The Ontario government has filed regulatory amendments to the Rules of Civil Procedure (Rules) which come into effect on January 1, 2021. Many of the amendments update the Rules to provide for virtual proceedings and electronic processes. Ontario Regulation 689/20 amends numerous provisions of the Rules relating to hearings by videoconference, electronic certified copies, electronic…
Hicks Morley publishes a number of materials, both electronic and print, on issue-specific and sector-specific topics of interest to our clients. Our insights section has links to all of our various publications, updates and blogs, both current and historical, to keep you informed of developments in the law that impact human resources.
Human Resources Legislative Update
Bill Relating to Daylight Savings Time Passes in Ontario Legislature – Not Yet in Force
On November 30, 2020, Bill 214, Time Amendment Act, 2020, a Private Member’s Bill, received Royal Assent. It has not yet been proclaimed into force. If proclaimed into force, the Bill would amend the Time Act to make the time now called “daylight savings time” the “standard time” year round. In addition, the Bill would…
Federal Post
New Pay Transparency Measures in Certain Federal Workplaces to Come into Force on January 1, 2021
New pay transparency requirements under the federal Employment Equity Act (Act) have been proclaimed into force effective January 1, 2021, together with supporting amendments made to the Employment Equity Regulations (Amended Regulations). These changes will affect all federally regulated private sector employers who employ 100 or more employees. The Legislative Changes to the Act Federally…
FTR Now
Ontario Expands Testing for COVID-19 – What Employers Need to Know
On November 20, 2020, the Ontario government filed two regulations that allow point-of-care testing for COVID-19 to take place outside of laboratories and permit an expanded list of healthcare professionals to perform COVID-19 testing. The regulations came into effect on November 20.
FTR Now
Modernizing Canada’s Privacy Laws: What Employers Need to Know About Bill C-11
On November 17, 2020, the federal government introduced Bill C-11, An Act to enact the Consumer Privacy Protection Act and the Personal Information and Data Protection Tribunal Act and to make consequential and related amendments to other Acts.
FTR Now
Ontario Places Toronto and Peel Region into Lockdown, Changes Made to Other Regions
On November 20, 2020 the Ontario government announced that it will be moving certain regions of the province to new levels of the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework (Framework). This included moving the City of Toronto and Peel Region to the Grey Zone – Lockdown of the Framework, effective earlier today, November 23 at 12:01 a.m. These restrictions will be in effect for at least 28 days.
Human Resources Legislative Update
Ontario Government Launches Workplace Education and Enforcement Campaigns to Ensure COVID-19 Health and Safety Compliance
On November 19, 2020, the Ontario government announced that it is launching a series of education and enforcement campaigns (“inspection blitzes”) to ensure Ontario businesses are taking the necessary steps for the safety of employees, consumers and the public in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaigns have been developed in consultation with local health…
Federal Post
Temporary Layoff Provisions Extended Again, Proposed Regulations Under Pay Equity Act Now Available for Consultation
Two recent developments of note will impact federally regulated workplaces. First, the federal government has provided an additional extension of the temporary layoff provisions under the Canada Labour Standards Regulations in light of COVID-19. Second, it has published proposed regulations under the federal Pay Equity Act for consultation.
FTR Now
Note Extended Deadline for Filing AODA Compliance Report, and More
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) sets out the process for developing and enforcing accessibility standards in Ontario. Its purpose is to achieve accessibility standards for Ontarians with physical and mental disabilities by 2025. All levels of government, private sector organizations and non-profit organizations must comply with this legislation.
FTR Now
Adjusting to Ontario’s New Colour-Coded COVID-19 Zones
The Ontario government has enacted new regulations that amend the Rules for Areas in Stage 2 and 3. The regulations aim to implement the recently announced reopening framework. The regulations: