Taylor v. Salytics Inc., a recent decision of the Ontario Court of Appeal, provides welcome appellate confirmation that where an employment agreement expressly permits a temporary lay-off and the lay-off is implemented within the Employment Standards Act, 2000 framework, the lay-off will not trigger a constructive dismissal, and therefore a termination of employment.
Practice Area: Employment Law
Safety Incidents Alone Don’t Justify Drug and Alcohol Testing
SaskEnergy Incorporated v. Unifor, a recent decision of the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal, confirms that the seriousness of a safety incident and an employee’s failure to follow safety protocols are not, by themselves, sufficient to make drug and alcohol testing a reasonable line of inquiry.
Court Clarifies Frustration and Benefit Claims in Employment Damages
The Ontario Court of Appeal has clarified two issues affecting termination liability: (1) when an employee’s illness or disability frustrates the employment contract, and (2) when an employer-provided resource is a compensable employment benefit rather than a work tool supplied to do the job.
Reminder to Employers: Ontario to Increase Minimum Wage Effective October 1, 2026
A reminder to employers that the Ontario government will be increasing the general minimum wage to $17.95 per hour (previously $17.60 per hour) effective October 1, 2026.
Bill C-39: Ottawa Moves to Reshape Federal Collective Bargaining and Labour Dispute Resolution
What could Bill C-39 mean for federally regulated employers? Simon Mortimer and Andrew Movrin outline the proposed changes to federal labour laws and highlight key considerations.
Arbitrator Clarifies When Sick Leave May Be Available Following a WSIB Denial
A recent award clarifies when sick leave may be available after a WSIB denial and confirms the need for a case-by-case assessment.
When the Deal Breaks: Lessons from the Canada-U.S. Trade Talks
This article considers recent Canada-U.S. trade developments through a collective bargaining lens, highlighting practical lessons for employers on deadline pressure, walkaways, credible alternatives and preserving bargaining relationships.
Federal Government Announces Counter-Tariffs and $7.5 Billion Support Package for Canadian Workers and Businesses
The federal government has announced approximately $27.6 billion in counter-tariffs and a $7.5 billion support package . This article outlines the measures announced to date and the practical considerations for employers evaluating workforce and business planning options.
Ontario Seeks Public Input on Proposed Regulations Under Municipal Accountability Act, 2025
Municipalities now have an opportunity to respond to Ontario’s proposed accountability regulations. This article outlines the changes that could affect codes of conduct, training, inquiry processes and reporting obligations.
Canada-U.S. Trade Talks Break Down: What Employers Should Watch For
Canada-U.S. trade talks have broken down, and the federal government has announced retaliatory tariffs expected to take effect on September 8. For employers in affected sectors the developments may raise important operational and workforce planning considerations.