On May 01, 2025, the Ontario government announced Bill 9, the Municipal Accountability Act, 2025 (Bill 9). Bill 9 re-introduces legislation originally proposed under Bill 241, the Municipal Accountability Act, 2024, that was not enacted prior to the provincial election. If passed, Bill 9 would enable the creation of a new, standardized municipal code of…
Author: Hicks Morley
Arbitrator Upholds Benefits Related Grievance: “Generic Substitute” Does Not Limit Reimbursement to “Lowest Cost” Drug Per Collective Agreement
In Hydro One Inc. v The Society of United Workers, Arbitrator John Stout upheld a grievance against Hydro One for violating its Collective Agreement. Hydro One had limited reimbursement of prescription drug expenses to only the lowest cost generic medication, rather than covering the full cost of generic medications prescribed by physicians. This limitation was…
Municipalities Take Note: Ontario Proposing to Expand Strong Mayor Powers to 169 Additional Municipalities
The Ontario government is proposing to expand Strong Mayor powers to 169 additional municipalities, reshaping local governance across the province. In this Human Resources Legislative Update, Jamie Burns outlines what these changes mean for the future of municipal decision-making.
The Ontario Court of Appeal Provides Another Caution to Employers Drafting Employment Contracts: Actual Language is Paramount—Not Intent
In a recent decision of the Ontario Court of Appeal, the Court upheld the lower court’s decision finding that the termination clause in the employment contract was offside of the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) and that as a result, the employee was entitled to common law reasonable notice.
Ontario Government Announces $11 Billion in Relief Measures for Workers and Businesses Amid Economic Uncertainty Due to U.S. Tariffs
On April 7, 2025, the Ontario announced approximately $11 billion in relief and support for workers and businesses to protect the province’s economy from economic uncertainty and the impact of U.S. tariffs.
WSIB Decision Determines Employer Not in Breach of Re-Employment Obligations After Terminating Employee Who Misrepresented Extent of Workplace Injuries
In a recent decision, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) clarified Policy 19-02-09, (Re-employment Obligations) (the Policy), which outlines conditions under which employers must re-employ workers who are unable to work due to work-related injuries or illnesses.
Ontario Minimum Wage to Increase October 1, 2025
On April 1, 2025, the Ontario government announced that the general minimum wage will increase to $17.60 an hour (from $17.20 an hour) effective October 1, 2025. This minimum wage applies to most employees. The minimum wage for the following groups will also increase on October 1, 2025: This adjustment reflects the 2.4% increase in the Ontario…
Supervisor Found Criminally Negligent and Sentenced to Five Years in Prison Following a Vehicle Collision Resulting in Driver’s Death
A recent decision serves as a reminder that supervisors’ actions—and inactions—regarding workplace safety are subject not only to the OHSA but also to the Criminal Code. In this Case in Point, Hicks Morley’s Artimes Ghahremani shares the Court’s analysis and key takeaways for supervisors.
Federal Court Dismisses $2.5 Billion Class Action Alleging Systemic Anti-Black Racism in Federal Public Service Hiring Decisions and Promotional Opportunities
The Federal Court of Canada determined a class action that sought to address alleged systemic anti-Black racism and discrimination simply did not meet the procedural criteria to certify the action as a class proceeding. In this Common Ground, Hicks Morley’s Sean Reginio and Eleanor Vaughan examine the Court’s analysis.
B.C. Supreme Court Imposes Costs on Workers’ Compensation Appeal Tribunal for Procedural Fairness Breaches, Deviating from the “Traditional Immunity” Enjoyed by Decision-Makers
A recent ruling underscores the importance of procedural fairness in administrative tribunal proceedings, especially when dealing with vulnerable applicants. In this Case in Point, Mariana Kamenetsky reviews the case, the court’s analysis and the decision.