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…
Practice Area: Employment Law
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…
Helping Families in Need Act Passes Second Reading, Referred to Committee
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…
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”)…
New Regulation Gives Pharmacists Ability to Administer Flu Shots, Renew Prescriptions
On October 1, 2012, O. Reg. 302/12 made under the Pharmacy Act, 1991 was filed. The regulation amends O. Reg. 202/94 (General) by adding “Controlled Acts” provisions permitting, among other things: a pharmacist to administer the influenza vaccine to a patient five years or older in accordance with prescribed conditions; and a pharmacist or other…
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…
Four Hicks Morley Lawyers Recognized in Who’s Who Legal Canada (3rd Edition) 2012
Hicks Morley congratulates Christopher Riggs, Stephen Shamie, John Brooks and Craig Rix for being recognized in the Who’s Who Legal Canada (3rd Edition) 2012 Annual Compendium. This edition lists a compilation of Canada’s pre-eminent practitioners across 31 fields. Lawyers are selected for inclusion through a six-month research process in which Who’s Who Legal‘s researchers interview and…
Ontario Proposes Significant Changes to Wage Restraint and Collective Bargaining in the Broader Public Sector
On September 26, 2012, the Ontario Minister of Finance announced draft omnibus legislation, the Protecting Public Services Act, 2012 (the “Draft Bill”), which would implement new compensation restraint measures for the Broader Public Sector (“BPS”), and would impose a significant new provincially mandated collective bargaining regime. The Draft Bill would also make changes to the…
Ontario Releases Draft Compensation Restraint Legislation for Consultation
On September 26, 2012, the government announced draft omnibus legislation, the Protecting Public Services Act, 2012 (the “Draft Bill”), that would implement new, substantially more restrictive compensation restraint measures, and impose a significant new provincially mandated collective bargaining regime, for the Broader Public Sector (“BPS”).
Court Pierces Corporate Veil in “Common Employer” Case
Justice Gray of the Ontario Superior Court recently reviewed the common employer doctrine within the context of a Mareva injunction motion. In Kingston v. GMA Cover Corp., the plaintiffs had been employed by GMA Cover Corp. in Guelph. For tax reasons, the business underwent a complex reorganization and ultimately was acquired by a United States-based trust….