Employee Benefit News Canada - Keeping benefits advisers and consultants on top of the trends

New CRA quiz determines if parking is a taxable benefit

A new online quiz from the Canada Revenue Agency can help employers determine whether or not parking provided to employees is a taxable benefit.
Phased retirement not a solution for labour woes

Tax changes and amendments to the Pension Benefits Standards Act finally allow real phased retirement for federally regulated employees. But even when provincial pension statutes catch up, it is unlikely that phased retirement alone will have a significant impact on looming labour shortages across the country.
Employers broaden total rewards

The economic downturn and increased competition for the best talent are leading companies to adopt a more holistic approach to total rewards. They are going beyond benefits and compensation and incorporating elements such as career planning, performance management, employee training and work-life balance programs, experts say.

Quebec Court of Appeal rules on pension issue

An Aon InfoFlash discusses a decision of the Quebec Court of Appeal where the court unanimously ruled in favour of the employer in Multi-Marques Distribution Inc. v. Régie des Rentes du Québec This case concerns the employer's obligation to fund a deficit following its withdrawal from a multi-employer pension plan as a result of a partial wind-up.
Ontario CA decision deals with unilateral changes to terms of employment

A Blakes Pension & Employee Benefits Bulletin discusses Wronko v. Western Inventory Service Ltd. in which the Ontario CA found that if an employee refuses to accept an employer's offer to amend the terms of his or her employment contract and the employer allows the employee to continue working, the terms of the original employment contract remain in force. The case will have significant implications for employers who are considering the implementation of fundamental changes to employee benefit and compensation arrangements.
BCCA limits class actions re statutorily conferred Employment Standards benefits

A Blakes Labour & Employment Law Bulletin discusses a BC Court of Appeal decision in Macaraeg v. E Care Contact Centers Ltd. which held that employees cannot bring a civil action -- including a class action-- based on the BCESA.