The holiday season is a time for celebration. For many of us, this may include workplace celebrations. All employers, big or small, should ensure that in addition to traditional party logistics, they take the time to develop a plan for providing a healthy and safe environment for employees and guests at any workplace celebrations.
Industry: Mining & Natural Resources
Ontario’s Bill 132 Referred to Committee, Includes Proposed Amendments to PBA
On November 7, 2019, Bill 132, Better for People, Smarter for Business Act, 2019 (Bill 132), passed Second Reading and was referred to the Standing Committee on General Government. Bill 132 is omnibus legislation which, if passed, will amend a number of statutes, including the Ontario Pension Benefits Act (PBA). Proposed amendments to the PBA…
FTR Quarterly – Issue 14
In This Issue An Update on Reasonable Notice Periods An Update on Executive Compensation Through the Notice Period Featured Lawyer – Kimberly D. Pepper Featured Topic – Employment Law Featured Articles An Update on Reasonable Notice Periods By: Mitchell R. Smith and Evon Gayle Determining an employee’s reasonable notice upon termination of employment used to…
Budding Industry: Amendments to Cannabis Regulations Legalizing Edible Cannabis Coming Into Force
On October 17, 2019, one year after Canada legalized the sale and purchase of dried and fresh cannabis, oil, seeds, and plants, the government of Canada’s amendments to the Cannabis Regulations made under the federal Cannabis Act will come into force, establishing rules for the legal production and sale of three new classes of cannabis….
Reminder of Upcoming AODA Deadlines
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) sets out the process for developing and enforcing accessibility standards in Ontario. Its purpose is to achieve accessibility standards for Ontarians with physical and mental disabilities by 2025. All levels of government, private sector organizations and non-profit organizations must comply with this legislation. Compliance deadline dates depend…
Ministry of Labour Consulting on “Safe at Work” Initiatives
The Ontario Ministry of Labour has announced a consultation entitled “Safe at Work Ontario 2020-21.” The Ministry is seeking information and input from stakeholders in response to specific questions related to the following issues: Hazards The Ministry has identified the top 10 occupational health and safety issues and violations in the workplace. It is asking…
September Update on Changes to the Canada Labour Code – Part 1 [Video]
With a number of changes to the Canada Labour Code having come into force on September 1, 2019, employers in the federal jurisdiction should take note of new and changing labour standards. These include new scheduling and break provisions, the right to flexible work arrangements, changes to holiday and vacation entitlements, a statutory right to refuse overtime, as well as new and amended leaves of absence.
September Update on Changes to the Canada Labour Code – Part 2 [Video]
With a number of changes to the Canada Labour Code having come into force on September 1, 2019, employers in the federal jurisdiction should take note of new and changing labour standards. These include new scheduling and break provisions, the right to request flexible work arrangements, changes to holiday and vacation entitlements, a statutory right to refuse overtime in certain circumstances, as well as new and amended leaves of absence.
Canada Heads to the Polls: Employers’ Obligation to Provide Paid Time Off to Vote
A federal election has been called for October 21, 2019. As the candidates hit the campaign trail and Election Day rapidly approaches, in this FTR Now, we provide guidance to employers on their obligations towards their employees under the Canada Elections Act.
September Update on Changes to the Canada Labour Code
We have reported on the changes to the Canada Labour Code (Code) which came into effect on July 29, 2019 and on September 1, 2019. The federal government has published new Interpretations, Policies and Guidelines (IPGs) in support of some of these changes, as well as a summary of various amendments which have not yet been proclaimed into force and their anticipated in force dates. Proposed regulations for the incoming Part IV, Administrative Monetary Penalties, of the Code have also been recently published for comment.