On March 29, 2011, the Ontario government introduced its 2011 Budget, “Turning the Corner to a Better Tomorrow” (PDF). Highlights in the Budget of interest to employers include: a general consolidation effort in respect of the broader public sector, including moving to “more coordinated bargaining in sectors where it is appropriate” and pursuing options for…
Practice Area: Employment Law
Federal Mandatory Reporting of Internet Child Pornography Bill Receives Royal Assent
On March 23, 2011, Bill C-22, an Act respecting the mandatory reporting of Internet child pornography by persons who provide an Internet service, received Royal Assent. As previously reported, Bill C-22 imposes a mandatory duty on persons providing an “internet service” (a service providing internet access, e-mail or internet content hosting) to the public to…
Federal 2011 Budget Introduced
On March 22, 2011, the federal government introduced its 2011 Budget “A Low-Tax Plan for Jobs and Growth”. Highlights in the Budget of interest to employers include: elimination of the mandatory retirement age for federally regulated employees volunteer firefighters tax credit anti-avoidance rules for RRSPs increase in EI premiums limited to 5 cents in 2011…
Affordable Housing Legislation (Bill 140) Passes Second Reading
On March 8, 2011, Bill 140, Strong Communities Through Affordable Housing Act, carried at Second Reading and was ordered referred to the Standing Committee on Justice Policy. Bill 140 would, if passed, repeal the Social Housing Reform Act, 2000 and enact the Housing Services Act, 2010. The legislation relates to the provision of housing and…
Good Government Bill Passes Third Reading
On March 7, 2011, Bill 110, the Good Government Act, was carried at Third Reading. As previously reported, Bill 110 is omnibus legislation that would, if passed, make a number of amendments to various Acts, including several employment-related statutes. The Bill should be consulted for coming into force information.
Registered Human Resources Professionals Bill Referred to Committee
On March 3, 2011, Bill 138, the Registered Human Resources Professionals Act, 2010, passed Second Reading and was ordered referred to the Standing Committee on General Government. As previously reported, Bill 138 is a Private Member’s Bill that was introduced in the Ontario Legislature on November 23, 2010. If passed, it would create a more…
Giving Accessibility the Green Light: Ontario Government Moves Forward With a Draft “Integrated Accessibility Standards” Regulation Under the AODA
The Ministry of Community and Social Services (the “Ministry”) has released for public comment the long-awaited draft Integrated Accessibility Standards regulation (the “Draft Regulation”) under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (the “AODA” or the “Act“). The 54-page Draft Regulation combines accessibility standards in three areas: information and communication, employment, and transportation. It…
Proposed AODA Integrated Accessibility Regulation Posted For Public Comment
On February 1, 2011, the Ontario government published its proposed Integrated Accessibility Regulation (“IAR”) under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (“AODA”) for final public review and commentary. This draft regulation reflects public input received on the initial draft Integrated Accessibility Standard summary of proposed regulatory requirements released in September 2010. Among the…
Community Care Access Corporations Act Regulation Filed
On February 1, 2011, the Ontario government filed further amendments to O. Reg. 554/06 (as previously amended by O. Reg. 251/09) under the Community Care Access Corporations Act, 2001. O. Reg. 26/11 (Community Care Access Corporations) prescribes a new “charitable object” for the purposes of section 5 of the Act, adding supportive housing programs that…
New Retirement Homes Act, 2010 Regulations Proposed
On February 22, 2011, the Ontario government announced proposed regulations under the Retirement Homes Act, 2010. In part, the regulations would define “retirement home” for the purposes of the Act as a facility with a minimum of six qualifying residents, excluding the premises or parts of premises used to deliver certain programs for which there…