On November 21, 2023, the federal government issued its 2023 Fall Economic Statement. The Statement covers a wide array of initiatives including several proposals that will be of interest to employers, human resource professionals and pension plan administrators. Of particular interest are the following proposals: We are awaiting the release of the legislation giving effect…
Practice Area: Labour Relations
Appellate Court Finds National Day of Mourning Not a Paid Holiday Under Collective Agreements
The issue of whether the National Day of Mourning is considered a “holiday” under a particular collective agreement has been the topic of recent arbitral decisions. On November 7, 2023, the Divisional Court weighed in on the issue and found that the National Day of Mourning is not a paid holiday under the applicable collective…
Federal Government Publishes Proposed Regulations Amending Certain Canada Labour Code Regulations and Invites Public Input
On October 28, 2023, the federal government issued a notice regarding proposed Regulations Amending Certain Regulations Made Under the Canada Labour Code (the Proposed Regulations). The Proposed Regulations would amend the hazardous substances requirements for five occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations under the Canada Labour Code. The Proposed Regulations look to fill gaps in…
Ontario Government Announces Consultations Related to Occupational Health and Safety Regulations
Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) has announced two consultations on proposed changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and Regulations related to two occupational health and safety issues: protecting workers from heat stress and heat-related illnesses and poor outdoor air quality and workplace health and safety. The MLITSD…
Government of Canada Announces Changes to Federal Employment Standards Coming Into Force
The Budget Implementation Act, 2018, No. 2 (Bill C-86) amended the Canada Labour Code (CLC) by enacting a new Division XII.1 “Reimbursement of Work-related Expenses,” which will require federally regulated employers to reimburse employees for reasonable work-related expenses, subject to prescribed exceptions. Bill C-86 also enacted a new section titled “Information Related to Employment,” which…
Federal Government Tables 2023 Budget
On March 28, 2023, the federal government tabled its 2023 budget, “A Made-in-Canada Plan: Strong Middle Class, Affordable Economy, Healthy Future.” The Budget covers a wide array of initiatives. While health and dental care, efforts to make life more affordable, and investments in green energy are key areas of focus, the Budget includes several proposals…
Ontario Proposes New Requirements on Construction Sites
On March 15, 2023, Ontario announced proposed changes to jobsite requirements in the construction sector. If approved and filed, the proposed regulatory changes would require construction employers to provide safe, private, and clean restroom facilities, including a minimum of one designated washroom for women on every jobsite. The total number of restrooms required across most…
Update on Medical and Personal Leaves under the Canada Labour Code, Upcoming Deadlines under the Accessible Canada Act, and More
In this Federal Post, we discuss the practical challenges confronting federal employers when implementing the new medical and personal leaves under the Canada Labour Code. We also look at upcoming compliance deadlines under the Accessible Canada Act regulations and the federal Pay Equity Act.
Ontario Tables Bill to Create Integrated Community Health Services Centres, and More
On February 21, 2023, the Ontario government tabled Bill 60, Your Health Act, 2023 for First Reading. The government states that the objective of the Bill is to reduce wait times for surgeries, procedures and diagnostic imaging ‘while enabling its new “As of Right” rules to automatically recognize the credentials of health care workers registered in other provinces and territories.’ If passed, Bill 60 would enact the Integrated Community Health Services Centres Act, 2023 (Proposed Act) which would create integrated community health services centres, among other things.
Ontario Proposes Amendments to Long-Term Care Sector Regulations
Ontario’s Ministry of Long-Term Care has tabled a proposal to amend Regulation 246/22 made under the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021. The proposed amendments focus on changes to staffing qualifications, medication management and drug administration and overall resident experience. Regulation 246/22 prescribes residents’ rights, plans of care, nursing and personal support services, nutritional care, medical…