On May 12, 2011, Bill 173, the Better Ontario for Tomorrow Act (Budget Measures), 2011 received Royal Assent. As previously reported, Bill 173 is omnibus legislation amending a variety of statutes to implement certain initiatives outlined in the 2011 Ontario Budget tabled on March 23, 2011. The Bill should be consulted for coming into force…
Practice Area: Employment Law
Mandatory Retirement Legislation For Firefighters Referred to Committee
On May 11, 2011, Bill 181, the Fire Protection and Prevention Amendment Act, 2011, was ordered referred to the Standing Committee on General Government. As previously reported, Bill 181 would, if passed, amend the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 to provide for the mandatory retirement at age 60 of firefighters regularly assigned to fire…
Ontario 2011 Budget Bill Passes Third Reading as Amended
On May 10, 2011, Bill 173, the Better Tomorrow for Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2011, carried at Third Reading after being reported as amended by the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs. It is expected to receive Royal Assent shortly. The Committee amendments to Bill 173 with respect to the Pension Benefits Act relate…
Affordable Housing Legislation (Bill 140) Receives Royal Assent
On May 4, 2011, Bill 140, the Strong Communities Through Affordable Housing Act, received Royal Assent. As previously reported, Bill 140 carried at Third Reading after being reported with amendments by the Standing Committee on Justice Policy on April 19, 2011. When proclaimed in force, Bill 140 will repeal the Social Housing Reform Act, 2000…
Ontario 2011 Budget Bill Ordered for Third Reading
On May 5, 2011, Bill 173, the Better Tomorrow for Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2011, was reported as amended by the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs. As previously reported, Bill 173 is omnibus legislation amending a variety of statutes to implement certain initiatives outlined in the 2011 Ontario Budget tabled on March 23,…
Affordable Housing Legislation (Bill 140) Passes Third Reading
On April 19, 2011, Bill 140, the Strong Communities Through Affordable Housing Act, carried at Third Reading after being reported with amendments by the Standing Committee on Justice Policy. When proclaimed in force, Bill 140 will repeal the Social Housing Reform Act, 2000 and enact the Housing Services Act, 2010. As previously reported, the legislation…
There is Nothing Common About a Constructive Dismissal
In the first case of its kind, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice has denied a motion for certification of a class action for constructive dismissal on the basis that it lacked the essential element of commonality. The decision has very significant implications for employers, particularly in the context of employers’ approaches to managing and…
Mandatory Retirement Legislation For Firefighters Introduced (Age 60)
On Monday, April 18, 2011, the Honourable Charles Sousa, Ontario’s Minister of Labour, introduced Bill 181, the Fire Protection and Prevention Amendment Act, 2011. If passed, Bill 181 will amend the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 in two significant areas. First, it will create a framework for addressing the issue of mandatory retirement for…
Mandatory Retirement Legislation For Firefighters Introduced (Age 60)
On April 18, 2011, the Ontario government introduced Bill 181, the Fire Protection and Prevention Amendment Act, 2011, legislation that would, if passed, amend the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 to provide for the mandatory retirement at age 60 of firefighters regularly assigned to fire suppresion duties, in certain circumstances. In addition, the legislation…
Federal Election 2011: Employers’ Obligation to Provide Paid Time Off to Vote
A federal election has been called for May 2, 2011. Under the Canada Elections Act, all employees who are electors – Canadian citizens who are 18 years of age or older – are entitled to three (3) consecutive hours on election day during voting hours to cast their vote. Under the Canada Elections Act, voting…