i) Health Canada and the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration have announced that they are seeking public input with respect to aligning hazard communication regulations in Canada and the United States.
ii) The Ontario Human Rights Commission (the “Commission”) recently released an updated policy with respect to discrimination on the basis of creed, which expands the definition of creed. Creed is not defined by the Human Rights Code. The Commission’s Policy provides a framework for determining if “creed” has been established. The policy states that a creed: (1) is sincerely, freely and deeply held; (2) is integrally linked to a person’s identity, self-definition and fulfillment; (3) is a particular and comprehensive, overarching system of belief that governs one’s conduct and practices; (4) addresses the ultimate questions of human existence, including ideas about life, purpose, death and the existence or non-existence of a creator and/or higher or different order of existence; and (5) has some “nexus” or connection to an organization or community that professes a shared system of belief.
iii) During the election campaign for the Federal Government, the Liberal Party of Canada indicated that it was committed to amending the rules with respect to the taxation of employee stock options. The Federal Budget is expected to be released during the week of March 21, 2016.