Report on Small Business newsletter: Ontario passes $15 minimum wage

Ontario passes $15 minimum wage

Ontario will move ahead with implementing $15 minimum wage by 2019, and enact other new worker-focused rules even sooner, as lawmakers passed a series of revised employment laws at Queen's Park Wednesday after years of research and debate.

The labour reforms include requirements that employers pay part-time, casual and temporary employees the same rate as full-time employees for the same job; that employers must pay workers three hours' wages for shifts cancelled with less than 48 hours notice; and extending personal emergency leave, including two paid days, to all workers. Minimum wage will reach $14 next Jan. 1 before hitting $15 a year later. Full story

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CRA blocks calls, often gives taxpayers wrong information, auditor says

The Canada Revenue Agency blocked 29 million calls – or more than half of its call volume – over a one-year period, forcing some taxpayers to make up to four call attempts per week with no guarantee of reaching an agent, according to a new report. Full story

Competition Bureau drops probe over abuse of dominance allegations against Loblaw

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Pension plan in the works for New Brunswick's self-employed

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Quebec cannabis: Activists, entrepreneur disappointed with marijuana legislation

Two cannabis activists aren't impressed with the marijuana legalization plan Quebec announced Thursday. But a group that works to decrease impaired driving praised the proposed legislation. Full story

Large American pot producer, retailer enters Canada with stake in Calgary startup

A large American cannabis retailer has secured a foothold in the Canadian market by taking a "significant" stake in a Calgary startup producer amid a recent spate of deal-making in the fledgling marijuana sector. Full story