New Quality Assurance Regulations Filed for Defined Service Agencies

On August 7, 2010, the Ontario government published a regulation under the Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, 2008, which is not yet in force. O. Reg. 299/10 establishes comprehensive quality assurance measures for defined service agencies. These measures specifically relate to human resources practices, such as…

Ontario Announces Pension Funding Relief for University Sector

On August 5, 2010, the Ontario government announced that it will provide universities with temporary solvency funding relief. The temporary funding relief will be provided through two stages: a temporary period during which each university must develop a sustainability plan for its pension plans and, if the sustainability plan is acceptable to the government, an…

Ontario Launches Safety Campaign for Construction Sites

On July 28, 2010, the Ontario government announced the launch of an eight-week campaign, together with its health and safety partners, which targets construction sites across the province. The focus of the campaign is to impress upon workers and employers the importance of putting safety first, through proper training and awareness of workplace dangers. Also…

New Regulations Published under Police Services Act

On July 17, 2010, the following regulations made under the Police Services Act were published in the Ontario Gazette:   O. Reg. 268/10, dealing, in part, with the duties of police officers, unsatisfactory work performance and a code of conduct; O. Reg. 267/10, which relates to the conduct and duties of police officers respecting investigations…

FSCO Releases Final Records Retention Policy

The Financial Services Commission of Ontario (“FSCO”) issued a records retention policy for pension plan administrators effective July 9, 2010. The policy is intended to provide guidance for “prudent records management and retention practices” relating to Ontario-registered pension plans. The policy was approved and issued following the introduction of a draft policy last year and…

Federal Budget Bill Receives Royal Assent

On Monday, July 12, 2010, Bill C-9, the Jobs And Economic Growth Act, received Royal Assent. As previously reported, Bill C-9 was introduced on March 29, 2010 and is omnibus legislation that amends various Acts to implement certain key measures outlined in the federal government’s 2010 Budget. Amendments to the Pension Benefits Standards Act (“PBSA”)…

Occupational Health And Safety Act Regulations Amended

On June 28, 2010, the Ontario government published O. Reg. 259/10 (Designated Substances) under the Occupational Health And Safety Act. In part, the regulation revokes and substitutes Table 1 of O. Reg. 490/09, which sets out exposure limits. The regulation comes into force July 1, 2010.

Final Pension Regulations Released for Private Pension Plan Members

On June 25, 2010, the federal government released final regulations amending the Pension Benefits Standards Regulations, 1985. The regulations follow the publication of previously reported draft regulations on May 8, 2010, and are intended to enhance protections for private pension plan members by reducing funding volatility and modernizing the rules for investments by pension funds….

New Education Act Regulation Filed – Performance Appraisals (Principals, Vice-Principals)

On June 14, 2010, the Ontario government filed a regulation that applies to performance appraisals of principals and vice-principals conducted under Part XI.1 of the Education Act. O. Reg. 234/10 sets out the performance appraisal process to be followed, the rules applicable in the event of unsatisfactory ratings and “special circumstances”, and the duties and…