Federal Government Proposes Priority Hiring for Injured Veterans Act (C-11)

On November 7, 2013, the federal government introduced Bill C-11, the Priority Hiring for Injured Veterans Act. If passed, this legislation would amend the Public Service Employment Act to establish a priority appointment over all other persons for certain members of the Canadian Forces who are released for medical reasons attributable to service, and who…

Raising the Bar – Sixth Edition

“There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind. “                                                                                           C.S. Lewis Dear Friends, Welcome back from the summer! We hope that all of our readers had a chance to get in some rest and relaxation with friends and family over the past few months, and we are sure that you…

Government Announces Three-Year EI Premium Freeze

On September 9, 2013, the federal Government announced that it would be cancelling its planned EI premium hike for 2014.  Instead, EI premiums will be frozen at the 2013 level of $1.88 per $100 of insurable earnings.  The Government also stated that the rate would not exceed $1.88 for 2015 or 2016. On the same date,…

Dismissals Under the Canada Labour Code

In a recent decision, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited v. Wilson, the Federal Court considered the unjust dismissal provision of the Canada Labour Code (“Code”) and concluded that it does not prohibit federally regulated employers from conducting without cause dismissals. This decision arose out of an unjust dismissal complaint under section 240 of the Code….

Federal Budget Bill Receives Royal Assent

On June 10, 2013, Bill C-60, Economic Action Plan 2013 Act, No. 1, passed Third Reading in the House of Commons. On June 25, 2013 it passed Third Reading in the Senate and on June 26, 2013 it received Royal Assent. As previously reported, Bill C-60 is omnibus legislation which will give effect to certain…

Access to Information Act/Privacy Act Regulatory Amendments Update Schedules of Designated Investigative Bodies

On May 31, 2013, the federal government registered Regulations Amending the Access to Information Regulations made under the Access to Information Act. These Regulations amend Schedule I (Investigative Bodies) of the Access to Information Regulations to delete the names of investigative bodies that are no longer in existence and to replace the name of one…

Federal Budget Bill Referred to Committee

On May 7, 2013, Bill C-60, Economic Action Plan 2013 Act No. 1, passed Second Reading in the House of Commons and was ordered referred to the Standing Committee on Finance. As previously reported, Bill C-60 is omnibus legislation which, if passed, will give effect to certain initiatives contained in the Federal Budget 2013.

CLC Amendments Increasing Fines and Requiring Federal Employers to Insure LTD Plans to Come into Force July 1, 2014

Sections 434 to 439 of the Jobs, Growth and Long-term Prosperity Act (“JGLPA”) have been proclaimed into force effective July 1, 2014. The JGLPA is omnibus legislation giving effect to certain initiatives contained in the federal Budget 2012. Sections 434 to 439 amend the Canada Labour Code (“Code”) to, among other things: require every federal…

Regulatory Amendments Relating to End of Mandatory Issuance of SIN Cards Now in Force

Social Insurance Number Regulations made under the Department of Human Resources and Skills Development Act, which include Consequential Amendments to the Employment Insurance Act Regulations, came into force on April 30, 2013. Among other things, these Regulations align the regulatory framework with legislative changes enacted in the Jobs, Growth and Long-term Prosperity Act (“JGLPA”) which end the…