1098 Results

WSIB Rate Framework Policy Consultation Extended

As we previously reported, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board has launched a public consultation on draft policies for the new Rate Framework, which will be implemented on January 1, 2020. The deadline for submissions on the Rate Framework Policy Consultation has been extended from October 13, 2017 to December 5, 2017. Submissions can be…

Benefits Canada Publishes an Article by Thomas Agnew on Termination in Employment Contracts

Hicks Morley’s Thomas Agnew authored an article in Benefits Canada titled “Employers Given Mixed Messages on Termination in Employment Contracts.” Employment contracts often contain clauses limiting an employee’s entitlement upon termination to the minimum entitlements under the Employment Standards Act or any other amount the employer and employee have agreed to. However, if the clauses violate the act in any way, courts may not enforce them.

Ontario Tables Omnibus Healthcare Bill

On September 27, 2017, the Ontario government tabled Bill 160, Strengthening Quality and Accountability for Patients Act, 2017, omnibus legislation which addresses the delivery of healthcare services in Ontario. If passed, Bill 160 would create the following statutes: The Health Sector Payment Transparency Act, which would require disclosure of information about financial relationships within the…

Appellate Court Issues Favourable Decision for Suncor on its Random Drug and Alcohol Policy

The legal saga on the issue of random drug and alcohol testing of employees continues. In Suncor Energy Inc v Unifor Local 707A, the Alberta Court of Appeal sent the issue of whether Suncor’s random drug and alcohol testing policy violated the privacy rights of its unionized workers back to a new arbitration hearing before…

Back to School Edition – Student-Focused Case Law and Legislative Update

Welcome back to school! We hope everyone enjoyed a restful summer season. To kick off the school year, we bring you the latest edition of our School Board Update with particular emphasis on legislation and decisions involving the student body…

WSIB Schedule 1 Regulation Amended

On August 31, 2017, the Ontario government filed O. Reg. 348/17 amending O. Reg. 175/98 (General) made under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.  The regulation makes changes to certain industries in which Schedule 1 employers are liable to contribute to the Insurance Fund. Among other things, amendments to Class G – Construction: maintain…

Ontario Minimum Wage to Increase on October 1, 2017

On October 1, 2017, the general minimum wage in Ontario will increase from $11.40 to $11.60 an hour. This minimum wage applies to most employees. Minimum wage rates for specified students, liquor servers, hunting and fishing guides and homeworkers will increase on the same date. Note that the Ontario government has tabled legislation to increase…

WSIB Rate Framework Implementation Date Set for January 1, 2020

Further to O. Reg. 349/17 which amends O. Reg. 470/16 made under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997, the new Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) Rate Framework will be implemented on January 1, 2020, which is one year later than the initial targeted implementation date. As we previously reported, the Rate Framework will fundamentally change…

Human Rights Update 2017
L’état des droits de la personne en 2017

Overview Aperçu Employers have faced a steady stream of challenges in recent years in managing human rights issues in the workplace. The law imposes considerable obligations on employers, and there are seldom easy answers when difficulties arise. Join George Vuicic and Anne Lemay as they lead a lively presentation and discussion on the most significant…