306 Results

Ontario Passes Legislation to Prevent Proceedings that Limit Freedom of Expression

On October 28, 2015, Bill 52, Protection of Public Participation Act, 2014, passed Third Reading. Bill 52 amends the Courts of Justice Act by adding a section regarding Prevention of Proceedings that Limit Freedom of Expression on Matters of Public Interest (Gag Proceedings). As stated in the Bill, the purpose of the provision is: (a) to encourage individuals…

Ontario Introduces Legislation to Address Sexual Violence and Harassment

On October 27, 2015, the Ontario government tabled new legislation to address sexual violence and harassment. If passed, the proposed measures in Bill 132, the Sexual Violence and Harassment Action Plan Act (Supporting Survivors and Challenging Sexual Violence and Harassment), 2015 (“Act”), would, among other things, require publicly assisted colleges and universities and private career…

Reaching Out – Eighth Edition

Dear Friends, Before everyone becomes distracted by the beautiful weather and blooming flowers, we wanted to provide you with our Spring Edition of Reaching Out. We hope that it will give you some valuable information that you can put to good use during the hazy days of summer. Leanne N. Fisher, an Associate in our…

Elimination of Federal Card Check Union Certification and a Lower Threshold for Union Decertification Votes

Effective June 16, 2015, significant reforms to the existing federal union certification and decertification processes will come into effect as a result of key amendments to the Canada Labour Code, the Parliamentary Employee and Staff Relations Act and the Public Service Labour Relations Act. These amendments were enacted by Bill C-525, Employees’ Voting Rights Act, Private…

Significant Reforms to Federal Union Certification and Decertification Regime

On December 16, 2014, Bill C-525, Employees’ Voting Rights Act, received Royal Assent. This omnibus legislation amends the Canada Labour Code (“Code”), the Parliamentary Employee and Staff Relations Act and the Public Service Labour Relations Act to significantly reform the existing federal union certification and decertification processes under these three statutes. Of particular note to…

Federal Government Proposes Amendments to Temporary Foreign Worker Program

On October 23, 2014, the federal government introduced Bill C-43, Economic Action Plan 2014 Act, No. 2, omnibus legislation intended to further implement measures first announced in its Budget 2014, Economic Action Plan 2014. Among other matters, Division 24 of Part 4 of Bill C-43 would amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (“Act”) to support a…

Ontario Reintroduces Healthcare Reform Legislation to Enhance Patient Care, Pharmacy Safety

On July 22, 2014, the Ontario government introduced Bill 21, the Safeguarding Health Care Integrity Act, 2014 (“Bill 21”). In part, the amendments outlined in Bill 21 reintroduce healthcare reform measures first proposed in Bill 117, Enhancing Patient Care and Pharmacy Safety (Statute Law Amendment) Act, 2013, which had not been passed before the June election….

Federal Budget Bill Receives Royal Assent (C-4)

On December 12, 2013, Bill C-4, the Economic Action Plan 2013 Act, No. 2, received Royal Assent. As previously reported, Bill C-4 is omnibus legislation implementing measures from the Economic Action Plan 2013 (the 2013 Budget), as well as certain previously announced tax measures. The Bill should be consulted for coming into force information. For a more detailed…

Registered Human Resources Professionals Bill Passes, Now in Force

On November 6, 2013, Bill 32, the Registered Human Resources Professionals Act, 2013, passed Third Reading and received Royal Assent, as amended by the Standing Committee on Regulations and Private Bills. The Committee amendments add “Certified Human Capital Professional” and “Certified Human Capital Leader” to the Designations in Table 1. As previously reported, Bill 32…

Ontario Government Proposes Central Bargaining for School Boards

The Ontario government has introduced legislation that would, if passed, provide for central bargaining for school boards – a significant departure from how collective bargaining has historically occurred in the sector. Bill 122, the School Boards Collective Bargaining Act, 2013, was introduced at First Reading on October 22, 2013, and will now undergo consideration by…