Soon after the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, layoffs and the shift to remote working resulted in a 30-year low in female participation in the Canadian workforce, threatening to undo gains in gender equity in the workplace, according to a new report by the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board. Women have suffered the most layoffs or furloughs during the pandemic […]
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. is acquiring integrated talent management firm Optimum Talent Inc. With this acquisition, the Quebec-based company will gain access to Gallagher’s resources, enabling it to further enhance its plan sponsor offerings, noted a press release. As well, the merger will allow Gallagher to expand its reach in the benefits and human resources consulting […]
In its 2020 budget on Thursday, the Ontario government said it plans to permanently extend the employer health tax payroll exemption from $490,000 to $1 million. The change is expected to save Ontario employers about $360 million in 2021/22 as they endure the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. “When the COVID-19 outbreak struck Ontario, the […]
As the coronavirus pandemic drags on, LinkedIn Corp. and its parent company Microsoft Corp. are removing the asterisk around what the 21st century workplace will look like post-pandemic. Microsoft has introduced guidance for employees on its new flexible working policy in preparation for the future of work after the current crisis is over. The new policy will also apply […]
Bee-Clean Building Maintenance janitors in British Columbia ratified their first collective agreement on Monday, winning employer-paid health and dental benefits, paid sick days and a wage boost. Employees who are members of Services Employees International Union Local 2 reached the tentative agreement on Friday, mere days before they were set to picket at various locations across B.C.’s Lower […]
Employers are increasingly focusing on the engagement and mental health of employees working remotely as the coronavirus pandemic drags on, according to a webinar hosted by Medavie Blue Cross on Tuesday. “We’ve faced lots of crises in the travel industry, from Sept. 11 to the 2008 economic crash,” said Christophe Hennebelle, vice-president of human resources […]
Uber Technologies Inc., Lyft Inc. and other app-based ride-hailing and delivery services spent $200 million in a winning bet to circumvent California lawmakers and the courts to preserve their business model by keeping drivers from becoming employees eligible for benefits and job protections. The titans of the so-called gig economy bankrolled the most expensive ballot […]
With so many Canadian employees working from home due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Canada Revenue Agency is adding home office furniture to the list of expenses employers can reimburse tax-free. Usually, the CRA only allows employers to reimburse up to $500 of personal computer equipment so that an employee can carry out their employment duties […]
As coronavirus cases rise across the country and some return-to-work plans become return-to-home plans, many employers are wondering how to help their employees adapt once again as the second wave of the pandemic slams into Canada. Will there be another lockdown this year? Will children be expected to learn remotely again while employees work? How can we, as […]
A recent decision from the Supreme Court of Canada suggests the test for employers seeking to limit recovery for unlawful termination damages related to long-term incentive plans may be insurmountable in practice. The mid-October ruling concluded that David Matthews was entitled to a payout under his incentive plan when the company was sold 13 months […]