On May 01, 2025, the Ontario government announced Bill 9, the Municipal Accountability Act, 2025 (Bill 9). Bill 9 re-introduces legislation originally proposed under Bill 241, the Municipal Accountability Act, 2024, that was not enacted prior to the provincial election. If passed, Bill 9 would enable the creation of a new, standardized municipal code of…
Insights
Case In Point
Arbitrator Upholds Benefits Related Grievance: “Generic Substitute” Does Not Limit Reimbursement to “Lowest Cost” Drug Per Collective Agreement
In Hydro One Inc. v The Society of United Workers, Arbitrator John Stout upheld a grievance against Hydro One for violating its Collective Agreement. Hydro One had limited reimbursement of prescription drug expenses to only the lowest cost generic medication, rather than covering the full cost of generic medications prescribed by physicians. This limitation was…
FTR Now
Arbitrator Dismisses Faculty Grievance over Bill 124 Wage Dispute: No Arbitral Jurisdiction Without Reopener Provision in Collective Agreement
In a recent labour arbitration decision, Arbitrator William Kaplan dismissed a grievance filed against Wilfrid Laurier University (University) by the Wilfrid Laurier University Faculty Association (the Association) on behalf of its Contract Teaching Faculty (CTF) bargaining unit. This decision provides important guidance on the limits of an arbitrator’s jurisdiction in addressing legislative constraints on collective…
FTR Now
Ontario Announces Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act, 2025
The Ontario government introduced Bill 2, the Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act, 2025. Framed as a defensive strategy, Bill 2 aims to boost interprovincial trade in response to U.S. tariff pressures.
Human Resources Legislative Update
Municipalities Take Note: Ontario Proposing to Expand Strong Mayor Powers to 169 Additional Municipalities
The Ontario government is proposing to expand Strong Mayor powers to 169 additional municipalities, reshaping local governance across the province. In this Human Resources Legislative Update, Jamie Burns outlines what these changes mean for the future of municipal decision-making.
Case In Point
The Ontario Court of Appeal Provides Another Caution to Employers Drafting Employment Contracts: Actual Language is Paramount—Not Intent
In a recent decision of the Ontario Court of Appeal, the Court upheld the lower court’s decision finding that the termination clause in the employment contract was offside of the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) and that as a result, the employee was entitled to common law reasonable notice.
FTR Now
Canada Heads to the Polls: Employers’ Obligation to Provide Paid Time Off to Vote in the Upcoming Federal Election
A federal election has been called for April 28, 2025 (election day). As the candidates hit the campaign trail and election day rapidly approaches, this FTR Now provides guidance to employers on their obligations to their employees under the Canada Elections Act (Act).
Safe Sport
New Canadian Safe Sport Program Rules in Effect as of April 1, 2025
New Canadian Safe Sport Program (CSSP) Rules are now in effect – what does this mean for federally funded sport organizations? As of April 1, 2025, the new CSSP Rules apply to national national-level sport organizations, with significant updates around administration and compliance. In this Safe Sport, Brittany Bates, Frank Cesario, and Kayley Leon breakdown what’s changed and how organizations can ensure they meet the new standards.
FTR Now
Federal Government Publishes Temporary Employment Insurance Measures Addressing Economic Impacts From Tariffs
On April 9, the Federal Government released the full text of the temporary Employment Insurance Regulations (Pilot Project No. 24), addressing the economic impacts from the tariffs. In this FTR Now, Andrew Easto explores what these temporary changes mean for impacted workers and employers.
FTR Now
Ontario Court of Appeal Denies Crown Leave to Appeal, Affirms City of Greater Sudbury Exercised Due Diligence in Workplace Fatality
The Ontario Court of Appeal has denied the Crown’s motion for leave to appeal, finding the City of Greater Sudbury successfully exercised due diligence under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. In this FTR Now, Stephanie Jeronimo and Allison E. MacIsaac explore the Court’s reasoning and what it means for employers moving forward.