Spring 2016 Regulatory Update for Employers: Ontario Chamber of Commerce

· by Huzaifa Saeed

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s (OCC) Regulatory Update* summarizes what employers need to know about the latest changes to the regulatory environment for businesses. As you know, easing the regulatory burden for Ontario businesses is one of the top priorities of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce network. We are committed to continuing to advocate for a business climate that fosters investment and growth.

Changing Workplaces Review

Ongoing
The OCC is preparing for the release of the interim report of the Changing Workplaces Review, which we anticipate in the coming weeks. Ontario’s labour and employment laws are changing, with the potential for a profound impact on the relationship between employers and employees in every organization in the province. The employer community needs to improve our cooperation and alignment with these potential changes and the OCC has been leading the employer voice with other industry and sector associations.

Together we have been sharing information and preparing communications platforms to better engage the employer community in the process. For more information on the Changing Workplaces Review or how to take part in our efforts, please contact Karl Baldauf, Vice President of Policy & Government Relation at karlbaldauf@occ.ca.

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New rules regarding tips and other gratuities

Effective June 10, 2016
Starting June 10, 2016, it will be illegal for employers to keep a portion of employees’ tips and other gratuities, except as permitted by the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA).

These rules affect employers and employees covered by the ESA in workplaces where tips and gratuities are received – such as at bars, restaurants, hair and nail salons, catering firms and taxis.

The changes come as a result of Bill 12 Protecting Employees’ Tips Act, 2014.

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Ontario posts final Cap and Trade regulation

In effect
Ontario has finalized the rules for its new cap and trade program to limit greenhouse gas pollution, reward innovative companies, generate opportunities for investment in Ontario and create jobs while moving to a low-carbon economy.

The cap and trade regulation takes effect July 1, 2016 and includes detailed requirements for businesses participating in the program.

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Ministry of Labour consulting on proposal to mandate Construction Hazard Awareness Training

Ongoing
The Ministry of Labour is proposing amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training Regulation (O. Reg. 297/13) under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The amendments, if approved, would apply to employers who engage in “construction” as defined under the Act. The ministry is seeking stakeholder feedback on the proposed changes from May 11, 2016 to August 12, 2016.

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Ministry of Labour conducting Young and Temporary Foreign Workers Blitz

Ongoing
Ontario is helping to protect vulnerable workers with two employment standards blitzes this spring. From May 2 to June 30, 2016, the ministry’s employment standards officers are conducting simultaneous inspection blitzes focusing on workplaces in sectors known to employ young workers and those that employ temporary foreign workers.

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For more information please contact: Huzaifa Saeed | Policy & Research Analyst | Hamilton Chamber of Commerce | e: h.saeed@hamiltonchamber.ca | t: 905-522-1151 ext: 230

* Please note that this email includes hyperlinks to third party websites. Although the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) and its member Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade make reasonable efforts to obtain reliable content from third parties, the OCC and its member Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade do not guarantee the accuracy of any third party content. The OCC and its member Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade do not necessarily endorse the legislative or regulatory changes listed in this email.