Reaching Out – First Edition

Dear Friends, The Social Service Sector Practice Group is pleased to introduce its first FTR Now edition of Reaching Out. Reaching Out is our Social Service Update designed to provide you with legal updates on new and developing cases, trends and topics that are relevant to your sector and which provide you with information and…

Amended Ontario Budget Bill Passes

INTRODUCTION Earlier today, the Ontario Legislature passed the government’s Budget bill – Bill 55, the Strong Action for Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2012. In this FTR Now, we will consider the status of the government’s Budget measures generally, and review the key changes adopted by the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs (the “Committee”)…

Amended Ontario Budget Bill Passes Third Reading, Receives Royal Assent

On June 20, 2012, Bill 55, Strong Action for Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2012 (“Bill 55”) passed Third Reading, as amended by the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs (“Committee”). Among other matters, proposed amendments to interest arbitration processes under a variety of statutes were deleted from the Bill, including the Ambulance Services Collective…

ESA Compliance Blitz to Target Temporary Workers, Agencies

Throughout June, July and August of 2012, the Ontario government will be conducting targeted inspections of temporary employee agencies across the province to ensure compliance with the Employment Standards Act, 2000. The blitz will focus on the following: minimum wage; vacation pay; public holidays, including time off and public holiday pay; and rules related to…

Federal Budget Implementation Bill Introduced (C-38)

On April 26, 2012, the federal government introduced Bill C-38, Jobs, Growth and Long-term Prosperity Act, omnibus legislation intended to give effect to certain key initiatives outlined in its Budget 2012. Among other matters, Bill C-38 would, if passed, amend Part I of the Canada Labour Code (“Code”) to require each party to a collective…

Retirement Homes Act Provisions Come Into Force

Effective April 15, 2012, certain provisions of the Retirement Homes Act came into force, including sections 34 to 49 of Part III (Licence to Operate a Retirement Home). Sections dealing with safety standards and compliance, staff skills, prescribed qualifications and training as well as Orders of the Registrar and Appeals (Part V), among other matters,…

2012 Federal Budget – Highlights For Employers

On March 29, 2012, the federal government tabled its 2012 Budget, Economic Action Plan 2012 – A Plan for Jobs, Growth and Long-Term Prosperity. As widely anticipated, the Budget alters the retirement landscape for many Canadians and announces cost-cutting measures and reform of the federal public service. It also proposes certain tax reform measures, and…

Ontario 2012 Budget Bill Introduced

On March 27, 2012, the Ontario government introduced Bill 55, Strong Action for Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2012 (“Bill 55”), omnibus legislation designed to implement a number of the proposals contained in its 2012 Budget, “Strong Action For Ontario.” In part, Bill 55 proposes amendments to reform the interest arbitration process in Ontario that would…