Federal Reforms Introduced to Prohibit Discrimination on Basis of Gender Identity or Gender Expression

On May 17, 2016, the federal government introduced Bill C-16, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code, proposed legislation adding gender identity and gender expression to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination in the Canadian Human Rights Act (CHRA). If passed, Bill C-16 would protect transgender and gender-diverse…

Ontario Budget Bill 2016 Passes

On April 13, 2016, the Ontario government passed Bill 173, Jobs for Today and Tomorrow Act (Budget Measures), 2016, omnibus legislation giving effect to initiatives contained in the Ontario Budget 2016. See our FTR Now of February 29, 2016, Ontario Budget 2016, for a detailed discussion of those initiatives of interest to employers, human resources professionals and…

Qualified Foreign Pension Fund Exemptions for Certain U.S. Investment Offerings

Canadian pension funds are continually seeking investment opportunities abroad with a view to diversifying their portfolio and maximizing risk-adjusted returns. Offerings of investments in U.S. real estate and infrastructure projects will likely increase as a result of recent U.S. legal reforms which aim to attract foreign investment in these areas. Under the U.S. Foreign Investment in Real…

Ontario Proposes Regulatory Amendments to Prohibit Use of Medical Marijuana Vaporizers in Workplaces

On March 10, 2016, the Ontario government introduced Bill 178, Smoke-Free Ontario Amendment Act, 2016. If passed, Bill 178 would amend the Smoke Free Ontario Act to provide for prescribed products and substances, in addition to tobacco. Among other things, Bill 178 would prohibit a person from smoking a prescribed product or substance or holding…