On April 27, 2023, Bill C-228, the Pension Protection Act, received Royal Assent and is now law. As a result, pension plan deficits will be required to be paid in priority to most other creditors, including secured creditors, during bankruptcy and insolvency proceedings. In this FTR Now we consider this development and its implications for…
Practice Area: Pensions, Benefits & Compensation
The Canadian Bar Association’s Pensions and Benefits Law Online Symposium: Navigating Changes in Law, the Economy and Collective Bargaining
As we continue to emerge from the pandemic, the economic environment has created—and continues to create—many challenges for pensions and employee benefits. The past year has seen various developments in jurisprudence and legislation responding to these challenges.
Ontario Introduces Bill 91, Less Red Tape, Stronger Economy Act, 2023 and Announces Additional Amendments to Reduce Red Tape
On April 3, 2023, the Ontario government announced a range of measures related to pensions and employment (amongst other matters) in the province. On the same day, the government introduced Bill 91, Less Red Tape, Stronger Economy Act, 2023 (Bill 91) to implement some of those measures. Bill 91 and the additional measures are of…
Record Number of Hicks Morley Lawyers Named Leading Practitioners in the 2023 Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory
Congratulations to the 45 Hicks Morley lawyers who have been recognized as leaders in their respective fields in the 2023 Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory!
Beyond COVID-19: 2022 Year in Review – Cases and Legislation of Note
Employers and human resource professionals will undoubtedly remember 2022 as another year shaped by the pandemic.
But…there were also legal developments in 2022 that were not related to COVID-19. In this FTR Now, we look at some of the past year’s notable “non-pandemic” cases and legislative developments.
Employment Insurance Sickness Benefits Increase to 26 Weeks
The amendments contained in Bill C-30, Budget Implementation Act, 2021, No. 1, which permanently extend the maximum number of weeks available under employment insurance (EI) sickness benefits, have been proclaimed into force effective December 18, 2022. In this FTR Now we consider this development and its implications for employers. Extension from 15 to 26 Weeks…
Ontario to Require Filed Pension Funding and Governance Policies
On November 14, 2022, the Ontario government released the 2022 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review – Ontario’s Plan to Build: A Progress Update. Included in the plan is, as previously announced in the 2022 Budget, the government’s commitment to consult with stakeholders on proposed regulations necessary for implementing a permanent target benefit framework in…
We Welcome Associate Nigel McKechnie to Hicks Morley
Hicks Morley is pleased to announce that Nigel McKechnie has joined the firm as an associate in our Ottawa office.
Chambers Canada 2023 Guide Recognizes Hicks Morley for Employment & Labour and Pensions & Benefits
Hicks Morley has once again been recognized as a leading law firm in the Chambers Canada 2023 Guide for Employment & Labour (Ontario and Nationwide) and Pensions & Benefits (Nationwide).
Ontario Seeking Feedback on Plan to Expand Benefits Coverage
On September 27, 2022, the Ontario government announced that it is seeking public feedback on its plan to expand benefits like health and dental to workers who need coverage, including those in part-time and precarious jobs, in sectors such as retail, hospitality and the gig economy. This call for feedback follows the government’s appointment of…