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.

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….

Government Introduces Public Sector Accountability Legislation

On October 20, 2010, the Ontario government introduced Bill 122, the Public Sector Accountability Act, 2010. The basic purpose of the new Act is to regulate the spending of public funds by the broader public sector in a variety of areas, including the use of lobbyists, expense accounts and procurement. In addition, the Bill would…

Ontario Introduces Accountability Legislation for Broader Public Sector

On October 20, 2010, the Ontario government introduced Bill 122, the Broader Public Sector Accountability Act, 2010. The proposed legislation is intended to impose new rules and higher accountability standards for the broader public sector around the use of external lobbyists, consultants and expenses. The proposed legislation would apply to hospitals and Local Health Integration…

The Social Media Challenge – Protecting Your Organization in the Web’s Wild West

The use of social media has exploded in a very short time frame, and many organizations are scrambling to deal with situations they never would have envisioned even five years ago. Two issues in particular are proving to be troubling: derogatory or critical statements by employees about their employer or other employees (attacks from within);…

Municipal Elections 2010: Employers’ Obligation to Provide Paid Time Off to Vote

Province-wide municipal elections will be held on October 25, 2010, and voting hours will run from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Under the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, all employees who are eligible to vote in the election are entitled to three consecutive hours during voting hours on election day to cast their vote. To be…