The federal government has launched consultations on potential amendments to the Canada Labour Code, with possible implications for collective bargaining, worker protections and other employer obligations in federally regulated workplaces. Our latest federal post highlights the key measures under consideration and the timeline for stakeholder input.
Practice Area: Employment Law
Use of French in Federally Regulated Private Businesses
On April 15, 2026, the Government of Canada announced that it had tabled draft regulations under the Use of French in Federally Regulated Private Businesses Act (Act). Although the draft regulations have not yet been publicly released, the Government published a Description of the Proposed Regulations, which forms the basis of this summary.
Ontario Is Proposing Changes to Governance and Collective Bargaining in School Boards
Ontario’s proposed Bill 101 would introduce changes affecting English-language school boards. Dolores Barbini and Grant Nuttall review what the Bill says, what it does not say (but has been signalled), and the practical implications for school board employers.
A Deal Is a Deal: Lessons From Stribling v Starbucks Coffee Canada Inc.
In Stribling v Starbucks Coffee Canada Inc., the Ontario Superior Court addressed a scenario in which an employer made a separation offer that was accepted in writing by the employee. However, the employee did not sign the release that was delivered to him by the employer and then sued for wrongful dismissal. The court treated…
Ontario Government Proposes to Shorten Construction Industry Open Periods
On April 20, 2026, the Ontario government announced the introduction of the Protecting Ontario’s Workers and Economic Resilience Act, 2026, which would, if passed, contain important potential changes to the construction industry’s “open period” which all construction employers should be aware of. Later that same day, Bill 105, Protecting Ontario’s Workers and Economic Resilience Act,…
OHSA Changes to Head Protection, Elevated Work Platform, and Respirator Requirements Coming
On April 20, 2026, Ontario made a series of changes which will impact construction projects and workplaces handling Designated Substances. These changes introduce Type 2 headwear requirements on construction projects, impose new, detailed training requirements for workers operating mobile elevating work platforms, and integrate certain CSA/ANSI standards into Regulations made under the Occupational Health and…
Ontario Moves to Ban Mandatory Uniform Fees and Protect Entertainment Workers
Ontario has announced proposed amendments that would restrict mandatory, employer specific uniform fees and introduce new rules affecting talent agencies. Rhonda J. Levy summarizes what this means in our latest human resources legislative update.
Lessons In Employer Copyright Ownership From Nexus Solutions Inc. v. Krougly
Nassima Kaddoura outlines a recent Ontario Court of Appeal decision is a reminder that employers can’t assume they own employee created work — even if it competes with their business. Read the case in point and learn the key takeaways for employers.
Canada Sport Commission’s Final Report: Time for Action
Canada’s Future of Sport Commission has released its final report – laying out 98 Calls to Action—ranging from immediate safe sport and governance expectations to longer-term structural reform. For organizations that fund, oversee, or deliver sport programs, the recommendations could signal higher compliance and audit readiness requirements. Frank Cesario, Kayley Leon and Brittany Bates review the key takeaways and practical steps you can take now.
Criminal Negligence Convictions Following Workplace Fatality Send Clear Message to Employers
R. v. J. Cote and Son Excavating Ltd., 2025 BCSC 2540, a recent decision of the British Columbia Supreme Court, serves as a stark reminder that workplace safety failures can give rise to criminal liability for employers. In this decision, an employer was found guilty of criminal negligence causing death and criminal negligence causing bodily…