On September 27, 2017, amendments to the Ambulance Act were tabled as part of Bill 160, Strengthening Quality and Accountability for Patients Act, 2017, omnibus legislation which addresses a number of changes in the healthcare system…
Practice Area: Labour Relations
IMEs and the Scope of an Employer’s Communications with IME Examiners
The Ontario Court of Appeal has denied leave to appeal a judicial review of a Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (Tribunal) decision that found an employer’s request for an Independent Medical Examination (IME) as part of the accommodation process reasonable in the circumstances. This case further provides helpful guidance with respect to the scope of…
Union Need Not be Involved in Every Accommodation Request, Appeal Court Rules (and the Supreme Court Agrees)
Earlier this year, the British Columbia Court of Appeal issued a helpful decision for employers dealing with accommodation issues in a unionized context. On September 7, 2017, the Supreme Court of Canada denied the union’s request for leave to appeal from the B.C. Court of Appeal decision. The B.C. Court of Appeal decision considered the…
Big Changes to Bill 148 after Committee Review
On August 21, 2017, the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs (Committee) adopted significant amendments to Bill 148, the Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017 (Bill 148) which will be reported back to the Ontario Legislature when it resumes sitting on September 11, 2017…
WSIB Launches Public Consultation on Draft Policies for New Rate Framework
The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has launched a public consultation on seven draft policies made in support of its new Rate Framework, which was approved by the WSIB Board of Directors in November 2016. The Rate Framework has a targeted implementation date of January 2019. Comments are invited on the following draft policies:…
Bill 148 and Pay Equity: A Changing Landscape and Increasing Scrutiny of Ontario Employers
As part of the 30th anniversary of the Pay Equity Act (Act), the Pay Equity Office has implemented several new initiatives in 2017 in support of its mandate to administer and enforce the Act. These initiatives, coupled with pending legislative changes under Bill 148, present significant changes and potential risks to employers across the province.
Budget Bill Passes, Making Significant Changes to the Canada Labour Code
In our Federal Post of May 30, 2017, we undertook to bring you a more detailed analysis of the changes to the Canada Labour Code (Code) enacted by Bill C-44, the Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 1, after it received Royal Assent…
Ontario’s New Child and Family Services Framework is Coming Soon
As we previously reported, the Ontario government introduced Bill 89, the Supporting Children, Youth and Families Act, 2016 (Bill 89), omnibus legislation repealing the current Child and Family Services Act, and enacting new legislation in its place. Bill 89 received Royal Assent on June 1, but is not yet in force. Certain amendments to the…
FTR Quarterly – Issue 6
In This Issue Gender Identity and Gender Expression: Best Practices for Employers and Service Providers FTRQ&A – Bill C-45, the Cannabis Act Quick Hit – Changing Workplaces Review: A Bill 148 Timeline The Dos & Don’ts of Employment Reference Letters: Best Practices for Employers Featured Lawyer – Simon Mortimer Featured Group – Pay Equity Featured Articles…
Secret Ballots No More: Card Check Certification Returns to Federal Sector
On June 19, 2017, Bill C-4, An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code, the Parliamentary Employment and Staff Relations Act, the Public Service Labour Relations Act and the Income Tax Act, received Royal Assent. In this Federal Post we discuss Bill C-4 and its significance for employers in the federal sector…