Author Archives: Alan R. McEwen

About Alan R. McEwen

HRIS/Payroll consultant and freelance writer

Are employer paid MSP premiums a cash taxable benefit?

I’ve written about this previously, and that article sparked a few comments and some questions. It seems not everyone agrees with my understanding that employer paid MSP premiums are a cash taxable benefit, subject to EI premiums. The distinction between … Continue reading

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Improving HCM Investment Returns

HR executives seeking corporate approval for new HCM projects must be able to demonstrate an acceptable level of return on the related investments. I would argue the single most important step that can improve these returns is a thorough review … Continue reading

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How to avoid pitfalls in vacation policies and practices

Three weeks’ vacation at 6%. Sounds easy doesn’t it. However, vacation policies are complex and unless you pay careful attention, it’s easy to stumble. Here’s how to avoid the major pitfalls. Employers often promise employees so many weeks of paid … Continue reading

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Averaging agreements aren’t a silver bullet

Averaging agreements can be useful tools for employers to help manage overtime costs, but they aren’t a silver bullet. Under the BC employment standards, there are three main benefits from calculating overtime based on an averaging agreement: Overtime on a … Continue reading

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Substituting another day for a BC statutory holiday

Here’s a test of your payroll knowledge. This is taken from my upcoming guide on statutory holiday in BC: Linda’s hire date was October 1, 2015. She agreed with her BC employer that she would take off work on Monday, … Continue reading

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