On November 15, 2018, the Ontario government introduced Bill 57, the Restoring Trust, Transparency and Accountability Act, 2018, omnibus legislation supporting key reforms outlined in the 2018 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review (Fiscal Review), titled, “A Plan For the People,” which was also released on that date.
Practice Area: Employment Law
Ontario Government Tables Legislation Impacting Bargaining and Interest Arbitration in the Fire Sector
On November 15, 2018, the Ontario government introduced Bill 57, Restoring Trust, Transparency and Accountability Act, 2018 (Bill 57), omnibus legislation giving effect to initiatives found in its 2018 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review. If passed, Schedule 18 of Bill 57 will amend the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 (FPPA) to, among other things, address collective bargaining and interest arbitration in the sector, and enhance protections for volunteer firefighters engaged in “two hatting.”
’Tis the Season: Holiday Tips for Employers
With the holiday season just around the corner, many of us are preparing for the seasonal festivities, which may include workplace celebrations. It is important that employers, whether large or small, take proactive steps to ensure the health and safety of their employees who attend office parties or other workplace celebrations.
Bill 47 Referred to Committee with Public Hearings to be Held on November 15: Note Quick Deadline for Request to Make Submissions
On November 12, 2018, Bill 47, the Making Ontario Open for Business Act, 2018, was carried on division at Second Reading and was referred to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs. The Committee will be holding public hearings on the Bill in Toronto on Thursday, November 15, 2018. For those parties who wish…
Government Proposes Changes to ESA Regulations in Support of Bill 47
On November 7, 2018, the government of Ontario posted proposed changes to regulations made under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) in support of the ESA amendments introduced by Bill 47, Making Ontario Open for Business Act, 2018. Proposed Changes to O. Reg. 502/06 (Terms and Conditions of Employment in Defined Industries – Automobile Manufacturing,…
Federal Government Proposes Significant Workplace Law Reforms
On October 29, 2018, the federal government tabled Bill C-86, the Budget Implementation Act, 2018, No. 2, omnibus legislation giving effect to certain initiatives in its 2018 Federal Budget. If passed, the Bill will make substantial changes to the Canada Labour Code and enact a federal Pay Equity Act, among other things. For federally regulated…
Federal Government Passes Legislation Aimed at Preventing Harassment and Violence in the Workplace
On October 25, 2018, Bill C-65, An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code (harassment and violence), the Parliamentary Employment and Staff Relations Act and the Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 1 (Act) received Royal Assent. As previously reported on November 9, 2017, November 27, 2017, and June 28, 2018, this Act amends the Canada Labour…
Increased Penalties for Cell Phone Use While Driving In Force January 1, 2019
Changes to the Highway Traffic Act enacted by Bill 174, the Cannabis, Smoke Free Ontario and Road Safety Statute Law Amendment Act, 2017 which relate to cell phone use while driving are coming into force on January 1, 2019. Beginning on January 1, 2019, penalties will increase as set out below for conviction of the…
Ontario Government Introduces Safe and Supportive Classrooms Act, 2018
On October 25, 2018, the Ontario government introduced Bill 48, the Safe and Supportive Classrooms Act, 2018. If passed, Bill 48 will amend the Early Childhood Educators Act, 2017, the Ontario College of Teachers Act, 1996, and the Teaching Profession Act to expand the definition of sexual abuse. Notably, the amendments include: clarification that sexual…
Regulatory Exemption for Record Check Process under Police Record Checks Reform Act, 2015 Filed
As discussed in our previous post, the Police Record Checks Reform Act, 2015 (Act) creates new procedural requirements for requesting and obtaining criminal record, judicial matters and vulnerable sector backgrounds checks. The Act creates a requirement for a two-stage consent process where: (1) the individual must consent to the type of check being conducted; and…