More change is coming to the administration of pension plans in Ontario. Reforms to pension legislation have been ongoing since 2009 – and with three recent developments under the Ontario Pension Benefits Act (PBA) effective in 2017…
Publication Type: Article
Labour Relations Impact of Ontario’s Proposed New Child and Family Services Framework
Change is coming to your current service delivery model. Legislation recently proposed by the Ontario government to repeal and replace the Child and Family Services Act will enhance existing accountability and compliance rules…
Addiction Defence to Theft of Hospital Opioids Not a “Get Out of Jail Free Card”
Theft of opioids by an employee who subsequently asserts a substance abuse problem can be a particularly challenging workplace issue for healthcare sector organizations. But in this most recent case, the arbitrator upheld a just cause discharge as an appropriate disciplinary response…
Arbitrator Rules That He Has No Jurisdiction Over ETFO Central Grievance Concerning Report Cards
In a significant decision, Arbitrator Hayes has concluded that, as a Central Arbitrator, he does not have jurisdiction under the central terms of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) collective agreements to consider a grievance concerning a school board’s instructions to teachers regarding the preparation of report cards…
OLRB Considers Employer’s Obligation to Pay for Commuting Time of Employee Using Company Vehicle
When employees are provided with company vehicles to take home at the end of the work day, does the employer have to pay for their commuting time directly to and from a job site?
New Human Rights Commission Strategic Plan to Focus on Criminal Justice System & Policing Practices
With the recent release of the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Strategic Plan for 2017 to 2022, renewed focus will be placed on criminal justice system accountability and issues around systemic discrimination. Find out what’s in store for your organization – and what you should be doing to ensure that you’re prepared…
Ontario Launches Personal Emergency Leave Pilot Project
Ontario has introduced limited amendments to personal emergency leave for certain employers in the automobile sector. In comments to the Ontario Legislature, the Minister of Labour identified the changes as a pilot project suggesting that similar changes may be considered in the future for a wider range of employers…
Ontario Passes Key Healthcare Reforms to Expand LHIN Framework and Integrate Frontline Patient Service Delivery
Ontario is implementing a number of key reforms to the Local Health Integration Network and health services provider system – and the way frontline patient services are delivered across the province…
The Reduced EI Waiting Period: What Employers Need to Know
A reduction to the EI waiting period is expected take effect January 1, 2017. Supplemental unemployment benefit and top-up plan administration will be immediately affected, and short-term disability and sick leave plans may also be impacted. Are you prepared?
Changes Proposed to Ontario’s Fire Interest Arbitration Framework
At long last, Ontario is changing several rules governing collective bargaining in the fire sector. But will these changes go far enough to address and alleviate the frustrations municipalities face when they engage in interest arbitration? Find out in this FTR Now…