Canadian Payroll and Human Resource News and Articles - August 2015Canadian Payroll and Human Resource News and Articles - August 2015

The Payroll News

August 2015 - Welcome to the latest edition of The Payroll News! As always, please feel free to forward this newsletter to your friends and associates who are interested in keeping up with the latest changes in the Canadian Payroll industry. Federal and Provincial news are listed immediately below followed by our Featured Article and other useful topics.

Tip of the Month Federal News Provincial News
Featured Article Software Updates Newsletter Archive



Final Week for CanPay's 30 Years in Payroll Contest!

"Win an iPad" Contest Has One Week Remaining - Thanks to everyone who Win a free iPad Mini with CanPay's 30th Anniversary Contesthas participated in our 30th Anniversary contest this Summer and who have test-driven eNETEmployer, our newest online payroll and HR solution. The contest ends on August 31, so you still have a few days to get your entries. AND, please read below for more contest entry methods. If you have not heard about the contest yet, click here or read the Win a Free iPad Mini section below.

  • Click here to read the media release about our 30 year in business.
  • Click here to visit the new eNETEmployer website.
  • Click here to visit view a printable brochure that discusses some of the features of this exciting new internet-based payroll software tool.

Win a Free iPad Mini

Help us celebrate our 30th anniversary this summer by getting the word out via social media and the internet, and you will be entered into a draw to win an Apple iPAD Mini! Contest entry is easy - simply post a congratulatory message about us and include a link back to the CanPay website (www.canpay.com). Each post (with link) that you create will get you one entry into the draw. For example, if you post "Congratulations CanPay, on 30 years of payroll software and service in Canada" on both your Facebook and Twitter pages, you will get two entries for the prize! Create more posts on your company website, blog, Instagram, Linked In, Pinterest, Google+, Tumblr, and others to gain even more entries into the draw.

Remember to include a hyperlink back to www.canpay.com for all posts, and please send an e-mail to admin@canpay.com letting us know about all of your posts (so that we can add an entry to the draw for each one). All posts must be submitted by the contest closing date of August 31, 2015.

Get More Entries - NEW!

CanPay celebrates 30 years in Canadian Payroll


Tip of the Month

August 2015 - WHMIS Workplace Requirements Portal - With this year's announcement of the changes to Canada's Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS 2015), the CCOHS has published a website to assist Canadians transition from the old WHMIS system to WHMIS 2015. WHMIS.org, Canada’s National WHMIS Portal, provides Canadians with a single point of access to the most current information about WHMIS 2015 from all of the jurisdictions across Canada. The website also contains helpful tools and resources for workers, employers, suppliers and trainers. Click Here for more information.

Looking for past tips? Please visit our Tip of the Month archive for historical tips other useful information that will assist with your payroll and HR tasks.

Canadian Federal Payroll and HR News

August 13, 2015 - The new Payroll Deductions Tables (T4032) and new Payroll Deductions Supplementary Tables (T4008) - The new Payroll Deductions Tables (T4032) effective October 1, 2015 are now available on the CRA Web site. This publication contains tables for federal and provincial tax deductions, CPP contributions and EI premiums. It will help you determine the payroll deductions for your employees or pensioners. The revised Payroll Deductions Supplementary Tables (T4008) have also been posted. (Full Story)

July 31, 2015 - Harper Government helps connect Canadians with jobs in forest products and wood manufacturing - Several projects have been announced that will connect workers with careers in the forest products and wood manufacturing sectors, including $1 million in funding to create an online database for the forest products sector that will include information on available jobs based on skills and geography. Accurate job market information helps workers connect with available, in-demand jobs while ensuring that employers have workers with the skills they need to help their businesses prosper. It also assists training institutions to align their training with the skills that employers are looking for. (Full Story)

July 31, 2015 - Harper Government helps Canadians with disabilities gain job skills - The Government of Canada will provide over $35 million over three years for 10 projects as part of its goal to help Canadians with disabilities gain the skills and experience they need to find jobs. Since 2006, the Opportunities Fund has helped 40,000 people with disabilities across Canada. This is part of the Government of Canada’s overall strategy to equip all Canadians with the skills and training they need to connect with available jobs. (Full Story)

July 30, 2015 - Harper Government helps young Canadian Forces reservists across Canada get jobs - The Harper Government will help 225 young Canadian Armed Forces reservists of the Primary Reserve across Canada get the information, skills and work experience they need to find and keep jobs while remaining in the reserves. Career Edge will use the investment of over $2,805,000 from the Harper Government to create a new paid internship program for active reservists between the ages of 19 and 30. Three host cities will be jointly determined by the Department of National Defence and Career Edge as areas of concern about retaining young reservists. (Full Story)

July 24, 2015 - Government of Canada helps employers in key industries attract and retain Aboriginal apprentices - Support has been announced to build a more robust and inclusive skilled trades workforce by helping employers recruit Aboriginal apprentices in key industries, including trucking, mining and rail. Under the Workplace Opportunities: Removing Barriers to Equity (WORBE) program, the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum will receive $210,000 for a project that will strengthen partnerships between employers and Aboriginal groups and create sector-specific strategies and best practices for increasing the representation of Aboriginal peoples in the skilled trades workforce. (Full Story)

July 10, 2015 - OECD says Canada has positive employment outlook and is improving the way it gets people back to work - The Harper Government is welcoming two OECD reports this week that indicate that, despite a fragile global economy, Canada continues to improve the way it gets people back to work and the country’s employment outlook is positive. One of the report's findings is that Canada’s unemployment rate is near pre-recession levels and is expected to decline even further by the end of 2016; and the incidence of long-term unemployment - the share of those who have been searching for a job for more than one year - is one of the lowest among OECD countries. (Full Story)

June 19, 2015 - Minister Findlay launches new action plan to cut red tape for small business - National Revenue minister Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay unveiled meaningful and measurable actions that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will take over the next two years to continue to reduce red tape for businesses. Highlighted was the Government’s elimination of more than 800,000 payroll remittances (e.g. withheld CPP and EI) for more than 50,000 small businesses and the implementation of enhanced online tools, like My Business Account, so businesses can find the answers they need when they need it. (Full Story)

June 19, 2015 = Interest rates for the third calendar quarter - The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) today announced the prescribed annual interest rates that will apply to any amounts owed to the CRA and to any amounts the CRA owes to individuals and corporations. These rates will be in effect from July 1, 2015 to September 30, 2015. There have been no changes to the prescribed interest rates since last quarter, except for the interest rate for corporate taxpayers’ pertinent loans or indebtedness. (Full Story)

June 19, 2015 - Government makes applying for the Canada Pension Plan retirement pension faster and easier - The Canadian government has officially launched a faster and easier online application for the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). It allows clients to complete and submit their CPP retirement pension application entirely online in just a few clicks, replacing the online process which required claimants to complete a long and cumbersome application online, and print and mail a signed signature page. The My CPP Retirement online application, available within My Service Canada Account, includes the Canadian Retirement Income Calculator and the CPP Statement of Contributions - tools that can help claimants determine the best time to start their retirement pension and get an estimate of how much they might receive. (Full Story)

Provincial Payroll and HR News

(Click a Province to expand the articles)



July 31, 2015 - Harper Government helps young people in Edmonton get jobs - The Harper Government is helping equip young people in Edmonton with the skills and experience they need to find jobs. Through the Government’s Youth Employment Strategy, the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers will deliver a project to help 84 young people in Edmonton with an investment of more than $1 million over two years. This project will help young people successfully transition to the job market or return to school. Project participants will learn or improve job skills through workshops tailored to the needs of new Canadians, covering topics such as employer expectations and resume writing. (Full Story)

July 21, 2015 - Harper Government helps young immigrants in Edmonton get jobs - The Harper Government is helping equip young immigrants in Edmonton with the skills and experience they need to find jobs. Project participants will learn or improve job skills, such as time management and business computer skills. They will also gain work experience related to their employment goals with local employers in areas including retail, warehousing, and the oil and gas sector. (Full Story)

June 29, 2015 - Minimum wage going up to $11.20 October 1 - Alberta’s general minimum wage will increase to $11.20 from $10.20 per hour. The liquor server minimum wage will rise to $10.70 from $9.20 per hour in the first of two steps to eliminate the differential rate altogether in 2016. Alberta’s minimum wage is currently the lowest in the country. (Full Story)

June 16, 2015 - Government, industry and employers join forces to connect veterans to employment - BaseToBusiness is a program that empowers employers to tap into the skillsets of veterans and those retiring, releasing or transitioning from the Canadian Armed Forces. While thousands of members of the Canadian Armed Forces transitioning out of the military each year, many employers experience difficulty distinguishing between military qualifications and their corresponding civilian standards. BaseToBusiness holds forums, seminars and develops customized military engagement strategies to raise employers’ awareness of the skills of these prospective workers. (Full Story)

August 21, 2015 - WorkBC’s Find Your Fit to showcase B.C.’s in-demand jobs in Vancouver - Young people considering what skills they will need for tomorrow’s in-demand occupations will have an opportunity for interactive, hands-on experience at WorkBC’s Find Your Fit tour stop at the Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver. Find Your Fit is an interactive event where individuals of all ages can find out about careers in demand throughout the province, learn about online resources to help them find work and even try some of the skills they will need for different careers (Full Story).

July 31, 2015 - Harper Government helps youth in Vancouver get jobs - The Harper Government is helping equip youth in Vancouver with the skills and experience they need to find jobs. Through the Government’s Youth Employment Strategy, the Intersections Media Opportunities for Youth Society will deliver a project to help 64 youth in Vancouver with an investment of  more than $280,000. This project will help young people successfully transition to the job market or return to school. Project participants will improve job skills, such as interview preparation, computer skills and problem solving. Participants will also gain work experience with employers in the hospitality and retail industries. (Full Story)

July 16, 2015 - Agreement boosts workforce co-operation, mobility for skilled workers - An agreement in principle has been signed to enhance workforce co-operation and mobility of skilled workers between the Province of British Columbia and the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The agreement will make it easier for skilled workers in Canada to find work in British Columbia and Newfoundland and Labrador and will remove barriers to labour mobility. Skilled workers get access to more job opportunities while employers gain a wider selection of candidates. This agreement supports efforts to put Canadians first in line for jobs and make it easier for skilled workers to find work across jurisdictions. (Full Story)

July 8, 2015 - Harper Government helps address skills shortages in support of the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor - An investment will be made in the Asia Pacific Gateway Skills Table for several projects that will help Canadians make informed career decisions and connect with available jobs. The Skills Table will develop labour market information (LMI) about the corridor for jobseekers and employers in the construction, shipping/marine, air, rail, trucking and other relevant sectors. Also, the Skills Table will develop and implement a voluntary, national mobile crane operator certification test, which will result in an industry-led approach to testing, assessing and documenting mobile crane operators’ competencies. A national certification standard will provide workers with greater labour mobility and employers with greater access to skilled workers. (Full Story)

July 29, 2015 - Canada Job Grant supports British Columbia employers and provides workers with skills training - Colin Mayes, MP for Okanagan-Shuswap, along with Greg Kyllo, Parliamentary Secretary for the BC Jobs Plan, congratulated employers that are training their workers with the help of the Canada Job Grant. Mr. Mayes and Mr. Kyllo highlighted that over 7,300 workers in British Columbia are receiving training through the Canada Job Grant, and that over 1,400 employers have been approved for funding. Up to two-thirds of the Grant is contributed by the Government, to a maximum of $10,000, with the remaining portion contributed by the employer. The Grant covers tuition/training fees; mandatory student fees; textbooks, software and other required training materials; and examination fees. (Full Story)

July 16, 2015 - Partnership sets the stage for employment - Local job seekers, residents, communities, tourists and the local economy will benefit from more than $31,000 in Provincial Job Creation Partnership (JCP) funding to plan local arts, cultural and music festivals. Job Creation Partnerships are part of the Employment Program of BC’s Community and Employer Partnerships, which fund projects that increase employability and share labour market information. To date, more than 700 job seekers have benefited from work experience and more than 150 projects have been funded throughout the province. (Full Story)

July 16, 2015 - Giving NWCC trades students skills for in-demand jobs - Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson announced funding in 2015-16 for Northwest Community College (NWCC) to purchase industry-standard trades equipment to help students get hands-on training that will put them at the front of the hiring line. The funding for new trades training equipment is part of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint that launched in April 2014. B.C.’s Blueprint outlines how the Province is re-engineering the education system - from kindergarten through to post-secondary training and beyond - to make sure education and training aligns with B.C. jobs. (Full Story)

June 24, 2015 - Governments of Canada and British Columbia sign job training deal - The Governments of Canada and British Columbia today announced that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that paves the way towards retooling an existing federal-provincial job training deal which will better-align training with jobs. The Government of Canada transfers over $2 billion annually to the provinces and territories through the Labour Market Development Agreements (LMDAs) to provide skills training to active and former Employment Insurance clients and employment services to people who are unemployed. (Full Story)

August 6, 2015 - Manitoba Government To Help Skilled Newcomers Find Work In Their Chosen Fields - New resources for career guidance and funding for a microloan program will help new Manitobans overcome barriers and find work in their fields more quickly. In 2015-16, Manitoba is providing $3 million for the Manitoba Start Program.  Manitoba Start provides consolidated, employment and labour market services to newcomers, and facilitates job matching services for employers.  Manitoba Start provided services to approximately 6,000 immigrant newcomers in 2014. (Full Story)

July 17, 2015 - Province Announces First Jobs Strategy Tour To Connect Graduates To Work Opportunities - University students will have more support starting their careers after graduating through new initiatives in the recently released First Jobs Strategy including the creation of a $1.5-million fund, Jobs and the Economy Minister Kevin Chief announced today. Over the next two years, young Manitobans looking for work experience will be able to access targeted services and supports.  Resources will include job search, employment counseling and resume building services and wage subsidies. (Full Story)

July 14, 2015 - Governments of Canada and Manitoba support skills training for older workers - An investment of over $996,000 will help unemployed older workers in Manitoba. The multi-year project will be funded by the Governments of Canada and Manitoba through the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers (TIOW) program. This project will provide approximately 100 unemployed workers between the ages of 55 and 64 in Brandon, Manitoba with skills upgrading activities, including training and work placements. The experience they will acquire will help them qualify for jobs, and reintegrate into the labour market. (Full Story)

June 30, 2015 - Harper Government creates summer jobs and bright futures for youth in Winnipeg - 850 students in Manitoba, including 310 students across 234 organizations in Winnipeg, will participate in meaningful summer employment through a Canada Summer Jobs investment. Canada Summer Jobs helps students gain the skills and experience they need to be successful, now and in the future, while earning money for the upcoming school year. In 2015, the Canada Summer Jobs program is expected to create over 850 jobs with 672 employers in Manitoba and approximately 35,000 jobs across the country, while helping employers address skills shortages. (Full Story)

July 31, 2015 - Harper Government helps youth in eastern Canada get jobs and supports women entrepreneurs - The Harper Government is helping equip young Canadians in New Brunswick with the information, skills and work experience needed to get jobs. Through the Government’s Youth Employment Strategy, the Restigouche Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC) will continue to deliver its existing project to help 90 recent post-secondary graduates in eastern Canada. Project participants will gain work experience related to their studies and career goals through paid internships in various fields. They will also be paired with an on-the-job mentor to help them learn more about careers in their chosen field and develop networking skills. (Full Story)

July 16, 2015 - Premier Gallant promotes job creation benefit of cooperation on apprenticeship mobility - Premier Brian Gallant signed a protocol today that will allow for greater mobility of apprentices across Canada. Signed by all of Canada’s premiers as part of the Council of the Federation meetings in St. John’s, N.L., the protocol will help reduce labour mobility barriers - including apprentice mobility barriers  - and will support major projects in every jurisdiction and help to build a skilled domestic workforce. (Full Story)

July 13, 2015 - Premier calls upon national party leaders to support job creation in New Brunswick - Premier Brian Gallant is calling upon national party leaders to support New Brunswick’s efforts to create jobs. Gallant recently asked for the federal government to consider special funding to help provinces with rapidly aging populations. He said provinces like New Brunswick will be impacted because of changes to the Canada Health Transfer.‎ That will lead to higher costs for the provinces most in need of ensuring the best education and skills training to grow their economies. (Full Story)

July 2015 - Stakeholder input sought for Phase II of review of workers’ compensation legislation - Stakeholders and individuals are encouraged to participate in Phase II of the review of legislation governing workers’ compensation by submitting their ideas and feedback online. The three-phase review, which began in 2013, is being conducted by the provincial government and WorkSafeNB. It is the first significant review of the legislation in more than 20 years. Phase II of the review will examine the governance structure for WorkSafeNB, the Workers’ and Employers’ Advocates Services, and Section 38 of the Workers’ Compensation Act which governs benefits. (Full Story)

July 9, 2015 - Labour market ministers take action to improve skills training and labour market outcomes - Provincial and territorial labour market ministers met with their federal counterpart this week to discuss the improvement of labour market information, the harmonization of apprenticeship training and the recognition of job credentials for internationally trained workers. Accurate labour market information will help to connect employers with job seekers and vice versa. The ministers agreed to work together on several important labour market issues, including: Labour market information, Apprenticeship, Qualification recognition and Canada Job Grant. (Full Story)

June 2015 - Survey shows community college graduates gaining employment in New Brunswick - An annual survey shows that high numbers of recent graduates from New Brunswick's community colleges are working in the province and in their field of study. In 2014, 86 per cent of employed New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) graduates who responded to the survey were working in New Brunswick, as were 90 per cent of employed graduates who responded from the Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB). The level of employment related to their training in the reference week increased by four percentage points for NBCC and remained stable for CCNB at 84 per cent and 82 per cent, respectively. (Full Story)

August 21, 2015 - Strong Workforce Supports Population Growth - To ensure Newfoundland and Labrador has a highly skilled workforce and favourable conditions to growing the population, the Provincial Government today released Labour Market Outlook 2025 at Academy Canada in St. John's. The report includes timely information about the provincial workforce, labour demands, employment outcomes, and helps answer important questions about current and emerging job prospects for the next 10 years. Labour Market Outlook 2025 anticipates a fluctuation in employment over the next decade based on major project employment cycles. (Full Story)

July 24, 2015 - Funding for Work Skills Strengthens Communities - The Department of Advanced Education and Skills is now accepting proposals to deliver projects under the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers program, to assist older workers entering the workforce. The Targeted Initiative for Older Workers program provides individuals with valuable skills and work experience to help them secure long-term, meaningful employment. Approvals of projects are based on applications through a Request for Proposals that focuses on criteria such as communities affected by significant downsizing or closures, the number of older workers aged 55-64 in the application area, the value of training and work experience and labour market information. (Full Story)

July 21, 2015 - Investing in a Diverse Economy - As part of an ongoing commitment to encourage economic diversity and support the growing technology sector, the Provincial Government today joined with Newfoundland and Labrador-based Verafin, a recognized leader in financial crime detection and prevention software, to announce a major expansion for the company. Approximately 90 highly-skilled jobs will be added to the local market as a result of a joint investment between the Provincial Government and Verafin. This investment is in the form of a forgivable loan from the Investment Attraction Fund, and will be forgiven as the company reaches employment targets. (Full Story)

July 16, 2015 - Supporting our Workforce - The Honourable Paul Davis Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Christy Clark, Premier of British Columbia, today signed an agreement in principle to enhance workforce cooperation and mobility of skilled workers between both provinces. The announcement was made at the meeting of the Council of the Federation in St. John’s. Both provinces remain committed to a long-term partnership to address demographic challenges and skills shortages that impact the ability to meet labour market needs. (Full Story)

July 14, 2015 - Enhancing Job Availability - The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador announced changes to the provincially supported free job-posting website, JOBSinNL.ca, to ensure employers and job seekers have the best access possible to available recruits and job openings in Newfoundland and Labrador. JOBSinNL.ca has been modified to operate in sync with recent changes to the Federal Government’s National Job Bank. By posting employment opportunities with the National Job Bank, job vacancies will continue to appear on JOBSinNL.ca and will also be advertised to all of Canada. (Full Story)

July 10, 2015 - Supporting the Development of Communities - The commitment to supporting the skilled trades, apprentices and employers remains strong for the Provincial Government with the release today of Train Here: A Roadmap for Apprenticeship Renewal. As a key component under the Population Growth Strategy, Train Here outlines a new vision for the skilled trades in Newfoundland and Labrador. Train Here was developed based on input received from industry, employers and individuals in the skilled trades throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. (Full Story)

June 16, 2015 - Successful Negotiations Benefit Public Sector Employees - The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced the details of the agreement reached between the Provincial Government and the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers' Association (NLTA) that sustains the Teachers' Pension Plan. To assist in achieving the 100 per cent funded target, one of the agreement's inclusions is to increase members’ contributions by two per cent, starting September 1, 2015 and will be matched by the Provincial Government. (Full Story)

July 17, 2015 - Premiers sign Provincial-Territorial Apprentice Mobility Protocol - Premier Bob McLeod and his provincial and territorial colleagues signed a new Apprentice Mobility Protocol at the annual summer meeting of Canada’s Premiers this week, providing apprentices with a national certification to work across Canada. The Protocol articulates the agreements jurisdictions have reached to achieve a provincial-territorial approach to mobility for apprentices. It includes the recognition that work experience and technical training may occur in any jurisdiction; jurisdictions will facilitate mobile apprentices progressing through their apprenticeship programs; and the mutual recognition of apprenticeship training and pre-apprenticeship training between jurisdictions. (Full Story)

July 10, 2015 - Notice to Employers - The Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC) was recently notified that unauthorized training providers are using aggressive sales tactics with misleading information about workplace training. These training providers have been contacting businesses indicating that their organization must take specific Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training to comply with the law. The WSCC, or any WSCC authorized training providers, will never contact you using threatening or aggressive tactics to promote training. Employers have a choice when selecting a WHMIS education and training provider whose training suits their workplace. (Full Story)

August 6, 2015 - Inspections Helping to Make Sure Workers are Safe on the Job - Occupational Health and Safety officers are making safety a top priority for landscaping workers this summer. Officers conducted unannounced inspections of more than 35 landscaping job sites across the province last week sharing information, raising awareness and checking compliance with workplace safety rules. The department routinely conducts workplace inspections as part of its efforts to improve workplace safety. Officers have already reached the total number of targeted inspections conducted last year. (Full Story)

July 28, 2015 - Students Finding Success in Apprenticeship Summer Co-ops - Close to 100 students are getting a chance to explore careers in skilled trades this summer. TestDrive and Building Futures for Youth allow students to earn high school co-op credits and hours towards apprenticeship certification in the automotive service and construction trades. The TestDrive and Building Futures for Youth programs, supported by the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency and the Department of Education and Education and Early Childhood Development, have provided more than 500 students with paid summer employment and hands-on trades experience. (Full Story)

July 17, 2015 - Deal Enhances Training and Mobility for Shipbuilding and Marine Workers - Nova Scotia and British Columbia are teaming up to enhance workforce training and increase the mobility of skilled workers between the two provinces.  An agreement in principle was signed on  July 17, that will mean more opportunities for workers in the shipbuilding and industrial marine industry, and ensure that employers in both provinces have access to the qualified workforce they need. In 2012, it was estimated that the shipbuilding business supported a total of 4,423 direct and indirect jobs in Nova Scotia. Estimates suggest that by 2020, that number could be as high as 11,500, including 7,400 in manufacturing. (Full Story)

July 16, 2015 - Canadian Premiers Unite to Help Apprentices Train More Quickly and Easily - The Canadian premiers approved an apprentice mobility protocol today, July 16, making it easier for apprentices to move between provinces and territories while completing their training. This Nova Scotia-led initiative, which is expected to be in place by January, will ensure technical training and relevant hours worked are recognized across the country no matter which province or territory they were completed in. It will also ensure that students graduating from pre-apprenticeship training programs get full recognition for their program training. (Full Story)

July 23, 2015 - Harper Government supports workplace essential skills training for Aboriginal people in the North - $3.1 million in funding was announced today for a new project that will provide Aboriginal Canadians living in the North with essential skills training for good, well-paying jobs. The Nunavut Literacy Council has developed a partnership with the Northwest Territories Literacy Council and the Yukon Literacy Coalition to create the Northern Alliance for Literacy and Essential Skills (NALES). NALES will work with stakeholders in the natural resources, tourism and service industries to integrate literacy and essentials skills training into new and existing workplace training programs. As a result, working-age Aboriginal youth and adults who are out of school, unemployed or underemployed will improve their skills and job readiness. (Full Story)

July 31, 2015 - Governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island celebrate success of Canada Job Grant - Investment through the Canada Job Grant will help train almost 200 workers in Prince Edward Island for in‑demand jobs, the governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island announced today. To date, 29 employers have been approved for funding to train new or current employees in areas that include welding, manufacturing and occupational health and safety. The Canada Job Grant is an innovative, employer-driven approach to help Canadians gain the skills and training they need to fill available jobs. By requiring employers to invest in training costs, the Canada Job Grant will result in skills training that will lead to jobs. (Full Story)

July 3, 2015 - Province announces program to expand advanced marine technology sector - The provincial government will support the growth of the marine technology sector, fostering an environment to attract companies to the Island and to expand existing operations, says Minister of Economic Development and Tourism Heath MacDonald. The new program will provide a rebate on provincial corporate taxes if the company employs 15 people, or more, reaches $700-thousand in payroll and develops exportable advanced marine technology. (Full Story)

June 30, 2015 - Minimum wage increase on July 1 - The minimum wage on Prince Edward Island will increase July 1, 2015 to $10.50 an hour. Announced back in December, this increase was made on the recommendation of the Employment Standards Board. The current minimum wage is $10.35 per hour, which came into effect October 1, 2014. (Full Story)

June 19, 2015 - WCB’s strong financial position provides security for injured workers and lowered rates for employers - The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) 2014 Annual Report was released today at their Annual Public meeting, demonstrating the WCB’s ongoing commitment to protecting Island workers and employers through fair and affordable workplace safety and compensation services. Highlights from the WCB 2014 Annual Report included: enhancement to workplace safety and prevention initiatives; record high satisfaction rates among injured workers; reduced rates for Island employers; consultations with the farming industry; and a refit of the WCB building to better serve clients. (Full Story)

June 12, 2015 - The Harper Government helps youth in Prince Edward Island get jobs - The Federal Government is helping equip young Canadians in Prince Edward Island with the information, skills and work experience needed to get jobs. PEI Career Development Services Inc. and Rural Community Learning Inc. will deliver two projects to help a total of 34 participants transition into the job market or return to school. The two groups are receiving a total of $340,000 for their projects through the Harper Government’s Youth Employment Strategy. (Full Story)

August 20, 2015 - Ontario is helping more Aboriginal youth find summer jobs and rewarding careers - In partnership with Confederation College and Lakehead University, 52 Aboriginal youth from 30 First Nations communities have graduated from the First Nations Natural Resources Youth Employment Program and the Mink Lake First Nations Youth Employment Program. First Nations youth represent a large and increasing percentage of the workforce in northern Ontario. These programs help participants build awareness and knowledge about natural resources management, policies and practices, while removing barriers to employment by providing job skills training, education and summer employment. (Full Story)

August 11, 2015 - The Ontario Retirement Pension Plan - Ontarians want and deserve income security in retirement. However, workplace pension plan coverage is low, the workplace is changing, and experts agree that people aren't able to save enough. Ontario has taken action because retirement savings challenges will worsen without a strong plan for the future. Subject to legislative approval, the Ontario Retirement Pension Plan (ORPP) would provide working Ontarians with a predictable stream of income in retirement. By 2020, every employee in Ontario will be part of either the ORPP or a comparable workplace pension plan. (Full Story)

July 30, 2015 - Governments of Canada and Ontario celebrate success of Canada Job Grant with new funding announcement - More than 29,000 training opportunities have been made possible for 22,000 new or current employees in Ontario thanks to funding provided through the Canada Job Grant. To date, over 2,700 employers have been approved for funding to train new or current employees in Ontario. The Canada Job Grant is an innovative, employer-driven approach to help Canadians gain the skills and training they need to fill available jobs. By requiring employers to invest in training costs, the Canada Job Grant will result in skills training that leads to guaranteed jobs. (Full Story)

July 29, 2015 - Harper Government helps youth in Kitchener and area get jobs - The Harper Government is helping equip young Canadians in Kitchener, Waterloo and the surrounding areas with the information, skills and work experience needed to get jobs. Through the Government’s Youth Employment Strategy, The Working Centre will deliver a project to help 12 youth with an investment of $210,675. This project will help recent post-secondary graduates transition into the job market and advance their careers. Project participants will gain work experience related to their studies and career goals through paid internships with private-sector employers in high-demand occupations in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Potential occupations include technical writer, marketing analyst, and communications. (Full Story)

July 22, 2015 - WSIB’s #PracticeSafeWork contest rewards young workers who work safe this summer - Starting today, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) is giving young workers in Ontario a chance to showcase their health and safety knowledge for a chance to win daily and weekly cash prizes through the #PracticeSafeWork Twitter Contest. Young workers in Ontario between the ages of 15-24 are being called on to submit images demonstrating their safe work practices using the hashtag #PracticeSafeWork. The social media contest will run through until September 2. (Full Story)

July 10, 2015 - Ontario Adds 14,000 Jobs in June - Employment in Ontario heated up in June with an increase of 14,000 -- bringing the total increase in employment since the recessionary low in June 2009 to 568,100. The province has experienced employment growth in a number of key sectors so far this year, as the government's economic plan continues to see results. Employment in Finance, Insurance, Real Estate and Leasing (30,900), Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (29,600) and Construction (21,300) sectors has increased so far this year. (Full Story)

August 7, 2015 - Saskatchewan Records 22 Months of Lowest Unemployment Rate in Canada - Saskatchewan’s unemployment rate was 5.2 per cent (seasonally adjusted) in July 2015 according to Statistics Canada.  This was the lowest rate among the provinces and well below the 6.8 per cent recorded nationally.  July marks the 22nd consecutive month the province has had the lowest unemployment rate in the country. The numbers show Saskatchewan has maintained the lowest unemployment rate in the country for almost two straight years. There were 575,300 people employed in July 2015. (Full Story)

July 22, 2105 - The WCB distributes surplus to employers - Today, the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) announced that cheques and credits totaling $141 million will be distributed by mail to employers this week as part of the excess surplus distribution first announced in May.  Employers are eligible for the 2015 distribution if their net premiums were greater than their claims costs over the three-year period from 2011 to 2013. The amount of the distribution that each firm receives was determined based on their 2013 base premiums because 2013 is the most current year of assessed actual payroll. (Full Story)

July 10, 2015 - Saskatchewan People Set Another All-Time High Employment Record - The June unemployment rate in Saskatchewan was 4.7 per cent (seasonally adjusted), down from 4.9 per cent in May (seasonally adjusted), and once again the lowest among all provinces, according to numbers released by Statistics Canada.  June marked an all-time high for employment as well as the 21st consecutive month that Saskatchewan had the lowest unemployment rate in Canada.  Nationally, unemployment was 6.8 per cent in June. Employment in the province reached a record 589,100, an increase of 7,500 compared to June 2014 (1.3 per cent increase).  Among the provinces, Saskatchewan had the third highest percentage increase. (Full Story)

June 23, 2015 - Saskatchewan Express Entry for Skilled Immigrants Launched - The Government of Saskatchewan today announced the launch of an improved online application system for the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP).  Immigrants applying for permanent residence can now apply online to the new Saskatchewan Express Entry category announced earlier this year, as well as other SINP streams. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has committed to processing these applications within six months or less, which makes the new category an attractive option for potential immigrants. (Full Story)

June 11, 2015 - Minimum Wage to Increase October 1, 2015 - Saskatchewan’s minimum wage will increase to $10.50 from $10.20 per hour, effective October 1, 2015.  This is the seventh increase in the minimum wage since 2007. There are almost 24,000 minimum wage earners in the Saskatchewan workforce who will benefit from the minimum wage increase.  The Government of Saskatchewan is also assisting minimum wage earners by increasing the basic personal tax exemption, the child tax credit and the Saskatchewan Low Income Tax Credit. (Full Story)

August 2015 - Workplace Diversity Employment Office - The Training and Work Experience Program - The Training and Work Experience Program is an initiative developed by the Workplace Diversity Employment Office (WDEO) and several departments within the Government of Yukon. It is designed to provide opportunities for job seekers that have disabilities, and who possess an array of skills that are needed in a work environment. It also looks to help these people develop their pre-existing skills to a level where they can successfully assume the duties of the job of their choice. Each training and work experience placement will be of a duration that is appropriate for the particular job description, typically with a minimum period of six months. (Full Story)

July 14, 2015 - Yukon adopts Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System 2015 - Yukon has adopted the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System 2015 (WHMIS 2015), a harmonized chemical labelling and classification system used around the world. The new labelling is easier to understand for workers of all backgrounds and languages, which will broaden and improve workplace safety. Employers are responsible for educating and training workers in the new system. They have three years to be fully compliant with the new rules, which will be in full effect as of December 1, 2018. (Full Story)

Featured Article

Online Payroll Software

(Part 2 of 2, continued from our previous issue - Click Here for Part 1)



Common Requirements in Payroll Software

When companies consider a payroll software solution, they typically look for a mature, proven tool that satisfies any or all of the following requirements:

  • Customizable Options - Features and settings that support your company-specific needs, such as user-definable functions, province-specific Workers Compensation, and customized program views.
  • Powerful Calculation Functions - The ability to use an unlimited number of earnings, deductions, benefits and accumulators, flexible employee payment schedules, and fast/efficient calculations.
  • Security - Features that provide piece-of-mind such as employee and user-defined access privileges, user authentication, and the use of today's current web technologies.
  • Employee Features - Options that enhance the employee payroll experience such as e-mail pay stubs, individual employee self-service accounts, and multi-lingual support.
  • Comprehensive Reporting - Intuitive reporting features that allow you to preview the final document, customized reporting to suite your situation, and detailed payroll journals and transaction statements.
  • Third-Party Integration - The ability to perform direct deposit/electronic funds transfer (EFT), accounting software integration, and automatic tax calculations that support changing Provincial and Federal payroll requirements.
  • Support for Staff and Company Growth - Features that will support your growing business such as templates for adding new employees, the ability to create unlimited payrolls, and employee groups to assist in data analysis.
  • Year-End Support - Options that make the year-end process easy, such as per-transaction data recording, simplified tax filings, and the ability to view and edit T4, T4A and Relevé 1 forms if needed.

Consider Your Company Workflow

If a given software solution is able to provide the common requirements listed above, the choice may be simple. However, the best solution is not always one that simply performs the necessary tasks to get you from point A to point B. Look for a software solution that strikes a good balance between usability (refer to the five E's2; Effective, Efficient, Engaging, Error Tolerant, and Easy to Learn) while performing the task flawlessly from a technically perspective.

Consider also the overall payroll process and the many details that your staff will encounter each day. Will the proposed solution achieve the end result of accurate pay cheques and reporting, but at the expense of irritated payroll staff? Most will agree that the optimal solution is a balance between required features and well-rounded usability.

Any proposed payroll software solution should also be able to satisfy a set of practical needs in order to ensure a smooth daily workflow, including the necessary technical details to round out the process:

  • Payroll updates that are applied automatically, negating the need for user involvement.
  • Stable and reliable software with a proven customer base.
  • Failover and redundant services for unforeseen software or hardware events.
  • Experienced help desk staff to support technical needs if needed, including training and support.
  • Centralized payroll reporting to meet unique business requirements.
  • E-mail alerts when staff interaction is required, so that important details are not overlooked.
  • Software License Compliancy to negate any interruptions in the payroll service.
  • Fast access to relevant information when needed for urgent payroll events.

What's Next?

There are a number of excellent internet-based payroll services available today. The best approach is to first decide on the method that your business will employ; will it be a hands-on approach where your staff are responsible for the day-to-day payroll operations, or will you consider an outsourced approach and contract the task to a service professional?

  • Begin with a list of your main requirements - Start with a list of your company's payroll goals and objectives, and include your financial personnel's "must-have" features. Remember to consult your payroll staff to be aware of other features and benefits that they might find helpful.  Look for a good balance between the basic payroll processing services you need immediately (e.g. customized reports, employee self-service and EFT/direct deposit, etc.) and any additional features that will complete your requirements.
  • Review the Technology - Involve your IT department and solicit their feedback on the kind of system that will integrate well with your current systems and/or HR platform (many businesses are opting for an integrated Payroll/HR tool from the outset). Ask about data security and employee privacy. These are all important topics and need to be fully addressed by any proposed vendor.
  • Choose a provider with a proven track record - Experience and industry knowledge does not come overnight. Though many online vendors are new to the market and offer a number of options, you may wish to trust your payroll to a more seasoned provider that comes with an excellent record of reliability and customer service.

Article by Gerald Adams, Media and Digital Services Director at CanPay Software Inc, providers of Canadian payroll and HR software solutions for more than 30 years, and makers of eNETEmployer, a unique web-based Payroll, HR and Employee Scheduling solution. Visit www.enetemployer.com today for your Free trial.

1 Ernst and Young "Global Payroll Survey" - April 2013
2 Whitney Interactive "What Does Usability Mean: Looking Beyond Ease of Use" - 2011

Software Updates

eNETEmployer

  • New Function - Added a new function to the Functions screen to support a Fixed dollar amount up to a maximum.
  • Pay Statements Report - Adjusted the pay statements report to provide more room for four digits current + four digits balance + sign + separator.
  • U.S. Address Support - Added support for United States address in various address-based screens.
  • Text Wrapping in Internet Explorer - Fixed issue in Internet Explorer where the text wrapping was not being applied when the No Wrap button was selected.
  • Adjusted True/False Terminology - We have changed all occurrences of True/False to Yes/No for improved grammar and readability across both languages.
  • French Updates - Numerous updates to French language text, labels and screens.

GrandMaster Suite v7.00

  • Mid-Year Tax Changes - July 1st Provincial tax changes for the provinces of Newfoundland, British Columbia and the Yukon.
  • Revised ROE Layout - We have implemented the new ROE Version 2.0 of the XML file layout for Service Canada. This format will be the only format accepted by Service Canada as of March 31st, 2016.
  • Position Selection in Payroll Specific Information - We have added the ability to select positions from the Base/Default tab of Payroll Specific Information dialog box when running by Dated positions for pay rates. A new check box on the Settings screen entitled "Select Override" must be checked in order to do this.
  • Clear E.I. and CPP Amounts - Prepaid E.I. and CPP amounts are now automatically cleared if you respond "Yes" to increment the payroll year when setting the first cheque date of a new year.

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Looking for Payroll Software in Canada?

CanPay provides Payroll and HR software for thousands of companies across Canada. If your business has a unique payroll need or you are simply looking for an alternative to your current method, contact us today. We can offer you a customized solution that will suit your unique business requirements. Please call 1-800-665-5129 or send an email request to: sales@canpay.com.

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