Guidance for Ontario Employers on Disconnecting from Work Policies and Non-Compete Agreements
On December 2, 2021, the Working for Workers Act, 2021 (the “Act”) received royal assent. As we discussed in an earlier update, the Act, among other things, amends the Employment […]
Federal Advisory Committee Offers Insight into Disconnect from Work Policies for Employees
The COVID-19 pandemic has blurred the line between work and home life for many employees. Disconnecting from work has in turn become significantly more difficult. In response, some governments, in […]
Employer Alert: Inquest into the 2009 Metron Scaffolding Tragedy Begins
An inquest into a scaffolding collapse that resulted in the death of four construction workers is underway. The inquest into the tragedy is aimed at improving worker health and safety […]
That’s an Order! Ministry of Labour reminds Employers that Compliance with Orders to Pay (and other Statutory Obligations) are not Optional
A Toronto-based newspaper and advertising company – and its director – were recently fined $90,000 and $10,000 respectively for failing to pay employees the wages they were owed,[i] serving as […]
Employer Alert: Ontario Passes Working for Workers Act, 2021
On November 30, 2021, the Government of Ontario passed the Working for Workers Act, 2021 (the “Act”), an omnibus legislation that amends several employment-related statutes, including the Employment Standards Act, […]
New Hope for Employers for “Just Cause” Termination Provisions: Rahman v Cannon Design Architecture Inc.
In Rahman v Cannon Design Architecture Inc., 2021 ONSC 5961 (“Rahman”), Justice Dunphy of the Superior Court of Ontario rejected the plaintiff’s argument that a “just cause” termination provision in […]
Ontario Human Rights Commission Releases Policy Statement on COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates and Proof of Vaccine Certificates That Provides Guidance to Employers
Overview of Policy and Requirements Regarding Mandatory Vaccination As the highly contagious Delta variant of COVID-19 continues to spread, and following a whirl of announcements from federal, provincial, and municipal […]
A Cautionary Tale for Employers: Russell v The Brick Warehouse LP
In Russell v The Brick Warehouse LP, 2021 ONSC 4822 Justice Vella of the Superior Court of Ontario awarded a terminated employee $25,000 in moral damages due to the employer’s […]
Ontario Extends COVID-19 Employee Paid Infectious Disease Emergency Leave Program
In response to rising COVID-19 cases driven by the Delta variant, the Ontario government has extended its COVID-19 paid infectious disease emergency leave program until the end of the year. […]
New Ontario Regulation: Employers Must Comply with the Advice of the Chief of Medical Officer of Health Regarding COVID-19 Vaccination Policies
On August 24, 2021, the Ontario government filed O. Reg. 577/21, amending O. Reg. 364/20 (Rules for Areas at Step 3 and at the Roadmap Exit Step). The amendment requires […]
Best Lawyers in Canada recognizes 50 WeirFoulds lawyers in 2022 edition including the new Best Lawyers Ones to Watch category
WeirFoulds congratulates 45 of our lawyers on being recognized in the 2022 edition of Best Lawyers in Canada and five of our senior associates on being recognized in the Best […]
Elections in the Time of COVID: Employer Obligations on Federal Election Day and COVID-19 Considerations
On September 20th, 2021, Canadians will head to the polls to elect their next Prime Minister and members to Parliament. This will be the first time in the history of […]
Do Not Make a Bad Situation Worse: Court of Appeal Awards Punitive Damages for Inadequate Safety Practices following a Workplace Accident
In Eynon v Simplicity Air Ltd,[1] the Ontario Court of Appeal recognized that post-incident conduct in the workplace can expose an employer to additional liability. The Court upheld a jury […]
Federally Regulated Employers Take Note: Upcoming Obligations for Equal Pay for Work of Equal Value Under the Pay Equity Act
Coming into force on August 31, 2021, the Government of Canada’s Pay Equity Act (the “Act”) is part of a framework for long-term changes to ensure that workers in federally […]
You Heard Us the First Time: Global Payrolls Determine Severance Pay Obligations in Ontario
In Hawkes v. Max Aicher (North America) Limited,[1] the Divisional Court strongly affirmed and expanded the 2014 ruling in Paquette v Quadraspec Inc[2] that an employer’s entire national payroll must […]