On December 4, 2013, the Ontario government introduced Bill 146, the Stronger Workplaces for a Stronger Economy Act, 2013 (“Bill 146”). If passed, Bill 146 would make significant changes to a number of employment-related statutes, including the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (“ESA”), the Occupational Health and Safety Act (“OHSA”) and the Workplace Safety and Insurance…
Practice Area: Employment Law
Significant ESA, WSIA, OHSA, LRA Amendments Proposed (Bill 146, Stronger Workplaces for a Stronger Economy Act)
On December 4, 2013, the Ontario government introduced Bill 146, the Stronger Workplaces for a Stronger Economy Act, omnibus legislation that would, if passed, amend several key employment-related statutes, including the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (“ESA”), the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 (“WSIA”), the Occupational Health and Safety Act (“OHSA”), the Labour Relations Act,…
Ontario Introduces Bill 141, Infrastructure for Jobs and Prosperity Act
On November 26, 2013, the Ontario government introduced Bill 141, the Infrastructure for Jobs and Prosperity Act, 2013, at First Reading. If passed, this legislation would establish legislative and regulatory mechanisms intended to “encourage principled, evidence-based and strategic long-term infrastructure planning that supports job creation and training opportunities, economic growth and protection of the environment,…
Planning a Safe Holiday Celebration
The holiday season is around the corner – and with it come festivities and celebrations. Whether these seasonal events are large or small, employee health and safety remains a key priority. In this FTR Now, we identify a number of proactive measures employers should consider in planning for a safe holiday celebration. Over the years,…
Federal Government Proposes Priority Hiring for Injured Veterans Act (C-11)
On November 7, 2013, the federal government introduced Bill C-11, the Priority Hiring for Injured Veterans Act. If passed, this legislation would amend the Public Service Employment Act to establish a priority appointment over all other persons for certain members of the Canadian Forces who are released for medical reasons attributable to service, and who…
Registered Human Resources Professionals Bill Passes, Now in Force
On November 6, 2013, Bill 32, the Registered Human Resources Professionals Act, 2013, passed Third Reading and received Royal Assent, as amended by the Standing Committee on Regulations and Private Bills. The Committee amendments add “Certified Human Capital Professional” and “Certified Human Capital Leader” to the Designations in Table 1. As previously reported, Bill 32…
2013 Federal Budget No. 2 (Bill C-4)
On October 22, 2013, the federal government introduced the Economic Action Plan 2013 Act, No. 2, omnibus legislation that would, if passed, implement measures from the Economic Action Plan 2013 (the 2013 Budget), as well as certain previously announced tax measures. Budget Bill items of interest to employers, human resources professionals and pension plan administrators…
Federal Government Announces Budget Bill No. 2
On October 22, 2013, the federal government announced the introduction of the Economic Action Plan 2013 Act, No. 2. The Bill would, if passed, implement key measures from Economic Action Plan 2013 (the Budget), as well as certain previously announced tax measures. Among other things, the Bill would: freeze Employment Insurance premium rates for three…
Ontario Introduces New Healthcare Legislation to Enhance Patient Care, Pharmacy Safety
On October 10, 2013, the Ontario government introduced Bill 117, Enhancing Patient Care and Pharmacy Safety (Statute Law Amendment) Act, 2013. If passed, this legislation would, among other things: amend the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act to allow premises associated with hospitals and health and custodial institutions to be considered “pharmacies” for the purposes of…
Nursing Act Amendment Comes into Force January, 2014
Effective January 1, 2014, section 4.5 of the Nursing Act, 1991 will come into force, adding “dispensing a drug” to the list of authorized acts a member, other than a member described in section 5.1 of the Act (“certain authorized nurses”), is conditionally authorized to perform in the course of engaging in the practice of…