On April 20, 2021, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO or Tribunal) announced that it is seeking feedback on changes to some of its forms, guides, rules and processes in an attempt to provide more efficient dispute resolution. The Tribunal is inviting feedback from the public and stakeholders with regards to the following: Draft…
Publication Name: Human Resources Legislative Update
New COVID-19 Restrictions on Masks/Face Coverings in the Workplace; Exceptions To Border Closure Restrictions Related to Students
On April 23, 2021, the Ontario government filed a number of regulations with respect to the Rules for Areas in Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3. The General Rules for each Zone have been amended to require that persons responsible for a business or organization shall ensure that every person who works for those…
Adverse Reactions to COVID-19 Vaccines: Employers’ WSIB Reporting Obligations and Claim Costs
The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) recently clarified its position with respect to the coverage of claims for COVID-19 vaccine reactions. Specifically, the WSIB FAQ section was updated with respect to employers’ reporting obligations regarding adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines as well as the impact of costs associated with COVID-19 vaccination claims. The recent…
Ontario Tables Omnibus Legislation with Proposed Amendments to Employment Standards Act, 2000 and Class Proceedings Act, 1992
On April 15, 2021, the Ontario government tabled Bill 276, Supporting Recovery and Competitiveness Act, 2021, omnibus legislation which would, if passed, amend the Employment Standards Act, 2000 and the Class Proceedings Act, 1992, as well as a number of other statutes. Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) Bill 276 would amend the payment of wages…
Federal Budget 2021 Tabled
On April 19, 2021, the federal government tabled its Budget 2021, “A Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth and Resilience”. We are currently reviewing the Budget and an FTR Now detailing initiatives of interest to employers, human resources professionals and pension plan administrators will be available in the coming days.
Ontario Minimum Wage to Increase October 1, 2021
On October 1, 2021, the general minimum wage in Ontario will increase from $14.25 to $14.35 per hour. This minimum wage applies to most employees. Minimum wage rates will also increase for the following employees: students: from $13.40 to $13.50 an hour liquor servers: from $12.45 to $12.55 an hour homeworkers: from $15.70 to $15.80…
WSIA Calculation for Premium Payable by Employers for 2021 Amended
On April 14, 2021, Bill 238, Workplace Safety and Insurance Amendment Act, 2021, received Royal Assent and came into force. Bill 238 amends the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 (WSIA) to add a calculation rate for the 2021 calendar year (or such later date as prescribed by regulation) for the Workplace Safety and Insurance…
Ontario Amends Rules for Shutdown Zone Regarding School Closures and Limited Circumstances in Which They May Operate
The Ontario government has amended the Rules for Areas in Stage 1 to give effect to its recent announcement regarding the closure of public and private elementary and secondary schools, among other things. As a general rule, Ontario Regulation 278/21 amends the Shutdown Zone rules to require closure of all public and private schools within…
Ontario Places All Regions Into Shutdown
Effective April 3, 2021, all regions in Ontario were placed into the Shutdown Zone of the Rules for Areas in Stage 1. The government announced that it anticipates the shutdown to be in place for at least four weeks. The Shutdown Zone rules were amended on March 26, 2021 (see our recent Human Resources and…
Ministry Consults on Extending Mandatory WSIB Coverage to Personal Support Workers and Developmental Support Workers
The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (Ministry) is seeking input on whether mandatory coverage under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 should be extended to Personal Support Workers (PSWs) and Developmental Support Workers (DSWs) under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997. Specifically, the Ministry has set out the following questions in…