Bill 55 Receives Royal Assent

Article By: Maria Kotsopoulos

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In our May Employment Update we outlined key aspects of the proposed budget legislation with respect to the issue of a wage freeze for certain designated employees of certain employers in the public and broader public service. On June 20, 2012, Bill 55, Strong Action for Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2012, received royal assent.

The earlier version of the Bill provided for a two year wage freeze, expiring at the end of the day on March 31, 2014. However, the Bill has been amended to now provide for a continuation of the restraint measures until a day to be named by proclamation of the Lieutenant Governor. No day for the expiry of the wage freeze has yet been named.