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Labour & Employment Law Blog

Ontario Introduces New Regulatory Body

In June 2019 the Ontario government introduced the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (“FRSA”).  The FRSA is an independent regulatory body set out to oversee certain financial service professionals.  FRSA was created to replace the Financial Services Commission of Ontario and the Deposit Insurance Corporation of Ontario.  Sectors that the FRSA is involved in regulating includes property and causality insurance, life and health insurance, credit unions and caisses populaires, loan and trust companies, mortgage brokers, heath services providers related to auto insurance and pension plan administrators.

The FRSA includes both a credentialing body as well as an arm to deal with complaints for misconduct or negligence and discipline.  The FRSA has set out that certain professionals must meet a minimum standard of education and abide by a code of conduct to use certain titles of a profession.

The FRSA will soon require financial planners and financial advisors to be overseen by the FRSA.  In fact, under the Financial Professionals Title Protection Act, 2019, the use of the designation “financial planner” or “financial advisor” will only be allowed by those individuals who have received approved credentials from a credentialing body that has been approved by the FRSA.  As of March 2022, the FRSA’s financial professionals title protection rule has been approved by Ontario’s Minister of Finance.  This is set to come into effect on March 28, 2022.

This move by the Ontario government was necessary to bring certain measurable standards of practice and accountability in order to prevent misconduct or negligence.  Many of these professions, including financial advisors or financial planners, must have a certain level of the qualified expertise to try to protect the public from unscrupulous service providers.

Many of the above occupations include important information which is given to consumers and that is very difficult for the layperson to understand.  It is a good move that the government is trying to ensure that there is a certain quality of control of information and service that a consumer would be receiving from these professionals.

The above article is for general information purposes only, does not constitute legal advice or create a solicitor-client relationship. Because each case is unique and factually driven, if you have concerns with regard to the foregoing issues, please make an appointment with one of our lawyers or a qualified legal practitioner elsewhere. We represent clients in the Greater Toronto Area including Toronto, North York, Markham, Vaughan, Thornhill, Newmarket, Aurora, Brampton, Mississauga, Barrie, Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa.

Legal Receptionist

Zeilikman Law is an employment law firm located in Vaughan, Ontario. We are looking to hire a legal receptionist to join our firm. Preference will be given to candidates who have experience working as a receptionist at another law firm.

Location: Vaughan, Ontario.

Start Date: Immediately.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Full time. In-person only. This is not a remote work position.

Wages: 35,000 to 40,000 per year.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Manage our firm’s multi-line telephone system to receive incoming calls.  Screen incoming telephone call inquiries to determine the nature of the telephone call and provide standard information related to our legal services.  Take and deliver messages and route incoming telephone calls to the appropriate staff person.
  • Answer general inquiries coming from the firm’s social media and website email.
  • Welcome in-person visitors upon arrival.  Direct visitors to the appropriate staff person and / or office or boardroom.
  • Organize in-person visitor schedule to prevent overlap and multiple bookings.
  • Receive, sort, and distribute daily mail and deliveries.
  • Arrange for couriers.
  • Keep front reception, kitchenette area and boardroom tidy.
  • Perform various clerical duties such as filing, photocopying, and faxing on an as-needed basis.
  • Process client or other payments.
  • May be asked to run minor errands outside of office such as attending post office to arrange a courier or pick up mail.
  • May be asked to assist other law clerks or lawyers of the firm as required and as appropriate.
  • Any other basic administrative duties or tasks as deemed appropriate.

Required Skills:

  • Basic knowledge of general office procedures including filing, faxing, and printing and copying.
  • Basic word processing computer skills.
  • Proficient in receptionist and telephone practices, etiquette, and decorum.
  • Professional attitude and appearance.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Positive customer service attitude is a must.
  • Must be able to maintain confidential and sensitive information.

Education and Experience:

  • Highschool diploma or equivalent.
  • 1 – 2 years’ experience in an office setting with an emphasis in accounting, reception or clerical work is required.   We would prefer experience in a law firm environment.

Applications for this position should be sent via email to jennifer@zeilikmanlaw.com. All applications should include a cover letter, resume and at least two references. Only successful candidates will be contacted.