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The Ontario government has proposed further changes to a number of employment and workplace laws.
Read on to learn more about the most recent legislative amendments to Ontario's employment laws.
A real-life example shows the utility of a properly drafted and implemented workplace policy.
Workplace policies can be useful tools to establish clear expectations and increase productivity in the workplace.
Read on to learn more about recent and upcoming changes to Ontario's employment laws.
Recent caselaw emphasizes the duty to handle terminations honestly and with care, or risk financial repercussions.
The Ontario Human Rights Tribunal finds no obligation to investigate sexual harassment complaint filed post-termination.
A case study from a recent Alberta decision.
It is important for employers and employees alike to understand how Ontario's employment laws apply to foreign nationals.
A recent Ontario Court of Appeal considered the sufficiency of "consideration" in the employment context.
Recent Ontario caselaw provides helpful insights for understanding discrimination and reprisal claims.
Recent caselaw considers the enforceability of a release against a discrimination complaint.
Ontario has introduced a new bill to further amend and update Ontario's employment laws.
A recent Ontario Court of Appeal case provides helpful insights into the legal considerations surrounding competitor hiring.
Read on to learn more about the common employer doctrine and how it may impact your workplace.
A recent ruling from the OLRB provides important guidance on disclosure obligations following workplace harassment investigations.
The Ontario Human Rights Commission recently released a landmark policy statement on caste-based discrimination. Read on to learn more.
Ontario's enacted further changes to employment laws with the passage of the Working for Worker's Four Act, 2023.
Insights from Dufualt v. The Corporation of the Town of Ignace, 2024 ONSC 1029
Read on to learn about the impact on unionized workers and implications for non-unionized workforces.
Check out our annual recap for important employment law developments and predictions for 2024.
Ontario's employment laws are ever evolving. Read on to learn about the more recent updates.
Do fixed-term independent contractors need to mitigate their damages if terminated early? This was the issue in dispute in a recent Court of Appeal case.
Maintaining a healthy and safe work environment is important, even if employees work remotely.
Wondering about how resignations work in Ontario? Read on to learn more!
Unintentional discrimination during the hiring or promotion process will still be offside the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Can an employer be held responsible for an employee's wrongful actions which harm a third party? It depends. Read on to learn more.
Understanding when and how to use fixed-term contracts in your workplace is key.
Effective January 1, 2024, temporary help agencies and recruiters will need to be licensed to operate in Ontario. Read on to learn more.
Changes are being rolled out to the federal Canada Labour Code. Read on to learn how this may impact your workplace.
A recent Ontario Court of Appeal case considered whether an employer can ask about citizenship as part of the hiring process. Read on to learn more.
What are your rights and obligations when it comes to language in the workplace? Read on to find out.
Significant amendments to the Competition Act are coming into force on June 23, 2023, which may impact your business and employment practices.
Harassment is widely condemned. Yet the legal recourse can seem limited. This may be changing. Read on to learn more.
Effective now, Ontario employers may be required to supply naloxone kits in the workplace. Read on to learn more.
In an effort to combat modern slavery, the Canadian government passed legislation which introduces new annual reporting requirements for certain entities.
An employee secretly recorded his termination meeting and relied upon it to claim extra damages.
Quebec has adopted new legislation relating to the use of the French language, including provisions aimed to increase French in workplace matters.
Minimum wage rates are increasing across Canada. Read on to learn more.
Ontario court declines to award damages to an employee whose contract was found to be frustrated as a result of his refusal to vaccinate against COVID-19.
In this case, the Court of Appeal affirmed that foundational changes to the employee's role rendered the previously agreed to contract unenforceable.
Federal employees have new entitlements to paid and unpaid time off work due to medical reasons.
Bonuses can be an important tool to reward and motivate employees, but can have pitfalls. Read on to learn more.
Lee Workplace Law lawyer, Hannah Goranson, was recently interviewed about LTD benefits and wrongful dismissal.
Terminated employees must try and mitigate their damages or face the consequences.
The issue of whether CERB is, or is not, deductible from wrongful dismissal has been ongoing. The British Columbia Court of Appeal has now weighed in.
Employment and labour matters having been making headlines recently. Read on to learn more about how some of these changes could impact your workplace.
In response to CUPE's pending strike, the Ontario government has tabled legislation to prohibit strikes and lock outs for education support workers.
Vetting a potential new hire is important. Check out this blog post to make sure you're doing it right.
Terminations can be tricky. Handling them with care is important to reduce exposure to liability.
Read on to learn more about the legal considerations regarding police record checks in the workplace.
How do LTD benefits impact wrongful dismissal damages? Read on to learn more.
In what appears to be the first civil court decision on the topic, an employer's mandatory vaccination policy was upheld as reasonable.
In our final instalment of the LEAVE series, we discuss the other leaves of absences which employees may be able to take in Ontario.
In Part II. of our LEAVE series, we explore employees' entitlements to time off work due to illness in Ontario.
Know what your legal rights are with maternity and parental leave, under employment standards, labor law, and human rights, to protect you and your family.
Chart that compares maternity and parental leave under applicable employment standards legislation from province to province in Canada.
What is an arbitration clause? And when will it be enforceable? Read on to find out.
Arbitration has advantages and disadvantages, both of which should be considered before agreeing to arbitrate.
Recent Ontario Court of Appeal decisions take a stringent approach to issues of workplace sexual harassment.
Handling a workplace harassment complaint can be tricky. In this blog post, we outline some of the preliminary steps and considerations to keep in mind.
On April 11, 2022, Bill 88 was passed into law. Read on to learn more about how this might impact your workplace.
Technology makes it easy to record or monitor workplace interactions. But does that mean it is allowed? Read on to learn more.
Calculating reasonable notice entitlements requires careful consideration of the circumstances. Read on to learn more.
The Ontario government has announced proposed legislation that would result in further changes to Ontario's employment law landscape.
Ontario's employment standards legislation now requires that employers prepare written disconnecting from work policies. Read on to learn more.
Maintaining a discrimination free workplace is important for employers and employees alike. Read on to learn more.
In this blog post, we outline some of the key changes to employment standards legislation for 2022.
Read on to learn more about some of the key changes to Ontario's employment laws arising as a result of the Working for Workers Act, 2021.
Learn more about the initial arbitration decisions on the enforceability of mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policies for the workplace.
Care should be taken when deciding how to structure your business. Read on to learn about common business structures in Ontario and the features of each.
Read on to learn more about the limited exceptions to the right to equal treatment in the workplace.
A constructive dismissal occurs when an employee resigns as a result of the employer's failure to fulfil its fundamental employment obligations.
It is important for federally regulated employees and employers to understand their rights and obligations on termination. Read on to learn more.
Key employees may owe fiduciary duties to their employers, including to act loyally and avoid conflicts of interest. Read on to learn more.
Saving clauses are aimed at preventing a potentially unenforceable provision from being void. Recent decisions have found they may not always succeed.
COVID-19 has had a widespread impact, including on family and work duties. Read on to learn about accommodation of family obligations in the workplace.
Ontario introduces new legislation that proposes a ban on non-compete clauses in employment agreements.
It is important that both employers and employees understand their rights and obligations relating to mental health in the workplace.
This was the question considered in the recent Ontario Labour Board Decision of ALL Canada Crane Rental Corp. v. Jason Hanna. Read on to learn more.
Starting September 22, 2021, Ontarians will be required to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination and photo ID to enter certain establishments.
Omni TV interview in Mandarin regarding the legality of employers mandating COVID-19 vaccinations at the workplace.
Are employers in the City of Toronto obliged to implement COVID-19 workplace vaccination policies? Read on to learn more.
A number of recent decisions have been released considering the appropriateness of class actions relating to worker classification.
The federal, provincial, and municipal authorities have recently made announcements regarding mandatory COVID-19 vaccination in the workplace.
The Supreme Court of Canada recently provided some welcome clarification on the appropriate approach to interpreting releases.
WSIB provides protection to employers and employees alike in the case of a workplace injury. However, WSIB coverage may impact an employee's right to sue.
It is important to understand the duties, responsibilities, and potential liabilities that come with being a director of an Ontario corporation.
With the upcoming roll out of the Pay Equity Act and new minimum wage, federal employers face a number of new obligations. Read on to learn more.
Directors are essential to a corporation. It is important to understand who can be a director and the process involved in becoming a director.
The recent decision in Kraft v. Firepower Financial confirms that COVID-19 may increase an employee's entitlement to reasonable notice of termination.
With COVID-19 vaccination rates on the rise, it is important to consider how to handle vaccination in your workplace.
Most employment relationships in Ontario are governed by the Employment Standards Act (ESA). Read on to learn about the process for filing an ESA claim.
If a person experiences discrimination in the workplace, they can file a claim with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. Read on to learn more.
Read on to learn more about what constitutes a wrongful dismissal and the steps involved in a wrongful dismissal lawsuit.
The debate continues whether temporary layoffs that occur during COVID-19 amount to constructive dismissal at common law. Read on to learn more.
With telework becoming a more common arrangement, its important to consider the legal implications of working remotely abroad.
COVID-19 precipitated a rapid shift to remote work. As we look to the future, its important to consider how remote work may impact employment entitlements.
The Divisional Court recently clarified that the $2.5 million payroll threshold for severance under the ESA includes an employer's global payroll.
The Ontario Court of Appeal recently reconsidered when shares will form part of an employee's compensation package. Read on to learn more.
Two Ontario court decisions have now been released on whether an employee who is temporarily laid off due to COVID-19 can sue for constructive dismissal.
In its decision in Labrador Recycling Inc. v. Folino, the Ontario Court reminds employers that overbroad restrictive covenants will not be enforceable.
Ontario employees are now entitled to paid time off work for reasons relating to COVID-19. Read on to learn more!
A number of recent Ontario decisions have considered how the COVID-19 pandemic may impact employees' entitlements on termination.
Employees with childcare or family obligations may be entitled to accommodation in their workplace.
With the rise in work from home arrangements, it is important to consider where "home" is and how that may impact employment rights and obligations.
Navigating severance and employment insurance (EI) benefits can be tricky. Read on to find out the answers to our F.A.Q. on this topic.
The Canadian government is offering financial support to employers during the COVID-19 crisis. Read on to learn about the current programs in place.
The Canadian government is offering financial support to employees during the COVID-19 crisis. Read on to learn about the current programs in place.
Federal employers beware - your termination provisions may be subject to challenge. Read our review of the decision in Sager v. TFI International Inc.
What happens when an employer discovers cause for termination after an employee has been dismissed without cause? Read on to find out.
Can employers require that their employees receive the COVID-19 vaccination in order to return to work? Read on to find out.
With the holiday season rapidly approaching, learn about your public holiday entitlements.
Terminations for cause are tricky. It is important to understand when a termination for cause is, or is not, appropriate.
Learn about the special overtime rules that apply to the agriculture industry, household and landscaping services, government employees, and students.
Learn about the special overtime rules that apply to the EMS and healthcare, hospitality services and sales, construction, and transportation industries.
Certain professional employees are not entitled to overtime. Read on to learn whether your profession excludes you from overtime pay.
Employees who work as managers or supervisors may not be entitled to overtime pay in Ontario.
Understanding Ontario's overtime rules is important. Read on to learn about your overtime entitlements.
The Supreme Court of Canada's recent decision provides some welcome clarity on employees' bonus entitlements on termination.
Vacations provide a chance to rest and unwind. Read on to learn about your rights relating to vacation.
With COVID-19 cases on the rise in Ontario, the government has announced new public health measures affecting workplaces.
In certain circumstances, the poor conduct of the employer during the course of the termination may justify an extra damages award.
On September 3, 2020, the Ontario government announced that employees who have been off work due to COVID-19 can stay off for longer until January 2, 2021.
Ontario caselaw explain whether employees are entitled to variable pay during their reasonable notice period after they have been terminated from work.
Purchaser and seller to an asset sale of a business should consider employment law issues. Employees should also be aware of their rights and obligations.
Workplace Harassment and Violence rules are different for federally vs. provincially employees, and there have been changes to the former. Stay up to date.
Whether you are an employee, dependent contractor, or an independent contractor, will determine what workplace rights you may have, or not.
On July 24, 2020, the Reopening Ontario Act ends Ontario's COVID-19 declared emergency. Learn the employment implications for employers and employees.
Termination provisions in employment contracts must comply with minimum standards to be valid. Otherwise, employees will get greater severance entitlements
Ontario proposes changes to the Workplace Safety and Insurance laws to make it easier for workers tested COVID-19 positive to get WSIB benefits.
Ontario government says mass layoffs and terminations during COVID-19 is not layoff or constructive dismissal. Key takeaways, and questions that come next.
Legal updates on remote/virtual legal proceedings in Ontario during COVID-19, and best practices.
Clear and effective communication between the employer and employee is crucial for a successful return to work from COVID-19.
In Ontario, if an employee genuinely believes it is not safe for them to return to work from COVID-19, when, and how, can an employee refuse to work?
Amid COVID-19, must employees return to work, or can they refuse to go back? What can they ask employers for on health, safety, and human rights?
As businesses prepare to re-open it is crucial that employers understand their obligations to provide a safe workplace. Know health and safety duties.
As Canadian employers face a blunt shortage of work and cashflow issues, consider innovative, albeit radical, COVID-19 workplace solutions.
The AODA makes Ontario more accessible to people with disabilities. Find out employer obligations and critical timelines.
An employer terminating a soon-to-start employment agreement will give rise to severance-like entitlements for the employee. Learn how to navigate this.
Amidst COVID-19, employers to review their business continuity plan at least once a day, and employees to stay abreast of changing employment issues.
Think an employee terminated for cause is automatically precluded from severance? Think again. Termination clauses are tricky, even for cause.
Going to Court can be costly. It is very important to understand how these costs will end up being paid and who will end up paying them.
Going to Court can be costly. It is very important to understand how these costs will end up being paid and who will end up paying them.
Employers should review benefits and pension coverage/options to ensure no breach of human rights and stay compliant in terms of age discrimination issues.
This article helps employers draft better termination clauses, and employees agree to better employment terms. Protect your legal rights at termination.
Q&A with Toronto lawyer and business litigator Tina Lee
Employees cannot be discriminated against at the workplace because of family status, accommodation may be required under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Employees, contract workers, and partners who are dismissed or terminated from employment without cause have rights to severance, notice, or pay in lieu.
Losing your job is stressful. The employee has the right to take the time needed to learn severance related rights, and to decide to negotiate or not.
Employee files a workplace harassment complaint. What are basics on the process? What typically happens after? Is your workplace equipped for it?
Offer letters can be a powerful human resources tool, for employers to effectively manage employees and for employees to enjoy benefits. Tips on how.
Employees entitled to severance have a corresponding legal obligation to look for a job, or, mitigate. Failure to mitigate may reduce the severance.
Human rights and anti discrimination laws at the workplace are fundamental . What are the protected grounds, bona fide requirements, duty to accommodate?
Your employer must provide accommodation at the workplace if you have a physical or mental disability. Ensure your human rights are not violated.
Knowing what your "status" is critical as a first step in enforcing severance rights that you may be entitled to, and, meeting obligations such as taxes.