On October 2, 2012, Bill C-44, Helping Families in Need Act, passed Second Reading and was referred to the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities. As previously reported, among other things Bill C-44, if passed, will make certain amendments to the Employment Insurance Act and…
Industry: Education
Premier McGuinty Announces His Resignation and Prorogues the Legislature
In an unexpected development, Premier McGuinty announced yesterday that he will be resigning as Premier of Ontario and as leader of the Ontario Liberal party. Premier McGuinty also announced that he asked the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario to prorogue the Legislature, which now appears to have occurred. While both announcements will come as a surprise…
Tax Measures from Federal Budget 2012 to be Implemented
On October 15, 2012, the federal government tabled a Notice of Ways and Means Motion to implement certain tax measures contained in the government’s March 2012 budget, the Economic Action Plan, 2012 – A Plan for Jobs, Growth and Long-Term Prosperity. Among other things, the Notice of Ways and Means Motion includes implementation of the…
Ontario Legislature Prorogues
On October 15, 2012, Ontario Premier McGuinty announced his resignation and as well the Ontario Legislature prorogued. As a result of the prorogation, all outstanding business before the Legislature, including all government and Private Members’ Bills, “died” on the Order Paper. All Committee work has also ended. For more information on the prorogation, and especially…
Information Bulletins on Anti-spam Legislation Published
Two information bulletins have been published by the Canadian Radio-Television Communications Commission (CRTC) to help businesses better understand Bill C-28, the federal anti-spam legislation. The bulletins include, among other things, examples of acceptable practices. As previously reported, Bill C-28 enacts comprehensive anti-spam legislation and specifically amends the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (“PIPEDA”)…
PSFA Regulations Filed (Hiring Practices and Sick Leave Provisions 2012-2013)
On September 12, 2012, sections 1 through 19 (inclusive) and 21 of the Putting Students First Act, 2012 (”PSFA”) were proclaimed in force. The restraint period applies retroactively, as outlined in the Act. On that date, the Ontario government filed a new regulation under the Education Act with respect to hiring practices. It is important…
Raising the Bar – Fourth Edition
“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” L.M. Montgomery Dear Friends, We are pleased to provide you with the fourth issue of Raising the Bar. Our batteries are recharged following a summer break, and we are ready for autumn! In this issue, we share with you recent decisions that you…
EI Rates Set for 2013
On September 14, 2012, the 2013 employment insurance premium rate for residents of all provinces (with the exception of Québec) was set at $1.88 per $100 of insurable earnings by resolution of the Canada Employment Insurance Financing Board. The 2013 employment insurance premium rate for Québec residents was set at $1.52 per $100 of insurable…
2013 Basic Rate Set By Superintendent of Financial Institutions
On September 7, 2012, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions set the basic rate for the Office year beginning on April 1, 2013 at $10.00, pursuant to the Assessment of Pension Plans Regulations. This rate applies to pension plans with a year-end between October 1, 2012, and September 30, 2013 and for newly…
The Proposed Protecting Public Services Act Would Significantly Change Terms and Conditions of Employment for Directors, Superintendants and Senior Board Officials
On September 26, 2012, the Ontario Minister of Finance announced draft omnibus legislation, the Protecting Public Services Act, 2012 (the “Draft Bill”), that would, if enacted, implement new compensation restraint measures for the Broader Public Sector (“BPS”) and would impose a significant new provincially mandated collective bargaining regime. At first glance, the Draft Bill may…