Could Family Day and Victoria Day become optional shopping days across Ontario? Hicks Morley’s Rhonda B. Levy outlines what Ontario’s proposal to allow retail businesses to open may mean for municipalities and retail businesses.
Hicks Morley publishes a number of materials, both electronic and print, on issue-specific and sector-specific topics of interest to our clients. Our insights section has links to all of our various publications, updates and blogs, both current and historical, to keep you informed of developments in the law that impact human resources.
FTR Now
Employment Insurance Work-Sharing Program Special Measures Extended Into 2027
Temporary special measures under the EI Work Sharing Program have been extended until March 31, 2027. Clare Wooland examines why tariff-impacted employers may want to re evaluate whether to apply for the Program.
Federal Post
Equal Wage Treatment Regulations Coming Soon
New Equal Wage Treatment Regulations are expected soon, prohibiting federally regulated employers from paying part time, temporary or agency workers less for the same work. George Vuicic provides an overview of the requirements and the limited exceptions that may be available to employers.
FTR Now
Worker Retention Grant for Employment Insurance Work-Sharing Employers Announced
The federal government has launched a new Worker Retention Grant that can boost Work Sharing income replacement benefits from 55% to up to approximately 70%. Andrew Easto breaks down what you need to know about eligibility, funding supports, and the potential upside for employers.
FTR Now
BC Labour Relations Board Overturns Arbitration Award Regarding Age 65 Cutoff to LTD Benefits
A recent BCLRB decision clarifies how age 65 LTD cut offs can still qualify as “bona fide” under human rights legislation. Natasha Monkman and Andrew Easto break down the decision and what this could mean for employers.
Human Resources Legislative Update
Ontario Launches Canada’s First Occupational Exposure Registry Self-Tracker
Ontario has launched Canada’s first Occupational Exposure Registry. This timely analysis from Nadine Zacks helps employers understand the registry’s scope, purpose, and limits within Ontario’s existing health and safety framework.
Case In Point
BCCA Upholds Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy Where Employer Relied on Provincial Health Officer’s Opinion
A recent ruling offers new guidance to the reasonableness of mandatory workplace policies. In this article, Andrew Schjerning breaks down a recent British Columbia Court of Appeal decision confirming that employers may reasonably rely on public health authority guidance when implementing mandatory COVID‑19 vaccination policies.
Safe Sport
SDRCC Addresses Proportionality of Sanctions for Sexual Maltreatment of a Minor
How far should sanctions go? In this article, Brittany Bates, Frank Cesario and Kayley Leon examine a recent decision of the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada that addresses the proportionality of sanctions in cases involving sexual maltreatment of a minor and highlight practical takeaways for sport organizations navigating safe sport policies and disciplinary frameworks.
Case In Point
Arbitrator Reinstates Steelworker in Safety Sensitive Role Following Termination for Cannabis Use During Lunch Break
When does lunch break cannabis use justify termination—especially in a safety sensitive role? In this article, Matthew Wronko provides an analysis of a recent arbitration award and what this means for employers drafting drug and alcohol and fitness for duty policies
Case In Point
Divisional Court Reinforces Tradition of Judicial Deference to Ontario’s Labour Relations Board
Judicial deference to the OLRB remains firmly intact, especially in construction labour relations. In this article, Thomas Trudell reviews a recent Divisional Court decision affirming the OLRB’s authority in construction work assignment disputes and its long‑standing approach to jurisdictional issues.