The Year in Review – Notable Cases of 2024

Welcome to our annual review of notable cases over the past year that we believe will be of interest to employers and human resources professionals. We also identify some cases to watch out for in 2025. Next week, we will bring you our review of the notable legislative updates from 2024. Cases of Note Employment…

Highlights from the Federal Government’s 2024 Fall Economic Statement

On December 16, 2024, the federal government issued its 2024 Fall Economic Statement. The Statement covers a wide array of initiatives including several proposals that, if they were to be implemented, will be of interest to employers, human resources professionals and pension plan administrators. Early Retirement Benefits in the Public Service The government has proposed…

Ontario Government Introduces Municipal Accountability Act, 2024

On December 12, 2024, the Ontario government introduced Bill 241, Municipal Accountability Act, 2024 (Bill 241). If passed, this proposed legislation would provide the government with the ability to establish a standardized provincial code of conduct for municipalities. Bill 241 also expands the oversight powers of the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario and creates new mechanisms…

Federal Government Publishes Technical Amendments to the Income Tax Regulations Impacting Pension Plans and Employee Stock Option Plans

On December 4, 2024, the federal government published technical amendments to the Income Tax Regulations in the Canada Gazette. These technical amendments will implement measures that were initially released for public consultation in August 2022 and August 2023, and many will be retroactively coming into force as of their respective date of announcement (or earlier)….

Key “In Force” Dates Under Working for Workers Four Act, 2024 and Working for Workers Five Act, 2024 Now Proclaimed and Regulations Released

Both the Working for Workers Four Act, 2024 and Working for Workers Five Act, 2024 received Royal Assent earlier this year, with many of the key provisions to be proclaimed in force at a later date. This has now occurred and accompanying regulations have been enacted to provide additional obligations and, in some cases, clarify…

Ontario Introduces Working for Workers Six Act, 2024

On November 27, 2024, the Ontario government introduced the Working for Workers Six Act, 2024 (Bill 229). Bill 229 proposes amendments to various employment-related statutes, including the Employment Standards Act, 2000, Occupational Health and Safety Act, and Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997. Key proposed amendments are addressed below. Employment Standards Act, 2000 If passed,…

Ontario’s Working for Workers Five Act, 2024 Receives Royal Assent

On October 28, 2024, Ontario’s Working for Workers Five Act, 2024 (Bill 190) received Royal Assent. Bill 190 amends several statutes including the Employment Standards Act, 2000, the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997. In this FTR Now, we review key amendments of particular interest to employers.

Ontario Government Launches Consultation on New Job Posting Rules Under the ESA

On August 21, 2024, the Ontario government launched consultations on the new Part III.1 (Job Postings) of the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA). This section was passed under Bill 149, Working for Workers Four Act, 2024, with further proposed amendments introduced in Bill 190, Working for Workers Five Act, 2024. While not yet in force,…