Ontario Releases Independent Review of AODA

On May 31, 2010, the government released Charles Beer’s independent review of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. The government also announced that it is in the process of combining the information and communications, employment and transportation standards into a single, integrated regulation. This initiative is intended to make them “more flexible” for…

Federal Amendments to PIPEDA Introduced

On May 25, 2010, the federal government introduced two Bills that, if passed, would significantly amend PIPEDA: Bill C-29, the Safeguarding Canadians’ Personal Information Act and Bill C-28, the Fighting Internet and Wireless Spam Act. Bill C-29 would: specify the elements of valid consent for the collection, use or disclosure of personal information; permit the…

New Teacher Qualification Regulations

On May 20, 2010, the government filed the following new regulation under the Ontario College of Teachers Act, 1996: O. Reg. 176/10, which outlines the requirements for obtaining a certificate of qualification and registration. With certain exceptions, the Regulation is now in force. O. Reg. 182/10, which outlines amendments to O. Reg. 347/02 (the accreditation…

New Education Act Regulations

On May 20, 2010, the Ontario government filed the following Regulations under the Education Act: O. Reg. 180/10 (Supervisory Officers), in part clarifying the definition of “acceptable post-secondary degree” for the purposes of s. 1(1) of Regulation 309 of R.R.O. 1990; O. Reg. 183/10 (Operation of Schools), dealing with the assignment or appointment of teachers…

Department of Finance Proposes Changes to HST Calculation Rules Affecting Investment Funds

On May 19, 2010, the Department of Finance released proposed changes to the Harmonized Sales Tax (“HST”) rules covering the supply of financial services relating to the calculation of the provincial component of the HST under the Excise Tax Act. As outlined in the government Backgrounder, the proposed changes would affect, among others, mutual funds,…

New Legislation to Amend Employment Standards Act, 2000

On May 17, 2010, the Ontario government introduced Bill 68, the Open For Business Act, 2010, omnibus legislation that would amend various acts, including the Employment Standards Act, 2000. If passed, these amendments would in part: allow the Director of Employment Standards to require claimants to provide specific information and let their employer know about…

Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts & Technology Regulation Amended

On May 14, 2010, the Ontario government filed O. Reg. 169/10, amending Regulation 34/03 (General) under the Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology Act, 2002. In part, the amendments provide a new method for appointing members of a board of governors after October 1, 2010, and the terms of the office.