On November 30, 2023, the federal government introduced Bill C-59, Fall Economic Statement Implementation Act, 2023 (Bill C-59). Bill C-59 follows the tabling of a Notice of Ways and Means Motion, and would give effect to various initiatives set out in the 2023 Fall Economic Statement (Statement). In this FTR Now, we highlight proposals contained…
Industry: Energy & Utilities
Federal Government Publishes Draft Amendments to Pay Equity Regulations
The federal government recently published proposed regulations which would amend the Pay Equity Regulations (Regulations) made under the federal Pay Equity Act (Act). The Act addresses systemic gender discrimination in compensation practices and pay systems as well as the portion of the wage gap attributable to the undervaluation of work traditionally done by women. The…
Ensuring a Safe Holiday Party
The holiday season is a time for people to come together and celebrate. For many of us, this may include workplace parties. While the past few years have looked quite different due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many employers are back to embracing in-person workplace celebrations. No matter the size or type of workplace, all employers…
WSIB Publishes New Communicable Illnesses Policy
Following public consultations, the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has published a new operational policy on communicable illnesses (Policy), which will become effective December 1, 2023. The Policy defines a communicable illness as “an illness resulting from infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi.” In order to be entitled to benefits for…
Ontario Introduces Working for Workers Four Act, 2023
On November 14, 2023, the Ontario government introduced Bill 149, Working for Workers Four Act, 2023. Bill 149, if passed, would amend several statutes, including the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 (WSIA). This FTR Now reviews some of Bill 149’s key features of particular interest to employers….
Ontario Updates Regulation Governing Group Terminations
On November 10, 2023, the government of Ontario filed Ontario Regulation 340/23 (Amending Regulation) which amends the Termination and Severance of Employment Regulation (Regulation) made under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA). The Amending Regulation provides regulatory support for changes to the ESA’s group termination provisions made by Bill 79, Working for Workers Act, 2023 (Bill 79). Under the ESA, employers have an obligation…
Appellate Court Finds National Day of Mourning Not a Paid Holiday Under Collective Agreements
The issue of whether the National Day of Mourning is considered a “holiday” under a particular collective agreement has been the topic of recent arbitral decisions. On November 7, 2023, the Divisional Court weighed in on the issue and found that the National Day of Mourning is not a paid holiday under the applicable collective…
Ontario to Table Legislative Changes Relating to Injured Workers
On November 8, 2023, the Ontario government announced its intention to introduce legislation that would include the following protections for injured workers: The government also announced it will be launching consultations on a new job-protected leave for employees who are dealing with a critical illness, such as cancer. This new leave would match the length…
Ontario to Introduce Legislation Banning Requirements for Canadian Work Experience in Job Postings
On November 9, 2023, the Ontario government announced its intention to introduce legislation which it states would be aimed at protecting internationally trained workers. If passed, the legislation would ban employers from requiring Canadian work experience as a requirement in job postings and application forms. The government also announced that it will be “proposing changes…
Federal Government Publishes Proposed Regulations Amending Certain Canada Labour Code Regulations and Invites Public Input
On October 28, 2023, the federal government issued a notice regarding proposed Regulations Amending Certain Regulations Made Under the Canada Labour Code (the Proposed Regulations). The Proposed Regulations would amend the hazardous substances requirements for five occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations under the Canada Labour Code. The Proposed Regulations look to fill gaps in…