-Free Ontario and Road Safety Statute Law Amendment Act, 2017 omnibus legislation which would, if passed, regulate the cultivation, sale, distribution and consumption of cannabis in Ontario, enact the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 and make amendments to the Highway Traffic Act relating to impairment by cannabis and road safety. Among other things, the Bill provides the provincial framework for the federal Bill C-45, Cannabis Act.