Updates from Consult Carswell
New Brunswick privacy legislation comes into force
New Brunswick’s Right to Information and Protection of Privacy Act and Personal Health Information Privacy and Access Act came into force on May 1. These statutes govern access, use and disclosure of personal information held by public bodies. The new legislation only applies to public sector employers, including government bodies and Crown corporations and commissions listed in the Public Service Labour Relations Act. Private sector organizations are still covered by the federal privacy act. The province is also beginning its search for a privacy commissioner.
Ontario health and safety blitz
Ontario’s Ministry of Labour is beginning a four-month-long safety enforcement blitz focusing on workplaces with young and new workers. Inspectors will check employees are properly trained and supervised, meet minimum age requirements and protected by safety measures. The ministry conducted a similar blitz last year and 90 per cent of enforcement orders were issued to businesses in retail, food services, tourism, recreation, hospitality and vehicle sales and service. For more information about last year’s results, see www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/sawo/blitzes/blitz_report7.php.
Domestic violence under Bill 168
The Ontario Ministry of Labour has posted Bill 168 implementation information on its website. Under Bill 168, employers must take reasonable precautions to protect employees from domestic violence that spills over into the workplace. While the ministry document does not have the full force of law, it has expanded the definition of what constitutes domestic violence. The ministry takes the view domestic violence includes violence perpetrated by spouses or intimate partners, or by family members.
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