On November 21, 2018, the federal government issued its Fall Economic Statement 2018, “Investing in Middle Class Jobs” (Statement). Among other things, the Statement: reiterates the Budget 2018 commitment of an evidence-based approach towards addressing retirement security and announces that targeted consultations will soon be launched as the government continues to explore ways to enhance…
Industry: Media & Communications
Legislation Reversing Parts of Bill 148 Passes
On November 21, 2018, Bill 47, the Making Ontario Open for Business Act, 2018, as amended by the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs, passed Third Reading…
The Outlook is More Change: Ontario Proposes Significant Reforms to Pension and Employment-Related Statutes
The Ontario government’s Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review (Fiscal Review) and supporting omnibus legislation, Bill 57, the Restoring Trust, Transparency and Accountability Act, 2018 (Bill 57), propose a number of significant reforms and initiatives to pension, benefit, tax and employment-related legislation that will impact your workplace and pension plan administration. Bill 57 also contains proposals related specifically to fire services, which were outlined in our prior communication, Ontario Government Tables Legislation Impacting Bargaining and Interest Arbitration in the Fire Sector.
CRTC Publishes Guidance on Indirect Contraventions of Canada’s Anti-Spam Law
On November 5, 2018, the CRTC published its Compliance and Enforcement Information Bulletin CRTC 2018-415 (Bulletin), which is a guideline regarding the prohibition against facilitating spam under Canada’s Anti-Spam Law (CASL). Section 9 of CASL imposes prohibitions and penalties for activities that facilitate the contravention of the anti-spam provisions in sections 6-8. The non-facilitation prohibition…
’Tis the Season: Holiday Tips for Employers
With the holiday season just around the corner, many of us are preparing for the seasonal festivities, which may include workplace celebrations. It is important that employers, whether large or small, take proactive steps to ensure the health and safety of their employees who attend office parties or other workplace celebrations.
Bill 47 Referred to Committee with Public Hearings to be Held on November 15: Note Quick Deadline for Request to Make Submissions
On November 12, 2018, Bill 47, the Making Ontario Open for Business Act, 2018, was carried on division at Second Reading and was referred to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs. The Committee will be holding public hearings on the Bill in Toronto on Thursday, November 15, 2018. For those parties who wish…
Government Proposes Changes to ESA Regulations in Support of Bill 47
On November 7, 2018, the government of Ontario posted proposed changes to regulations made under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) in support of the ESA amendments introduced by Bill 47, Making Ontario Open for Business Act, 2018. Proposed Changes to O. Reg. 502/06 (Terms and Conditions of Employment in Defined Industries – Automobile Manufacturing,…
Federal Government Passes Legislation Aimed at Preventing Harassment and Violence in the Workplace
On October 25, 2018, Bill C-65, An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code (harassment and violence), the Parliamentary Employment and Staff Relations Act and the Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 1 (Act) received Royal Assent. As previously reported on November 9, 2017, November 27, 2017, and June 28, 2018, this Act amends the Canada Labour…
Increased Penalties for Cell Phone Use While Driving In Force January 1, 2019
Changes to the Highway Traffic Act enacted by Bill 174, the Cannabis, Smoke Free Ontario and Road Safety Statute Law Amendment Act, 2017 which relate to cell phone use while driving are coming into force on January 1, 2019. Beginning on January 1, 2019, penalties will increase as set out below for conviction of the…
Regulatory Exemption for Record Check Process under Police Record Checks Reform Act, 2015 Filed
As discussed in our previous post, the Police Record Checks Reform Act, 2015 (Act) creates new procedural requirements for requesting and obtaining criminal record, judicial matters and vulnerable sector backgrounds checks. The Act creates a requirement for a two-stage consent process where: (1) the individual must consent to the type of check being conducted; and…