Section 3 of Schedule 44 to the Strong Action for Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2012, has been proclaimed into force effective January 1, 2013. This section repeals and replaces 55.2(12) of the Pension and Benefits Act to provide that section 55.2, Letters of Credit, will not apply with respect to a jointly sponsored pension plan…
Tag: Legislative Initiative
Regulatory Proposal Issued Regarding School Bus Driver Requirements
On November 22, 2012, the Ontario government (Ministry of Education) issued a regulatory proposal regarding the requirement that school bus drivers have a clear criminal record check report in order to qualify for and hold the requisite driver’s licence. That requirement is currently found in a regulation under the Highway Traffic Act. Under this proposal,…
Letters of Credit Amendment to PBA Proclaimed into Force
Section 18 of the Securing Pension Benefits Now and for the Future Act, 2010 has been proclaimed into force effective January 1, 2013. This section amends the Pension Benefits Act (“PBA”) to add section 55.2, Letters of Credit. As previously reported, the supporting regulation to section 55.2, O. Reg. 364/12, was filed on November 15,…
Morneau Report on Pooling of Pension Fund Assets in BPS Released
On November 16, 2012, the Ontario government released “Facilitating Pooled Asset Management for Ontario’s Public-Sector Institutions,” a report from Pension Investment Advisor, William Morneau, to the Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance (“Morneau Report”). As previously reported, the Ontario government appointed Mr. Morneau further to its Budget 2012 initiatives, specifically to develop recommendations for the…
New Solvency Funding Relief Regulations Filed
On November 1, 2012, the Ontario government filed O. Reg. 329/12 and O. Reg 330/12, each of which amends Regulation 909 (General) made under the Pension Benefits Act. Further to the government’s Budget 2012, O. Reg 329/12 extends temporary solvency funding relief measures for private sector defined benefit pension plans, as first introduced in 2009…
2013 Pension and Retirement Savings Limits Announced
On November 1, 2012, the Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”) released the “2013 Rates for Money Purchase limits, RRSP limits, YMPE, DPSP limits and Defined Benefits limits,” which are as follows: The 2013 annual pension for the year in which a pension commences to be paid under a Defined Benefit pension plan will be limited to…
New Regulation Gives Pharmacists Ability to Administer Flu Shots, Renew Prescriptions
On October 1, 2012, O. Reg. 302/12 made under the Pharmacy Act, 1991 was filed. The regulation amends O. Reg. 202/94 (General) by adding “Controlled Acts” provisions permitting, among other things: a pharmacist to administer the influenza vaccine to a patient five years or older in accordance with prescribed conditions; and a pharmacist or other…
Ontario Releases Draft Compensation Restraint Legislation for Consultation
On September 26, 2012, the government announced draft omnibus legislation, the Protecting Public Services Act, 2012 (the “Draft Bill”), that would implement new, substantially more restrictive compensation restraint measures, and impose a significant new provincially mandated collective bargaining regime, for the Broader Public Sector (“BPS”).
Fall 2012 Safety Blitzes Announced by Ontario Government
The Ontario government has announced the launch of four targeted safety blitzes at workplaces across the province this Fall. The planned blitzes will focus on: supervision at construction sites (September and October); machine guarding hazards and repetitive strain injuries in manufacturing and industrial workplaces (October and November); infection prevention and control in health care workplaces…
Ontario To Introduce Wage Freeze Legislation for Teachers
On August 16, 2012, the Ontario government announced its intention to introduce the Putting Students First Act, legislation that would, if passed, impose a two-year freeze on teacher salaries and prohibit labour disruption, among other matters. Specifically, the Bill would require school boards and local bargaining units of teachers and support staff to accept local…