On November 27, 2017, Bill 148, the Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017, received Royal Assent. Many provisions of Bill 148 come into force on January 1, 2018, including the amendments to the Labour Relations Act, 1995. There are several exceptions to the general January 1, 2018 coming into force date for the Employment Standards Act,…
Practice Area: Occupational Health
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…
Bill 177 Introduces Transitional Provisions for WSIB Mental Stress, Increased Fines under OHSA
On November 14, 2017, the Ontario government introduced Bill177, the Stronger, Fairer Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2017, omnibus legislation which, if passed, would amend several employment-related statutes. In this FTR Now, we discuss the proposed changes to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Canadian Employment Safety and Health Guide Publishes an Article by Kathryn Meehan on Random Drug and Alcohol Testing Policies
Hicks Morley’s Kathryn Meehan authored an article in Canadian Employment Safety and Health Guide titled “Appellate Court Issues Favourable Decision for Suncor on its Random Drug and Alcohol Policy.” The article explores the legal saga on the issue of random drug and alcohol testing of employees. Specifically whether Suncor’s random drug and alcohol testing policy violated the privacy rights of its unionized workers.
Hicks Morley Recognized as a Top Firm in the Canadian Occupational Safety Readers’ Choice Awards 2017
Hicks Morley was named a leading legal services provider in the 2017 issue of the Canadian Occupational Safety Readers’ Choice Awards in the Workers’ Compensation category. Readers of the magazine voted Hicks Morley as one of their favourite suppliers in the annual survey program.
Federal Government Introduces Legislation to Prevent Workplace Harassment and Violence
On November 7, 2017, the federal government tabled Bill C-65, An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code (harassment and violence), the Parliamentary Employment and Staff Relations Act and the Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 1, which, if passed, will amend the Canada Labour Code with respect to the prevention of workplace harassment and violence…
Ontario Introduces Cannabis, Smoke-Free Ontario and Road Safety Legislation
On November 1, 2017, the Ontario government tabled Bill 174, Cannabis, Smoke-Free Ontario and Road Safety Statute Law Amendment Act, 2017 omnibus legislation which would, if passed, regulate the cultivation, sale, distribution and consumption of cannabis in Ontario, enact the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 and make amendments to the Highway Traffic Act relating to impairment by cannabis and road safety. Among other things, the Bill provides the provincial framework for the federal Bill C-45, Cannabis Act.
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…
Colleges of Ontario Occupational Health & Safety Conference: “Constructors” Under the Occupational Health & Safety Act
Workplace Investigation Training
This workshop focuses on essential investigation skills required by HR Professionals who are charged with investigating workplace incidents including: workplace harassment and violence complaints, discrimination and harassment complaints under the Human Rights Code, employee misconduct such as suspected sick leave abuse or time theft, and more!