On December 21, 2011, the Ontario government confirmed that private sector and not-for-profit organizations have until December 31, 2012 to file accessibility reports required under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (“AODA”) Customer Service Standards regulation. The government also prepared “tip sheets” to assist organizations in meeting the emergency response requirements under the…
Industry: Municipalities & Municipal Agencies
Federal Budget Implementation Bill Receives Royal Assent (C-13)
On December 15, 2011, Bill C-13, Keeping Canada’s Economy and Jobs Growing Act received Royal Assent. Bill C-13 is omnibus legislation designed to implement a number of measures proposed in its 2011 Budget, as outlined in our FTR Now of March 24, 2011, “Federal Budget 2011.”
Federal Pooled Registered Pension Plan (“PRPP”) Income Tax Amendments Proposed
On December 14, 2011, the federal government released draft legislative proposals outlining proposed amendments to the Income Tax Act (“ITA”) and the Income Tax Regulations to facilitate the implementation of Pooled Registered Pension Plans (“PRPPs”) for public commentary. The proposed amendments would incorporate PRPPs into the existing ITA regime for registered retirement savings vehicles and…
2012 EI Premium Rate Set
On November 14, 2011, the Board of Directors of the Canada Employment Insurance Financing Board passed a resolution setting the 2012 Employment Insurance (“EI”) premium rate for residents of all provinces, with the exception of Quebec, at $1.83 per $100 of insurable earnings. The EI premium rate for Quebec residents has also been set, at…
Ontario Introduces Family Caregiver Leave
On December 8, 2011, the Ontario government introduced Bill 30, Family Caregiver Leave Act (Employment Standards Amendment), 2011, legislation that, if passed, will amend the Employment Standards Act, 2000 to create Family Caregiver Leave, effective July 1, 2012. The initiative to provide eligible employees with up to eight weeks of job-protected unpaid leave was first…
Three Recent Decisions, Three Different Results – An Update on the 24 Hour Shift in the Fire Sector
INTRODUCTION In recent years, the issue of whether or not to adopt a 24 hour shift schedule has become one of the top demands that fire associations are seeking at the bargaining table and at interest arbitration. Fire associations have sought the 24 hour shift regardless of the size of the department, population served or…
Bill C-13 at First Reading in the Senate
On November 22, 2011, First Reading of Bill C-13, Keeping Canada’s Economy and Jobs Growing Act, commenced in the Senate. As previously reported, the Bill was introduced on October 4, 2011.
Ontario Legislative Assembly Convenes to Elect Speaker
On November 21, 2011, the Ontario Legislative Assembly convened for the Election of the Speaker. The Speech from the Throne will be given on Tuesday November 22, 2011.
Alcohol and the Holiday Office Party
It is that time of year again when thoughts are turning to seasonal and holiday celebrations. Whether these celebrations are large or small, it is important that employers take proactive steps to ensure the health and safety of their employees who attend office parties or other celebrations. Over the years, a number of court decisions…
Are You Prepared for the AODA?
As the new year approaches, some key compliance deadlines under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (“AODA“) are also approaching. In this FTR Now, we review what needs to be done by employers by January 1, 2012. ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE By January 1, 2012, private and not-for-profit organizations should be in…