In a recent labour arbitration decision, Arbitrator William Kaplan dismissed a grievance filed against Wilfrid Laurier University (University) by the Wilfrid Laurier University Faculty Association (the Association) on behalf of its Contract Teaching Faculty (CTF) bargaining unit. This decision provides important guidance on the limits of an arbitrator’s jurisdiction in addressing legislative constraints on collective…
Practice Area: Labour Relations
Ontario Announces Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act, 2025
The Ontario government introduced Bill 2, the Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act, 2025. Framed as a defensive strategy, Bill 2 aims to boost interprovincial trade in response to U.S. tariff pressures.
Ontario Court of Appeal Denies Crown Leave to Appeal, Affirms City of Greater Sudbury Exercised Due Diligence in Workplace Fatality
The Ontario Court of Appeal has denied the Crown’s motion for leave to appeal, finding the City of Greater Sudbury successfully exercised due diligence under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. In this FTR Now, Stephanie Jeronimo and Allison E. MacIsaac explore the Court’s reasoning and what it means for employers moving forward.
Collective Bargaining and Negotiating Theory: Insights into Tariff Tactics
The current tariff disputes triggered by the U.S. administration have left many understandably dazed and confused. However, amid these increasingly turbulent tariff disputes, some perspective can be gained by considering the actions of the participants through basic negotiation theory.
The Year in Review – Notable Cases of 2024
Welcome to our annual review of notable cases over the past year that we believe will be of interest to employers and human resources professionals. We also identify some cases to watch out for in 2025. Next week, we will bring you our review of the notable legislative updates from 2024.
Federal Court of Appeal Upholds Mandatory Nuclear Industry Alcohol and Drug Testing Requirements for Workers in “Safety-Critical” Positions
In a significant ruling for employers in safety-sensitive industries, the Federal Court of Appeal has upheld the constitutional validity of mandatory pre-placement and random alcohol and drug testing requirements for safety-critical positions at Class I nuclear facilities. The decision in Power Workers’ Union et al v Attorney General of Canada, Ontario Power Generation, Bruce Power,…
Ontario’s Working for Workers Six Act, 2024 Receives Royal Assent
On December 19, 2024, Ontario’s Working for Workers Six Act, 2024 (Bill 229) received Royal Assent. Bill 229 amends several statutes including the Employment Standards Act, 2000, the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997. Key amendments of particular interest to employers are addressed below. Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) The following…
Highlights from the Federal Government’s 2024 Fall Economic Statement
On December 16, 2024, the federal government issued its 2024 Fall Economic Statement. The Statement covers a wide array of initiatives including several proposals that, if they were to be implemented, will be of interest to employers, human resources professionals and pension plan administrators. Early Retirement Benefits in the Public Service The government has proposed…
Ontario’s Working for Workers Five Act, 2024 Receives Royal Assent
On October 28, 2024, Ontario’s Working for Workers Five Act, 2024 (Bill 190) received Royal Assent. Bill 190 amends several statutes including the Employment Standards Act, 2000, the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997. In this FTR Now, we review key amendments of particular interest to employers.
From Tweets to Termination: A University Professor’s Controversial Online Conduct
In a time where social media blurs the lines between personal and professional conduct, an arbitration decision from earlier this year provides a critical reminder of the necessity to navigate off-duty conduct with care, while also confirming that arbitrators may prioritize a healthy workplace environment over reinstatement to avoid further conflict. In Board of Governors…