Managing Temporary Workplace Disruptions: Supplemental Unemployment Benefit Plans and the Employment Insurance Work-Sharing Program

While tariffs may be paused for now, economic uncertainty remains. What strategies can Canadian employers take to protect the future of their businesses? How can they ensure they retain skilled employees and manage employee concerns around job insecurity? Hicks Morley’s David Gruber explains in our latest #FTRNow.

Employers Take Note: Certain Employees Entitled to Paid Time Off to Cast Vote in the 2025 Ontario Provincial Election

The Ontario provincial election will be held on February 27, 2025. Under the Ontario Election Act (Act), eligible employees are entitled to three consecutive hours during voting hours to cast their vote. In some circumstances, this may require employers to provide certain employees with paid time off to vote.

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.

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…