Hicks Morley Introduces Legislative Update Blog

Hicks Morley is pleased to announce the launch of Human Resources Legislative Update, a blog designed to provide human resources professionals with timely information about developments in a range of employment-related areas. In this FTR Now, we highlight the features of this new service. To access the blog click here. BACKGROUND Since 1997, Hicks Morley…

Federal Government Introduces Legislation to Create “PIPEDA 2.0”

On May 25th, the federal government introduced Bill C-29, the Safeguarding Canadians’ Personal Information Act, and Bill C-28, the Fighting Internet and Wireless Spam Act. If passed, these Bills would make changes to the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (“PIPEDA” or the “Act”) that are of significance to federal sector employers, as well…

FTR Now: Federal Legislation Introduced to Create “PIPEDA 2.0”

As previously reported, on May 25, 2010, the federal government introduced two Bills that if passed, would significantly amend PIPEDA: Bill C-29, the Safeguarding Canadians’ Personal Information Act and Bill C-28, the Fighting Internet and Wireless Spam Act. In our FTR Now of June 9. 2010, we summarize the major changes to PIPEDA outlined in…

Information & Privacy Post 2009 and Spring 2010

Dear Friends After a short hiatus, and the introduction of a new editor, we are pleased to once again bring you the Hicks Morley Information and Privacy Post! As the first edition in over a year, we’’ve combined our traditional Year in Review with our first Quarterly Edition for the year and are excited to…

Federal Amendments to PIPEDA Introduced

On May 25, 2010, the federal government introduced two Bills that, if passed, would significantly amend PIPEDA: Bill C-29, the Safeguarding Canadians’ Personal Information Act and Bill C-28, the Fighting Internet and Wireless Spam Act. Bill C-29 would: specify the elements of valid consent for the collection, use or disclosure of personal information; permit the…

Mandatory Reporting of Internet Child Pornography by “Persons” Providing an Internet Service

On May 6, 2010, the Federal government introduced Bill C-22, the Protecting Children From Online Sexual Exploitation Act, legislation that would impose mandatory duty on “persons” (defined to include individuals, corporations, partnerships, unincorporated associations or organizations) providing an “internet service” (internet access, e-mail or internet content hosting) to report child pornography in specific cases. This…

Public Hospital Management Regulation Amended

On May 3, 2010, the Ontario government filed amendments to the Hospital Management Regulation under the Public Hospitals Act. The amendments to Reg. 965 relate to board member voting rights, and the establishment of systems for the disclosure of critical incidents, and will come into force on July 1, 2010 and January 1, 2011.

Extending Access To Information Obligations To Ontario Hospitals: What Would It Mean?

In late October of last year, the Ontario Hospital Association asked the provincial government to extend coverage of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (“FIPPA”) to hospitals as a means of promoting transparency and public accountability. This bulletin outlines the basic features of Ontario’s access to information regime and raises questions about…

Effective Pandemic Planning

Employers have a general obligation under health and safety law to take all reasonable precautions in the circumstances to protect their workers. What does this entail, however, in a pandemic situation, such as the one currently facing employers? In our May 1, 2009 FTR Now – “Employer Bulletin: Influenza A(H1N1)” – we discussed some of…

Ban on Hand-Held Devices And Display Screens Starts In October

In our FTR Now of September 24, 2009, “Cell Phone and Blackberry Restrictions For Drivers Are Coming Into Force: Is Your Workplace Ready?,” we provided you with a detailed overview of the new legislation restricting the use of hand-held mobile technology devices and presence of display screens while driving. Yesterday, the Ontario Government announced that…