On September 8, 2016, changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) will come into force. The amendments require employers to develop policies and programs to prevent harassment, including sexual harassment, in the workplace. The Ministry of Labour has now finalized its “Code of Practice to Address Workplace Harassment under Ontario’s Occupational Health and…
Publication Name: FTR Now
The Latest Update on WSIB Rate Framework Modernization
As we previously reported the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) proposed a new Rate Framework Modernization (Proposed Framework) in March 2015 which, if adopted, would fundamentally change the way the WSIB classifies Schedule 1 employers and sets their premium rates…
Changing Workplaces Review – Focus on the Employment Standards Act, 2000
This is our fourth client update related to the Interim Report of the Special Advisors under Ontario’s Changing Workplaces Review (Review). In this FTR Now, we will focus on the options identified by the Special Advisors as potential changes to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA)…
Changing Workplaces Review – Focus on the Labour Relations Act, 1995
In our third client update related to the Interim Report of the Special Advisors under Ontario’s Changing Workplaces Review (Review), we focus on the options identified by the Special Advisors as potential changes to the Labour Relations Act, 1995 (LRA)…
Changing Workplaces Review – Personal Emergency Leave
On July 27, 2016, we circulated an FTR Now advising clients of the release of the Interim Report of the Special Advisors who are conducting the Changing Workplaces Review (Review). In this, our first follow-up FTR Now, we will focus on Personal Emergency Leave (PEL) under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) as that entitlement is being singled out for earlier consideration in the Review…
Changing Workplaces Review – Interim Report Issued
Since May 2015, two government-appointed Special Advisors – Mr. Justice John Murray and Mr. Michael Mitchell – have been undertaking the Changing Workplaces Review (Review) to consider the changing nature of the workplace, the causes behind those changes, and whether the Labour Relations Act, 1995 (LRA) and the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) need to be amended to meet challenges created by the changes…
Marshall Consultation Paper on Ontario Pension Solvency Funding Framework Released
Ontario registered defined benefit (DB) pension plans must be funded on the greater of a going concern or solvency basis, as we outlined in our recent FTR Now Ontario Pension Solvency Funding Framework Under Review. Due to the recent, yet prolonged, low-interest rate environment, most DB plans are in a deficit position on a solvency basis, requiring many employers to make large special payments to fund the deficits over a five-year period…
Insights for Universities on New Government Inclusivity Initiatives Targeting Gender Identification Information
In this FTR Now, we discuss the new government initiatives intended to promote inclusivity and ensure equitable treatment of trans and non-binary gendered persons, and how they may impact Ontario Universities.
Insights for School Boards on New Government Inclusivity Initiatives Targeting Gender Identification Information
While it remains to be seen what further action either government may take to mandate reforms within the broader public or private sectors, find out how your School Boards may proactively revisit current gender inclusivity efforts to plan for potential reforms…
Insights for Municipal Organizations on New Government Inclusivity Initiatives Targeting Gender Identification Information
New gender identity initiatives signal an increased focus on gender identity issues at both the provincial and federal levels – and are an important step towards greater inclusivity across jurisdictions. Find out how these initiatives may impact employers, agencies and service providers across the Municipal sector…