The federal government’s 2022 budget, which set out $56 billion in new spending on Thursday, has a few offerings that could impact employers and employees. Dental-care program, pharmacare The budget confirmed the government’s commitment to rolling out a national dental-care program, which was announced in March, by specifying a $5.3-billion investment in its implementation. It also […]
The federal government will consider whether to include booster shots in the next version of the coronavirus vaccine mandate for its workers, said the Treasury Board as it reviews the rules. The government must review the need for the policy, which currently requires federal public servants to get two doses of the vaccine or face […]
With two of Ontario’s government parties promising to develop portable benefits plans, it’s important to remember that plan sponsors need the freedom to design and price their benefits packages, as well as stability in terms of government processes, says one expert. “Plan sponsors are already delivering programs to a large proportion of the workforce and […]
Canadian employers looking to redesign their benefits plans are in a holding pattern until they hear more details on the Liberal Party of Canada and the New Democratic Party’s joint proposed national dental-care and pharmacare programs. Last week, the two parties announced plans to form an alliance until 2025 in order to deliver these programs […]
Ahead of the upcoming provincial election, Ontario Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca is promising several benefits for employees and employers in his economic platform. The platform, announced ahead of the 2022 election campaign, includes providing all Ontario workers with portable drug, dental and mental-health services; matching up to $1,000 in annual retirement savings for long-income earners, […]
As provinces across the country begin removing coronavirus pandemic restrictions over the coming weeks, some employers are already returning employees to their respective workplaces. But many employees are still hesitant to return to a shared office space, particularly while the country is still mired in the public health crisis. Although some employers may drop their […]
An advisory group tasked with recommending how Canada should handle the right to disconnect after work hours was split on whether the country should adopt a legislative requirement for workplaces. A final report released Feb. 10 by the Right to Disconnect Advisory Committee said unions and non-governmental organizations that were consulted want the country to […]
As widespread labour shortages force Canadian companies to re-evaluate their employee recruitment and retention practices, experts say pay transparency is increasingly in the spotlight. Outside of the public sector and unionized shops, salaries in North America have long been considered a private matter between employer and employee. Job postings generally don’t disclose compensation and the issue of […]
Ontario is eyeing a new system to provide “portable benefits” for workers in the gig economy, retail and hospitality sectors who don’t currently have health, dental or vision coverage. Under the plan, workers would be able to keep their benefits even if they change jobs, said the province in a press release. If the plan […]
During Danish Yusuf’s morning routine, his work phone rarely rings and seldom is there an appointment with his Toronto insurance company staff. The lack of disruptions is no coincidence. Years ago, Yusuf instructed staff not to plan meetings or send electronic communications early in the morning or after 5 p.m. in hopes of helping staff relax […]