On September 26, 2012, the government announced draft omnibus legislation, the Protecting Public Services Act, 2012 (the “Draft Bill”), that would implement new, substantially more restrictive compensation restraint measures, and impose a significant new provincially mandated collective bargaining regime, for the Broader Public Sector (“BPS”).
Practice Area: Employment Law
Government Announces New Compensation Restraints
Earlier today, the Honourable Dwight Duncan, Ontario’s Minister of Finance, announced a series of new compensation restraints that will apply to government agencies, the Ontario Public Service and the Broader Public Sector. Among the highlights of the government’s announcement are: “Under the plan, executive pay would be permanently capped at no more than double the…
Federal Government Introduces Helping Families in Need Act
On September 20, 2012, the federal government introduced Bill C-44, the Helping Families in Need Act, legislation that would, if passed, amend (among other things) both the Employment Insurance Act (“EI Act”) and the Canada Labour Code as follows: the EI Act will provide for a new specified sickness benefit for parents receiving EI parental…
Family Caregiver Leave Bill Passes Second Reading, Referred to Committee
On September 6, 2012, Bill 30, Family Caregiver Leave Act (Employment Standards Amendment), 2011 carried at Second Reading and was referred to the Standing Committee on Social Policy. As previously reported, Bill 30 would, if passed, amend the Employment Standards Act, 2000 to create Family Caregiver Leave. The leave would be available to all full-time,…
Ontario Releases Proposed Amendments to Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation
On August 15, 2012, the Ontario government published proposed amendments to the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IAS) (Ontario Regulation 191/11) under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 for public consultation. The amendments, once finalized, are expected to come into force the later of January 1, 2013, or the day they are filed. The…
Pay Equity Guide Now Available
The Pay Equity Commission has published “A Guide to Interpreting Ontario’s Pay Equity Act” (August 2012). The Guide provides an overview of the interpretation by the Pay Equity Office of the minimum requirements of the Pay Equity Act, and is primarily intended to provide employers with guidance as to their obligations under that legislation.
Ontario Government Publishes Integrated Accessibility Standards Guide and Compliance Tool
The Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services has published “A Guide to the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation” dated July 2012. The Integrated Accessibility Standards (IAS) Regulation was made under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. It came into force on July 1, 2011 and affects nearly all organizations in Ontario. The Guide…
Federal Government Creates Panel on Labour Market Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities
Further to its Economic Action Plan 2012, the federal government has announced the creation of a Panel on Labour Market Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities. The Panel has been charged with identifying private sector successes and best practices regarding labour market participation of persons with disabilities. It will also identify barriers and disincentives to employment…
House of Commons Adjourns Until September 17, 2012
On Thursday, June 21, 2012, the federal House of Commons adjourned until 11:00 a.m. (EDT) on Monday, September 17, 2012.
EI Regulations Giving Effect to Federal Budget 2012 Initiatives Now in Force
On June 20, 2012, Regulations Amending The Employment Insurance Regulations (“Regulations”) were registered and are now in force. Pilot Project No. 14, Pilot Project for Calculating Benefit Rate Based on Claimant’s 14 Highest Weeks of Insurance Earnings (Best 14 Weeks), previously scheduled to end on June 23, 2012, is extended by the Regulations and will…