On May 12, 2020, the Ontario government introduced and passed Bill 190, COVID-19 Response and Reforms to Modernize Ontario Act, 2020 (Bill 190). Among other changes, Bill 190 amends the Succession Law Reform Act to permit electronic beneficiary designations, and makes a consequential amendment to the Pension Benefits Act (PBA). The amendments permit electronic beneficiary…
Practice Area: Pensions, Benefits & Compensation
Federal Government Will Not Permit Employers to Top-Up the CERB Through a SUB Plan
On May 8, 2020, the federal government published a new question and answer (Q&A) about the use of Supplemental Unemployment Benefit (SUB) plans to top-up the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).
Benefits Canada Publishes an Article by Rayaz Khan on CEWS and CERB Government Programs
Hicks Morley’s Rayaz Khan authored an article published on April 14, 2020 in Benefits Canada titled “A Legal Update on the Government’s CEWS and CERB Programs.” The COVID-19 pandemic has created many complicated issues for employers. Prudent employers should ensure they’re aware of the resources that may be available during this uncertain time when information regarding government support is rapidly changing.
Canada Revenue Agency Announces Temporary COVID-19 Relief for Registered Pension Plans
In response to industry requests, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) announced on May 5, 2020 that the minimum 1% employer contribution rule applicable to defined contribution (DC) pension plans is temporarily suspended. In addition, the federal Department of Finance issued a comfort letter confirming that it will recommend an amendment to the Income Tax Regulations to extend the deadline for electing to purchase a leave of absence on a current-service basis. These measures are intended to temporarily assist the sponsors and administers of DC and defined benefit (DB) registered pension plans in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hicks Morley Recognized in the 2020 Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory Firm Rankings
Hicks Morley is pleased to announce that the firm has been recognized by the 2020 Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory in the following practice areas: Labour Relations, Labour Relations – Construction Sector, and Pensions & Employee Benefits.
Ontario Temporarily Reduces Financial Penalties for Late PBGF Assessments
On April 30, 2020, the Ontario government filed Ontario Regulation 187/20 amending Regulation 909 made under the Pension Benefits Act. This amendment allows for significantly reduced financial penalties for late payment of a Pension Benefits Guarantee Fund (PBGF) assessment. Normally, an employer who fails to pay a PBGF assessment by the assessment date must pay…
Hicks Morley Lawyers Named Leading Practitioners in the 2020 Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory
Hicks Morley congratulates each one of our lawyers who has been recognized as a leading practitioner in the 2020 Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory.
Canadian Employment Law Guide® Features Article by Hicks Morley Lawyer on Further Details for COVID-19 Economic Relief
The April 2020 issue of Canadian Employment Law Guide® features an article authored by Hicks Morley lawyer Ted J. Kovacs.
Online Portal for CEWS Applications Available on April 27, 2020
On April 21, 2020, the federal government announced that effective April 27, 2020, employers will be able to apply online for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) through signing into their “My Business Account.”
Further Measures Announced in Relation to COVID-19
Late last week, the Ontario government amended a number of measures already introduced in light of COVID-19. It updated the “COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool” to include an expanded list of symptoms for which self-isolation is required. It made further orders under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act regarding health care, an expanded list of essential workers eligible for child care and seasonal campgrounds. The federal government provided more information on initiatives already underway, including with respect to the eligibility requirements for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).