Bill 148 Passes

On November 22, 2017, the Ontario government passed Bill 148, Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017, legislation that significantly changes workplace laws in Ontario. For more information, see our recent FTR Nows (which are best read in conjunction with one another): More Changes to Bill 148 after Second Committee Review (November 17, 2017) Big Changes…

More Changes to Bill 148 after Second Committee Review

On November 16, 2017, the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs (the Committee) adopted significant amendments to Bill 148, the Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017 (Bill 148). These amendments are in addition to amendments the Committee made in August of this year after First Reading of Bill 148, and are expected to be adopted by the Legislature in the near future.

Strategies for Operating in the New Environment – Preparing for Ontario Bill 148: Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act 2017

Topic – Prioritize amendments under Labour Relations Act and the Employment Standards Act – Establish time lines and target dates for amending policies, assessing training needs and developing relevant training programs – Proactively review relevant collective agreement provisions prior to your next round of bargaining – Assess cost consequences of Bill 148 and determine the…

Supreme Court of Canada Affirms Management Rights Must Be Exercised Reasonably and Consistently with the Collective Agreement

It is critical for employers in the unionized context to remember that when creating policies or workplace rules as an exercise of management rights, the rule must constitute a reasonable “balancing of interests” and must be consistent with the collective agreement. In Association of Justice Counsel v. Canada (Attorney General), the Supreme Court of Canada…

FTR Quarterly – Issue 7

In This Issue Extended EI Benefits – Top 3 Ways Your Workplace Could be Affected FTRQ&A – Chronic Mental Stress Pension Plan Funding Reform: At the Precipice Pension, Benefits & Executive Compensation Featured Articles Extended EI Benefits – Top 3 Ways Your Workplace Could be Affected By: Henry Dinsdale A number of recent changes to the…

Federal Government Introduces Changes to Canada Labour Code

On October 27, 2017, the federal government introduced Bill C-63, Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 2, its second budget implementation bill relating to Budget 2017. Budget implementation bills are a means for the government to follow through with the legislative changes required to bring budget commitments into effect. In addition to changes to the Income…

New Public Hearing Dates for Bill 148 Consultation Announced for Next Week (Note 5 p.m. Deadline Today)

On October 26, 2017, the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs (Committee) announced that it intends to hold another round of public hearings in Toronto with respect to Bill 148 next week. Please note the deadline of today at 5:00 p.m. to notify the Committee of an intention to participate in the hearings next…

Advantage CPD: The Nuts and Bolts of Bill 148: Are You Prepared? – Kingston

Bill 148 proposes sweeping changes to employment and labour laws in Ontario, creating substantial compliance obligations and potential risks for employers. Amendments to the Bill were passed in August and even more changes may occur when the House returns in September. Most of the Bill’s changes will come into effect on January 1, 2018.