The Ministry of Community and Social Services (the “Ministry”) has released for public comment the long-awaited draft Integrated Accessibility Standards regulation (the “Draft Regulation”) under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (the “AODA” or the “Act“). The 54-page Draft Regulation combines accessibility standards in three areas: information and communication, employment, and transportation. It…
Publication Type: Article
Solvency Funding Relief Details for Broader Public Sector Released by Ontario Government
On February 10, 2011, the Ontario government released the Details of the Proposed Temporary Solvency Funding Relief for Certain Pension Plans in the Broader Public Sector (“BPS”) (the “Details”). The government previously announced that it would consider providing solvency funding relief for pension plans provided in respect of BPS employers in the university sector on…
WSIB’s Work Reintegration Policies
The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has implemented five new policies to replace the existing policies relating to early and safe return to work, re-employment and work transition (formerly Labour Market Re-entry (LMR)). The primary focus of these policies is to ensure that an injured worker returns to work with his or her employer….
2010 Ontario Pension Reform Round-Up
Bill 120, Securing Pensions Benefits Now and for the Future Act, 2010, received Royal Assent on December 8, 2010. Bill 120 was one of four separate bills passed by the Ontario legislature in 2010 which included amendments to the Ontario Pension Benefits Act (“PBA“). Without a doubt, 2010 marks the most significant overhaul of Ontario’s…
Responding to Disclosure Demands at the Bargaining Table: Employer Rights and Obligations
Many Social Services organizations will be negotiating for the renewal of their collective agreements in 2011. Some of our clients have advised us that they have received broad disclosure requests from unions well in advance of actual bargaining. These requests are very similar to requests a number of Social Services organizations received in early 2009….
Pension Reform Phase II Passes Third Reading
On December 7, 2010, the Ontario government passed Bill 120, the Securing Pension Benefits Now and for the Future Act, 2010. As previously reported in our October 29, 2010 FTR Now, “Ontario Introduces Bill 120, the Securing Pension Benefits Now and for the Future Act, 2010“, these pension reforms build on the first phase of…
Planning For a Safe Holiday Office Party
It is that time of year again when employers are planning their holiday festivities. Whether the festivity is large or small, it remains as important as ever that employers take proactive steps to ensure the health and safety of their employees who attend office parties or other celebrations. Over the years, a number of court…
Arbitrator Upholds Right of Fire Department to Alter Service Levels During Statutory Freeze
On November 8, 2010, Arbitrator Chauvin issued a significant award which confirmed a fire department’s right to manage its operations by determining staffing levels. Arbitrator Chauvin also concluded that the statutory freeze imposed by the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 (“FPPA“) preserved this right and permitted the City to make changes to service levels…
Government to Bring Hospitals Under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
On October 20, 2010, the Ontario government introduced Bill 122, the Public Sector Accountability Act, 2010. The basic purpose of the new Act is to regulate the spending of public funds by the broader public sector in a variety of areas, including the use of lobbyists, expense accounts and procurement. These aspects of Bill 122…
Government Introduces Public Sector Accountability Legislation
On October 20, 2010, the Ontario government introduced Bill 122, the Public Sector Accountability Act, 2010. The basic purpose of the new Act is to regulate the spending of public funds by the broader public sector in a variety of areas, including the use of lobbyists, expense accounts and procurement. In addition, the Bill would…