On December 16, 2010, the Expert Advisory Panel on Occupational Health and Safety tabled its Report and Recommendations to the Minister of Labour (“Report”) on ways to improve workplace health and safety in Ontario. As recommended by the Report, the government announced the creation of a Chief Prevention Officer position, which will be tasked with…
Industry: Manufacturing
Federal Pension Regulations Proposed
On Tuesday, December 14, 2010, the federal government proposed a number of regulatory amendments to the Pension Benefits Standards Regulations, 1985 for public commentary. The proposed amendments are designed to increase protection of plan members and retirees and would, in part: permit plan sponsors to secure properly structured letters of credit in lieu of making…
Ontario Legislative Assembly Adjourns Until February 22, 2011
On December 9, 2010, the House adjourned for the winter break. It is scheduled to resume sitting on February 22, 2011.
Ontario’s Phase II Pension Reform Bill Receives Royal Assent
On December 8, 2010, Bill 120, the Securing Pension Benefits Now and for the Future Act, 2010, received Royal Assent. As previously reported, the Bill passed at Third Reading on December 7, 2010 after being amended by the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs under an accelerated schedule for consideration and debate.
Ontario Passes Pension Reform Bill
On Tuesday, December 7, 2010, the Ontario government passed Bill 120, the Securing Pension Benefits Now and for the Future Act, 2010. As previously reported, Bill 120 was amended by the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs and ordered for Third Reading on December 1, 2010 under an accelerated schedule for consideration and debate….
Pension Reform Bill Ordered for Third Reading Under Accelerated Schedule
In accordance with the terms of a special time allocation motion that was passed on November 3, 2010, Bill 120, the Securing Pension Benefits Now and for the Future Act, 2010, was reported to the House as amended by the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs and ordered for Third Reading on December 1,…
Ontario’s Good Government Bill Ordered for Third Reading
On November 30, 2010, Bill 110, the Good Government Act, was reported to the House without amendments by the Standing Committee on General Government, and ordered for 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.
ESA amendments proclaimed into force
On November 29, 2010, the amendments to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 in Schedule 9 of the Open for Business Act, 2010 were proclaimed into force. As previously reported, the Open for Business Act, 2010 is omnibus legislation and the amendments to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 will: allow the Director of Employment Standards to…
Bill C-28 Passes Third Reading
On November 23, 2010, Bill C-28 passed Third Reading in the House of Commons. It was indicated in the speeches at Third Reading that the short title of the Bill will be the Electronic Commerce Protection Act (formerly the Fighting Internet and Wireless Spam Act). As previously reported, the Bill would enact comprehensive anti-SPAM legislation….
Planning For a Safe Holiday Office Party
It is that time of year again when employers are planning their holiday festivities. Whether the festivity is large or small, it remains as important as ever 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…