On September 1, 2017, sections 1, 2, 3 and 5 of Schedule 2, Bill 87, the Protecting Patients Act, 2017, amending the Immunization of School Pupils Act (Act) will come into force. Among other things, the amendments require that the parent of a pupil complete an immunization education session with a medical officer of health…
Publication Name: Human Resources Legislative Update
WSIB Launches Public Consultation on Draft Policies for New Rate Framework
The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has launched a public consultation on seven draft policies made in support of its new Rate Framework, which was approved by the WSIB Board of Directors in November 2016. The Rate Framework has a targeted implementation date of January 2019. Comments are invited on the following draft policies:…
New Annual Quality Improvement Plan “Indicators” for Healthcare Organizations
Effective July 19, 2017, healthcare organizations are required to include indicators identified by the Minister in annual quality improvement plans (AQIP) under the Excellent Care for All Act, 2010 regulations. Specifically, amendments to the regulations outlined in O. Reg. 280/17 provide that the Minister, after having considered the advice of the Council, may direct a…
Ontario’s New Child and Family Services Framework is Coming Soon
As we previously reported, the Ontario government introduced Bill 89, the Supporting Children, Youth and Families Act, 2016 (Bill 89), omnibus legislation repealing the current Child and Family Services Act, and enacting new legislation in its place. Bill 89 received Royal Assent on June 1, but is not yet in force. Certain amendments to the…
New PHIPA Regulation Sets Out Circumstances in Which Health Information Custodians Must Notify Privacy Commissioner
On June 29, 2017, the Ontario government filed O. Reg. 224/17 amending O. Reg. 329/04 (General) made under the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (Act). The Act was amended in 2016 by the Health Information Protection Act, 2016…
MOL Announces Safety Blitzes to Target Mining Employers
The Ministry of Labour has announced that from July 1 to August 31, 2017, mining inspectors, ergonomists and engineers will be conducting safety blitzes to ensure that mine employers are taking appropriate action regarding occupational disease hazards and protection of workers. The blitzes will: ensure employers are complying with occupational health and safety laws raise…
Federal Government Eliminates Secret Ballot Certification Votes for Federally Regulated Employees, Reverses Union Financial Disclosure Obligations
On June 19, 2017, Bill C-4, An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code, the Parliamentary Employment and Staff Relations Act, the Public Service Labour Relations Act and the Income Tax Act, received Royal Assent. As previously reported, Bill C-4 amends the Canada Labour Code to repeal reforms to the certification and decertification process brought…
Federal Reforms to Prohibit Discrimination on Basis of Gender Identity or Gender Expression
Editor’s Note: Bill C-16 received Royal Assent on June 19, 2017 and is now in force. Bill C-16, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code, passed third reading, without amendment, in the Senate on June 15, 2017. As we previously reported, Bill C-16 was introduced in the House of…
Private Member’s Bill Proposes Compulsory WSIB Coverage for Residential Care Facilities and Group Homes
On June 1, 2017, Bill 145, WSIB Coverage for Workers in Residential Care Facilities and Group Homes Act, 2017 was introduced by a member of the Liberal Party. If passed, Bill 145 would amend the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 (WSIA) to provide that an employer who operates a residential care facility or a…
Ontario Legislature Adjourns Until September 11, 2017
On June 1, 2017, the Ontario Legislature adjourned for the summer break. It is scheduled to resume sitting on September 11, 2017.