On December 19, 2024, Ontario’s Working for Workers Six Act, 2024 (Bill 229) received Royal Assent. Bill 229 amends several statutes including the Employment Standards Act, 2000, the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997. Key amendments of particular interest to employers are addressed below. Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) The following…
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.
Case In Point
Ontario Court of Appeal Dismisses Appeal in Dufault, Upholds Finding That “For Cause” Language in Termination Provision Contravened ESA
In Dufault v. Ignace (Township), the Ontario Court of Appeal reinforced and applied the principle established in Waksdale v. Swegon North America Inc. (Waksdale) that, when interpreting an employment agreement, all termination provisions must be read together and the invalidity of one termination provision renders all termination provisions void and unenforceable. In rendering its decision,…
FTR Now
Highlights from the Federal Government’s 2024 Fall Economic Statement
On December 16, 2024, the federal government issued its 2024 Fall Economic Statement. The Statement covers a wide array of initiatives including several proposals that, if they were to be implemented, will be of interest to employers, human resources professionals and pension plan administrators. Early Retirement Benefits in the Public Service The government has proposed…
FTR Now
Ontario Government Introduces Municipal Accountability Act, 2024
On December 12, 2024, the Ontario government introduced Bill 241, Municipal Accountability Act, 2024 (Bill 241). If passed, this proposed legislation would provide the government with the ability to establish a standardized provincial code of conduct for municipalities. Bill 241 also expands the oversight powers of the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario and creates new mechanisms…
Human Resources Legislative Update
Ontario Introduces the More Convenient Care Act, 2024
On December 2, 2024, the Ontario government introduced the More Convenient Care Act, 2024 (Bill 231). Of particular significance to health care employers and temporary help agencies is new legislation proposed by Bill 231 that would require greater transparency on the use of third-party staffing providers in the health care industry. If passed, Bill 231…
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Federal Government Publishes Technical Amendments to the Income Tax Regulations Impacting Pension Plans and Employee Stock Option Plans
On December 4, 2024, the federal government published technical amendments to the Income Tax Regulations in the Canada Gazette. These technical amendments will implement measures that were initially released for public consultation in August 2022 and August 2023, and many will be retroactively coming into force as of their respective date of announcement (or earlier)….
FTR Now
Key “In Force” Dates Under Working for Workers Four Act, 2024 and Working for Workers Five Act, 2024 Now Proclaimed and Regulations Released
Both the Working for Workers Four Act, 2024 and Working for Workers Five Act, 2024 received Royal Assent earlier this year, with many of the key provisions to be proclaimed in force at a later date. This has now occurred and accompanying regulations have been enacted to provide additional obligations and, in some cases, clarify…
FTR Now
Ontario Introduces Working for Workers Six Act, 2024
On November 27, 2024, the Ontario government introduced the Working for Workers Six Act, 2024 (Bill 229). Bill 229 proposes amendments to various employment-related statutes, including the Employment Standards Act, 2000, Occupational Health and Safety Act, and Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997. Key proposed amendments are addressed below. Employment Standards Act, 2000 If passed,…
Human Resources Legislative Update
Strengthening Cyber Security and Building Trust in the Public Sector Act, 2024 Receives Royal Assent
On November 25, 2024, the Strengthening Cyber Security and Building Trust in the Public Sector Act, 2024 (Bill 194) received Royal Assent. Bill 194 introduces new legislation, the Enhancing Digital Security and Trust Act, 2024 (EDSTA), aimed at enhancing cyber security within the public sector. It also amends the Freedom of Information and Protection of…
Human Resources Legislative Update
WSIB to Redistribute $2 Billion to Ontario Employers
The Ontario government and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) have announced that eligible Schedule 1 employers will receive a credit to their WSIB accounts in February 2025. The WSIB has noted that strong financial and operational factors have led to a surplus beyond the WSIB reserve factor, triggering a payout of the surplus…