Hicks Morley’s Thomas Agnew authored an article in Benefits Canada titled “Employer Obligations Around Medical Pot, Benefits Plans.” In a case from February 2017, the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal confirmed that an administrator of a benefits plan can choose what specific drugs and medications will be covered by a plan. In particular, it held that the exclusion of medical cannabis…
Practice Area: Pensions, Benefits & Compensation
Senate Passes Bill Proposing Changes to Canada Labour Code and Implementation of Federal Pay Equity Scheme
On December 10, 2018, Bill C-86, Budget Implementation Act, 2018, No. 2, passed Third Reading in the Senate without amendment and is now awaiting Royal Assent. As we reported in our Federal Post of November 2, 2018, Bill C-86 will make significant changes to the Canada Labour Code and will introduce a new federal Pay…
More Changes to Workplace Laws Are on the Horizon for Ontario Employers
On December 6, 2018, Bill 57, Restoring Trust, Transparency and Accountability Act, 2018 passed Third Reading and received Royal Assent. On the same date, the government tabled Bill 66, Restoring Ontario’s Competitiveness Act, 2018, omnibus legislation which, if passed, will make significant amendments to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA), the Labour Relations Act, 1995 (LRA), the Pension Benefits Act (PBA) and other statutes.
Hicks Morley Recognized as a Leading Firm by The Legal 500 Canada 2019
Hicks Morley has been recognized as a leader in the fields of Labour and Employment and Pensions law by The Legal 500 Canada 2019 guide. Clients describe Hicks Morley as “the most prominent employment boutique in the country.”…
New Enhancements to OMERS Benefits – What Employers Need to Know
Recently approved pension changes to the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System may increase employer pension costs and have impacts on workforce management. The OMERS Sponsors Corporation recently completed a Comprehensive Plan Review, which involved consideration of several proposed changes to the plan design and benefits.
Bill 57 Referred to Committee – Note Short Deadline for Making Submissions
On November 28, 2018, Bill 57, the Restoring Trust, Transparency and Accountability Act, 2018, was referred to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs (Committee). The Committee will meet on Monday December 3, 2018 for public hearings on the Bill. Any request to appear before the Committee must be submitted to the Clerk of…
FTR Now on Significant Reforms to Pension and Employment-Related Statutes Mentioned in Benefits and Pensions Monitor
An FTR NowM written by Hicks Morley’s Natasha D. Monkman, Paul E. Broad was mentioned in the November 26, 2018 Benefits and Pensions Monitor Daily News Alert. The alert emphasizes the implementation of variable benefits accounts described in the FTR Now titled “The Outlook is More Change: Ontario Proposes Significant Reforms to Pension and Employment-Related Statutes.“
Successfully defended a school board client in a WSIAT appeal involving entitlement to benefits for mild traumatic brain injury.
Successfully defended a school board client in a WSIAT appeal involving entitlement to benefits for mild traumatic brain injury.
Federal Government Issues Fall Economic Statement
On November 21, 2018, the federal government issued its Fall Economic Statement 2018, “Investing in Middle Class Jobs” (Statement). Among other things, the Statement: reiterates the Budget 2018 commitment of an evidence-based approach towards addressing retirement security and announces that targeted consultations will soon be launched as the government continues to explore ways to enhance…
Osgoode Certificate in Pension Law: Defined Contribution Plans – The CAP Guidelines and CAPSA DC Plans Guidelines
Designed and taught by Canada’s leading pensions experts, this unique program will provide you with the key knowledge, practical strategies and guidance you need to succeed in the complex world of pensions