First Reference company logo

First Reference Talks

News and Discussions on Payroll & Employment Law

decorative image

Pensions and Benefits

Victoria Day, a public (statutory) holiday in some jurisdictions

On Monday May 20, 2013, most Canadians get a day off work with pay on what is called Victoria Day.

 

, , , , , , , ,

Bills to enact Pooled Registered Pension Plans

As anticipated, since the federal Pooled Registered Pension Plans Act came into force December 14, 2012, several provinces have followed suit and tabled legislation to implement the new kind of portable deferred income plan, which is designed to provide retirement income to workers and self-employed persons who do not have access to an employer-sponsored retirement pension plan.

 

, , , , , , , , ,

Most-viewed articles this week on HRinfodesk

The three most viewed articles on HRinfodesk this week deal with differential treatment in the workplace, how an employee’s dishonesty and breach of confidentiality during a workplace investigation led to termination for cause and how a settlement was easily characterized as a retiring allowance.

 

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Most-viewed articles this week on HRinfodesk

The three most viewed articles on HRinfodesk this week deal with the difficulty of characterizing the employment relationship as that of independent contractor, the taxability of employer-paid membership fees and the high price of age discrimination.

 

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Nova Scotia government proposes new unpaid leaves under the Labour Standards Code

The Nova Scotia government has tabled a new Bill which proposes to amend the Labour Standards Code to create new unpaid leaves for parents and guardians. If passed, Bill 3, the Support for Parents of Critically Ill or Abducted Children Act, will give employees the right to take the following unpaid leaves:

 

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Most-viewed articles this week on HRinfodesk

The three most viewed articles on HRinfodesk this week deal with the drafting of termination clauses to exclude benefits, a collision involving two employees in the employer parking lot entitling them to WSIB benefits and the right of employers to hire employees with certain language skills.

 

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Slaw: Consolidating labour legislation: Proposed Saskatchewan Employment Act

The new Saskatchewan Employment Act clearly defines the rights and responsibilities of employees, employers and unions… The new Act will improve Saskatchewan’s labour legislation to better protect workers, promote growth and increase accountability

 

, , , , , , , , ,

Most-viewed articles this week on HRinfodesk

The three most viewed articles on HRinfodesk this week deal with how a probation period is an opportunity to demonstrate skills, an employer’s failure to prevent workplace harassment. and a Human Rights Tribunal decision to reinstate a terminated employee after the employer failed to accommodate.

 

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Employer failed in duty to accommodate by not considering employment beyond pre-injury position

In the recent decision Fair and Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal provides a useful guide for employers to follow in determining how to return an employee to the workplace after an extended absence.

 

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Slaw: The launch of the new Social Security Tribunal

On April 1, 2013, the federal government launched the new Social Security Tribunal…

 

, , , , , , , , , ,

HRinfodesk Poll result and commentary: The presence of psychological risks or mental illnesses in the workplace

The Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace standard was released on January 16, 2013, by the Canadian Standards Association. Canadian companies and employees across the country can turn to a new national standard to help them identify and address psychological risks and mental health issues in the workplace. We wanted to know if employers were aware of any cases of psychological risks or mental illnesses in their workplaces. This is why our last poll asked readers: Have you encountered employees who suffer from psychological risks or mental illnesses (i.e., depression, bipolar) in your workplace?

 

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Leave related to the death or disappearance of a child

Effective January 1, 2013, under the Canada Labour Code, federally-regulated employers must provide employees who have completed six consecutive months of continuous employment; and, under the Manitoba Employment Standards Code, provincially-regulated employers must provide employees who have completed 30 days of continuous employment, with:

 

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The value of working from home questioned: Whether to implement flexible work arrangements or not?

The recent decision by Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer to ban working from home for “Yahoos” has been both widely criticised and applauded. The decision has been criticised for undermining the growing trend toward telecommuting and other flexible work arrangements which enable employees to better balance work/life challenges, especially important to women with children [...]

 

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Good Friday, a public (statutory) holiday, Passover and Easter

On Friday March 29, 2013, also known as Good Friday, employees across Canada get a day off with regular pay or public holiday pay (depending on the jurisdiction).

 

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Most-viewed articles this week on HRinfodesk

The three most viewed articles on HRinfodesk this week deal with whether a taxable benefit arises from the reimbursement of the cost of computer equipment, an update on the 2013 Federal Budget and how an employer was on the hook for damages due to a work reprisal.

 

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Previous Posts