In this issue - #95 January 31, 2007

British Columbia will raise the home owner grant threshold in response to significant increases in property values .

Human Resources and Social Development Canada has published a set of guidelines for employers in applying concepts of progressive discipline.
 

The Premier’s Council on Aging and Seniors Issues has recommended the abolishment of the practice of so-called “mandatory retirement” in British Columbia.

One person’s work is another’s... breakfast.

In a recent edition of his weekly column, “Legal Ease”, which appears nationally in a variety of print and electronic media, Robert Smithson addressed the challenges employers in B.C. will face after the proposed changes to the Human Rights Code eliminate the practice of mandatory retirement.

The New Year brings tax changes in pensions, non-refundable tax credits, employee/ employer insurance premium rates and more.

Also in London, an employee at the Madame Tussauds wax museum is in trouble with his employer because he seems to love his work just a little too much.
 

B.C.’s Office of the Privacy Commissioner has developed a number of tools to assist employers with the task of responding to breaches of privacy within their organization.

Representation Agreements are a legal planning document which can be used in British Columbia to give your named representative the authority to make personal, property, financial and/or health care decisions for you in particular circumstances.

The European Commission has approved the acquisition by Boeing of C-Map, an Italian company, which produces electronic marine charts, pursuant to EU Competition Laws.
 

The trial of nineteen business people is underway in Zurich, Switzerland in connection with the fall of Swiss Air just over five years ago.  The charges laid, including against the main board, include criminal charges for false accounting and criminal mismanagement.
 

Transport Canada announced its welcome of proposals by the European Commission to enter into discussions and negotiations with Canada, with regard to a single air agreement on January 9, 2007.

Some Canadians are receiving e-mails fraudulently identified as coming from the Department of Finance Canada that promise a tax refund if an appended form is filled in and returned.

This article focuses on two major Canadian security breaches that highlight the fragility of sensitive, personal information that is entrusted to Canadian businesses as well as the inadequacy of current Canadian privacy legislation.

According to a new Ipsos Reid survey conducted on behalf of RBC Financial Group, almost half (46 per cent) of Canadians have written a will to ensure their last wishes are carried out

BANGOR, Maine-The City Council approved a new law that prohibits people from smoking in vehicles when children are present.
 

MySpace devotee Kary Rogers was expecting to see a gut-busting video when a friend from the popular online hangout messaged him a link.

EBay's success makes it a huge target on the Internet.

The Public Citizen just released a comprehensive report exposing the hoax of the " US medical malpractice crisis."

The Canadian Press is reporting that a Canadian copyright reform bill is imminent.

Canadian Conservative attack ads fired at Liberal Leader Stephane Dion may end up sideswiping the ruling party after questions were raised about possible breach of copyright laws.