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 […]
Lower-income workers across Ontario have lower rates of employer-provided dental insurance, according to a new report by the Toronto Foundation. In addition, the community foundation found the problem is more pronounced in Toronto. For example, 53 per cent of employees earning under $20,000 annually have workplace dental insurance in the rest of Ontario, while the same […]
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 […]
Uber Technologies Inc. has signed an agreement with a private sector union that will provide representation to Canadian drivers and couriers, but doesn’t unionize workers. Through this agreement, Uber will prioritize new benefits and protections for drivers and delivery people, as well as enhancing their flexibility to work if, when and where they want, according […]
A story on the federal government’s economic and fiscal update took the top spot over the past week on BenefitsCanada.com. Here are the five most popular news stories of the week: 1. Federal government extending pandemic aid for employers, employees 2. Ontario recommending introduction of new portable benefits program 3. Toronto’s Juno College planning to move to 100% employee-ownership […]
A new report by the Ontario government’s advisory committee on the future of work is recommending the introduction of a new portable benefits program. The Ontario Workforce Recovery Advisory Committee, which delivered its interim report this summer, set out 21 recommendations, including supporting workers who fall outside the purview of traditional benefits programs. The report […]
The federal government is extending the deadline for its consultations on modernizing the employment insurance program. The online survey, which was opened in August and scheduled to run until October, has been extended to Nov. 19, 2021. In a joint statement, Carla Qualtrough, the minister of employment, workforce development and disability inclusion; Pierre Laliberté, the Canada Employment […]
A court in Amsterdam ruled Sept. 13 that Uber drivers fall under the Dutch taxi drivers’ collective labour agreement — meaning they’re entitled to the same employment benefits as taxi drivers. Uber said it would appeal the ruling. The Amsterdam civil court said in a statement that three judges ruled the legal relationship between Uber and its drivers “conforms to all […]
Uber Technologies Inc. is revealing more details of a labour model it’s pitching to Canadian provinces and territories, a model that’s drawn opposition from some worker groups. The Flexible Work+ model the San Francisco-based tech giant has pushed since March asks provinces and territories to force Uber and other app-based companies to create a self-directed […]
The Conservative Party is promising to create tax-free savings accounts that provide gig workers with access to the Canada Pension Plan and employment insurance benefits. While out on the federal election campaign trail on Thursday, Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole said the coronavirus pandemic has demonstrated the need for these accounts because gig workers currently can’t pay […]