Meanwhile, Back On The Labour Front…

Back in June I discussed a bunch of pending changes to the labour laws here in Ontario.  All of this is mandated by the provincial government and includes additions or amendments to the Employment Standards Act and the Labour Relations Act.  Add to this a new one called the Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act and you can see that the government means business (pun intended).  By the way, this last act has received Royal Assent and is now law.

So what does all of this mean in the very near future and why discuss it now?  Well, on January 1, 2018 many of these changes and additions will come into play.  Probably of most interest to a lot of employees and employers is the pending rise in the minimum wage from $11.60 per hour to $14.00 per hour.  This represents a major jump; good for employees but possibly a major challenge for businesses.  That said, it is only the latest of the increases.  Another one follows on January 1, 2019 when it jumps to $15.00 per hour.  There will still be different rates for students, liquor servers, hunting & fishing guides, and home workers (employees paid by an employer to work from home).

Also coming into play is legislation to cover equal pay for equal work regardless of whether an employee is part-time or full-time, temporary or seasonal.  In other words, if they are doing a particular job, the pay rate must be consistent applied across the board.  This would also include employees of a Temporary Help Agency.  The few exceptions to this include where systems are in place for seniority or merit.  This provision will actually come into being on April 1, 2018.

Sticking with January 1, legislation covering overtime pay will take effect.  This would require an employee who covers multiple positions to be paid at the rate for the position they are working while on overtime.  Mandatory entitlement to three weeks paid vacation after five years of employment with the same employer will also come into play for all employers, not just the large ones.  Moving on to public holiday pay, employees will be entitled to their average regular daily wage rather than a formula-driven amount.

The whole issue of leave, both paid and unpaid, also comes into force on January 1.  All employees will be entitled to 10 personal emergency leave days per year including two of them as paid.  Employers will be forbidden from requesting a sick note during one of these leaves.  Domestic violence will now be a valid reason.  104 weeks of unpaid leave will be allowed for the death of a child for any reason or for crime-related child disappearance.  Family medical leave will increase to up to 27 weeks in a 52-week period.

As of January 1, 2018 an Employment Standards Officer can order a company to pay an employee if moneys are owing.  The same applies to employees of a Temporary Help Agency.

The last thing I’ll cover in this blog is the requirement for employees to contact their employer before filing a claim under the Employment Standards Act.  On January 1, it will no longer be mandatory.  An Employment Standards Officer must be assigned regardless.

The whole area of employment standards and labour relations is complex and should be of great concern to everyone involved.  I strongly recommend that people consult the Ontario Government website for further clarification where necessary.  For complicated issues, a labour relations lawyer might be a worthy investment.  Changes are happening and this makes for interesting times.  This blog has only touched some of it.  As of this writing, it is unclear if the legislation for everything I have mentioned has passed but I do expect it will.

On a lighter note, as we are in December with the holiday season and the New Year fast approaching, all of us here at Fiscal Performance Inc. would like to wish all of you the very best in your business and personal lives.  May the year behind you have met all your expectations and may the New Year ahead hold the promise of new, fresh and exciting challenges.  Enjoy the holidays and bask in the warmth and spirit of the season.

All the very best,

Tracy

Vaidehi

Bookkeeper

Meet Vaidehi, a dedicated and professional Bookkeeper since 2021, who proudly supports and assists her clients. Her efficiency and expertise shines through her seamless handling of her clients’ financial records including Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Bank Reconciliation and client communication. Trust Vaidehi to provide the support and solutions you need. During her personal time, Vaidehi enjoys dancing, cooking and tending to her garden.

Tinna

Bookkeeping Manager

Introducing Tinna, our resourceful and dynamic Bookkeeping Manager with over 12 years of hands-on experience. An expert in all aspects of accounting and finance operations, she handles preparation and maintenance of statutory accounting books, reconciling revenue and expenditure accounts, overseeing the preparation of monthly, quarterly, bi-annual and year-end financial statements, implementing stellar accounting systems and controls, budgeting and financial projections. Tinna’s solid background in managing both financial and non-financial assets, investigating and auditing accounts, makes her an asset to the Fiscal Performance team.

Duane

Executive Director

A true believer in the power of streamlined workflows and strategic financial planning, Duane is not just about balancing the books; he is also about balancing success with sustainability, innovation with tradition, and growth with groundedness. Bringing together a blend of expertise, experience, and enthusiasm, he is focused on improving systems to continue on providing a high level of customer service to all of Fiscal’s partners, customers and vendors. He invites you to join the Fiscal Performance network and learn how to solve your accounting and bookkeeping challenges today.

Olu

Client Service Manager

If you’re seeking a bookkeeper with a passion for precision, a friendly demeanor, and a love for the beautiful game of soccer, then look no further than Olusegun. With over 10 years of experience with auditing and financial analysis, Olusegun brings a unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm to the table. Known for his approachable demeanor and willingness to go the extra mile, he’s not just your typical accountant – he’s a trusted ally in your company’s full cycle financial management. So, if you’re in need of a bookkeeper (with auditing know-how) who gets the job done, valuing integrity and reliability as part of every job, Olusegun is your go-to guy!

Sam

Task Manager & Quality Control

Sam is a seasoned Bookkeeping Manager with over 14 years of experience. Proficient in book cleaning, reviews, HST report preparation, and finalizing accounts using QuickBooks, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law, and Master’s degree in Commerce. Sam is known for his dedication to meeting deadlines, his collaborative work ethic, and equal prioritization of family and work. A nature and pet lover, he finds solace in music.

Daniel

Reviewer

Meet Daniel, a highly esteemed member of our team, whose accounting expertise spans back to 2015. Holding a semi-qualified Chartered Accountant designation and a post-graduate in Accounting (achieved in 2018) Daniel remains steadfast in catering to the needs of clients. Over the course of this distinguished career, Daniel has cultivated invaluable proficiency with an array of esteemed accounting software. Renowned for unwavering punctuality, Daniel consistently maintains a proactive approach, ensuring meticulous oversight of all deliverables.

Eric

Bookkeeper

Meet Eric, a distinguished professional with a Master of Commerce and a semi-qualified Chartered Accountant. He boasts three years of specialized experience in Canadian and US accounting, using software such as QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Desktop, and Dext. Eric’s proficiency shines through his seamless handling of onboarding, migration, clean-up, and catch-up projects. Renowned for his tech-savvy approach, Eric leverages his expertise in advanced Excel macro building to empower clients — enhancing their productivity and efficiency. Trust Eric to deliver unparalleled financial solutions tailored to your specific needs, ensuring excellence every step of the way.

Jess

Bookkeeper

Jess is a dedicated Bookkeeper, with a Bachelor of Accounting, who is proud to assist her clients with bookkeeping support, since 2020. Jess is well-versed in a suite of software programs with a focus on QuickBooks Online. Her expertise extends beyond conventional bookkeeping, encompassing Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable Management, Payroll processing, and adeptly managing the books as per client specifications and needs. She stands out for her swift file processing capabilities and streamlined financial processes at Fiscal Performance.

David

Task Manager

Meet David, Fiscal Performance’s Task Manager. A distinguished accounting & finance professional since 2014, David is adept in leadership roles. Known for his advanced skills in process implementation and continuous improvement, David works to ensure optimal outcomes for clients. With extensive experience spanning global markets including Canada, USA, UK, and Australia, he specializes in providing comprehensive CFO & bookkeeping services. Proficiency in a variety of accounting software enables him to tailor solutions to meet his clients’ needs effectively. David is detailed oriented and his ability to deal with conflicting priorities in high-pressure situations makes him an VIP at Fiscal Performance.

Chris

Reviewer

Introducing Chris, a Reviewer at Fiscal Performance and a seasoned professional in the accounting & finance industry. He boasts a career, starting in 2017, that includes executive roles to team leader positions. A post graduate in accounting, he is proficient in software such as QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop. Chris has honed his skills over the years, optimizing his bookkeeping processes by prioritizing accuracy and efficiency. Known for his dedication and meticulous approach, Chris consistently seeks out innovative solutions to streamline operations and deliver top-tier results. His commitment to excellence and his proactive attitude makes him an invaluable asset at Fiscal Performance.

Tracy Khamis

CPB, DFA – Bookkeeping Services Specialist™

Managing Director

Always wanting to learn and gain knowledge, Tracy has worked for multiple companies from various industries. Having the opportunity to work in varied industries from small companies to large organizations such as banks, accounting firms, schools, restaurants, construction, manufacturing and the arts has been extremely exciting. Each industry has different rules that apply, along with different government requirements. This experience has provided Tracy with extensive growth and understanding of bookkeeping, multiple software platforms, and in-depth financial report preparation. To know Tracy is to appreciate what she can do to put your books in order and keep them in a timely, relevant and professional manner.

Office: 1-905-662-9437
Mobile: 1-905-818-5328
Email: [email protected]