May 2019 Charity & NFP Law update
Prince Edward Island Lobbyists Registration Act in Force
On April 1, 2019, Prince Edward Island’s Lobbyists Registration Act was proclaimed into force after receiving Royal Assent on December 20, 2017, as previously discussed in the February 2018 Charity & NFP Law Update. The Act applies to “in-house lobbyists”, who are generally employees paid to lobby public-office holders for their employer at least 50 hours every three months, and “consultant lobbyists”, who are paid by clients to lobby on behalf of that client. Pursuant to the Act, consultant lobbyists, in-house lobbyists employed by persons or partnerships, and a senior officer of organizations that employ in-house lobbyists are now required to file a return with the Registrar once every six months. The Act outlines the content requirements of the return for each filing individual in subsections 4(4), 6(4) and 7(4) respectively, and creates an offence for those who do not file returns, with a penalty of up to $25,000.
New Brunswick Updates Minimum Wage for Counsellor and Program Staff at Residential Summer Camps Regulation
On March 28, 2019, New Brunswick Regulation 2019-3, Minimum Wage for Counsellor and Program Staff at Residential Summer Camps Regulation (the “Minimum Wage Regulation”), was filed under the Employment Standards Act, and came into force on April 1, 2019, repealing the similar New Brunswick Regulation 2011-55. The Minimum Wage Regulation raises the minimum wage for “counsellors and program staff” employed at residential summer camps that have given notice to the Director in writing that they are charitable or non-profit organizations, provided that they operate during June, July, August or September and provide board and lodging for their counsellors and program staff. While minimum wage for counsellors and program staff will rise twice between April 1, 2019 and April 1, 2021, it is set equal to the weekly minimum wage payable under section 8 of the New Brunswick’s Minimum Wage Regulation as of April 1, 2022.