On December 9, 2010, the House adjourned for the winter break. It is scheduled to resume sitting on February 22, 2011.
Practice Area: Employment Law
Excellent Care For All Act Regulations Filed
On December 2, 2010, the Ontario government filed the following regulations under the Excellent Care For All Act (the “Act”): O. Reg. 444/10 (Executives), defining public hospital executives for the purposes of section 1 of the Act to include certain members of senior management, chiefs of staff of the hospital and the chief nursing executive…
Ontario Passes Accountability Bill
On December 2, 2010, the Ontario government passed Bill 122, the Broader Public Sector Accountability Act, 2010. As previously reported, the Bill was amended by the Standing Committee on Social Policy and ordered for Third Reading on November 30, 2010 under an accelerated schedule for consideration and debate.
Accountability Bill Ordered for Third Reading Under Accelerated Schedule
In accordance with the terms of a special time allocation motion that was passed on November 4, 2010, Bill 122, the Broader Public Sector Accountability Act, 2010, was reported to the House as amended by the Standing Committee on Social Policy and ordered for Third Reading on November 30, 2010. The Committee amendments include: an…
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…
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…
Accountability Bill Referred to Committee Under Accelerated Schedule for Consideration and Debate
On November 4, 2010, the Ontario government passed a special time allocation motion setting out an accelerated timetable for the full consideration and debate of Bill 122, the Broader Public Sector Accountability Act, 2010, by December 1, 2010.
Ontario’s Good Government Bill Referred to Committee
On November 4, 2010, Bill 110, the Good Government Act, carried at Second Reading and was referred to the Standing Committee on General Government. 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.
Arbitrator Upholds Statutory Provisions Permitting Age-Based Distinctions in Benefits for Employees Aged 65 and Older
On October 31, 2010, Arbitrator Etherington issued a significant award on the interpretation of the provisions of the Ontario Human Rights Code (the “Code”) and the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (the “ESA, 2000” ), which effectively permit an employer to reduce or eliminate employee benefits once an employee reaches age 65. Arbitrator Etherington found that…