Ontario’s 2026 Budget — A Plan to Protect Ontario — is here, and employers, HR teams, and pension plan administrators will want to pay attention. Read our take on what Ontario employers need to know.
Practice Area: Pensions, Benefits & Compensation
Temporary Employment Insurance Relief Extended Through October 2026
EI update for employers! Temporary relief measures introduced in response to U.S. tariffs are now extended to October 10, 2026. Read our FTR Now to learn more.
Hicks Morley and 61 Lawyers Recognized in the 2026 Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory
We’re proud to share that 61 Hicks Morley lawyers have been recognized in the 2026 Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory, reflecting the continued strength and growth of our team. This peer‑reviewed recognition is especially meaningful to us as it speaks to the care, integrity, and commitment to legal excellence our lawyers bring to their work every day. Congratulations to all those recognized and thank you to our clients and industry colleagues who put their trust in us to meet their labour and employment needs!
Employment Insurance Work-Sharing Program Special Measures Extended Into 2027
Temporary special measures under the EI Work Sharing Program have been extended until March 31, 2027. Clare Wooland examines why tariff-impacted employers may want to re evaluate whether to apply for the Program.
Worker Retention Grant for Employment Insurance Work-Sharing Employers Announced
The federal government has launched a new Worker Retention Grant that can boost Work Sharing income replacement benefits from 55% to up to approximately 70%. Andrew Easto breaks down what you need to know about eligibility, funding supports, and the potential upside for employers.
BC Labour Relations Board Overturns Arbitration Award Regarding Age 65 Cutoff to LTD Benefits
A recent BCLRB decision clarifies how age 65 LTD cut offs can still qualify as “bona fide” under human rights legislation. Natasha Monkman and Andrew Easto break down the decision and what this could mean for employers.
2026 Labour Relations Seminar: An Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) and Hicks Morley
In this annual labour relations seminar, we—along with Ontario fire chiefs and renowned guest speakers—provided insight and guidance on labour relations issues currently impacting the fire service.
Proposed Pension Act Amendments Could Reshape JSPP Transfer Framework
Hicks Morley’s Natasha Monkman and David Gruber break down the latest amendments to the Pension Benefits Act introduced in Bill 68 that pave the way for converting a defined contribution (DC) plan into a jointly sponsored pension plan (JSPP).
Ontario Government Responds to Poirier Review Recommendations Regarding OMERS
Natasha Monkman and Andrew Easto unpack key takeaways from the recently released OMERS Governance Review Report and examine how the proposed reforms may affect employers and plan sponsors.
Hicks Morley Named the 2026 “National Law Firm of the Year” for Labour and Employment Law by 2026 Best Law Firms™ – Canada
We are thrilled that, for the 3rd year in a row, Hicks Morley has been named the 2026 “National Law Firm of the Year” in Labour and Employment Law by Best Law Firms™ – Canada.