On August 30, 2018, the federal government published “What We Heard: Modernizing Federal Labour Standards” (Report), in which it reviews the results of a ten-month consultation process with employers, unions, employees, academics and other stakeholders on modernizing the Canada Labour Code (Code) to better reflect the needs of a 21st century workforce.
Publication Type: Blog Post
Federal Government Launches Public Consultation on Proposed Changes to Harassment and Violence Provisions of the Canada Labour Code
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has launched a public consultation on the proposed regulatory framework to be implemented in support of Bill C-65, An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code (harassment and violence), the Parliamentary Employment and Staff Relations Act and the Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 1. Bill C-65 was tabled in…
Federal Accessibility Legislation Tabled
On June 20, 2018, the federal government introduced Bill C-81, An Act to ensure a barrier-free Canada (Bill), accessibility legislation which will apply to certain federally regulated employers. In its preamble, the Bill states that barriers to accessibility can prevent full and equal participation in society by Canadians with disabilities. If passed and among other things,…
2018 Federal Budget Bill Passes
On June 21, 2018, Bill C-74, the Budget Implementation Act, 2018, No. 1, received Royal Assent. Bill C-74 is omnibus legislation enacting some of the measures outlined in the 2018 Federal Budget. Among other things, it includes amendments to the following: Employment Insurance Act, to permanently implement the Working While on Claim pilot project; Canada…
Cannabis Act Regulations Now Available
The federal government has finalized the regulations in support of the Cannabis Act. They include: Cannabis Regulations Industrial Hemp Regulations Qualifications for Designation as Analyst Regulations (Cannabis) Regulations Amending and Repealing Certain Regulations Made under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act Cannabis Act (Police Enforcement) Regulations The Cannabis Act comes into force on October 17,…
WSIB Rate Framework Policies Finalized
The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has finalized the following core policies which will support the new Rate Framework, to be implemented on January 1, 2020: Coverage Status The Classification Structure Single or Multiple Premium Rates Associated Employers Employer Level Premium Rate Setting Employer Premium Adjustment As previously reported, the WSIB held public consultations…
Cannabis Act in Force October 17, 2018
The federal government has announced October 17, 2018 as the date on which the Cannabis Act comes into force. The Act was passed by the Senate on June 19, 2018. For more information, see our FTR Now of June 20, 2018 “Cannabis Act In Force October 17, 2018: Preparing Your Workplace.” Editor’s Note: The Cannabis…
New Restrictions on Criminal Record Checks to Take Effect on November 1, 2018
The Ontario government has proclaimed November 1, 2018 as the date on which the Police Record Checks Reform Act, 2015 (Act) comes into force. The Act applies to persons who require a search to be conducted of police data bases to screen individuals for, among other things, the purpose of determining suitability for employment. It…
Federal Cannabis Act Passes Third Reading in Senate
On June 7, 2018, Bill C-45, the Cannabis Act, passed Third Reading in the Senate as amended. Bill C-45 will now return to the House of Commons where the House will decide whether to accept or reject the Senate’s amendments. We will continue to monitor and report on the progress of the Bill.
Ontario Budget Bill Passes
On May 8, 2018, Bill 31, the Plan for Care and Opportunity Act (Budget Measures), 2018, passed Third Reading and received Royal Assent. As previously reported, Bill 31 is omnibus legislation implementing some of the key initiatives outlined in the government’s 2018 Budget. Bill 31 makes the following pension-related changes: Increases Pension Benefits Guarantee Fund…