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…
Author: Hicks Morley
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.
Bill 101 Tabled: Would Change Governance and Operations of School Boards
On April 13, 2026, the Ontario government tabled Bill 101 (Putting Student Achievement First Act, 2026), aimed at strengthening school board oversight and accountability. We’re monitoring the bill’s progress and will continue to share updates as it moves through the legislative process.
Ontario Proposes Higher WSIB Wage Replacement & Extended LOE Eligibility for Older Workers
Ontario has proposed changes that would increase WSIB wage-replacement (LOE) benefits from 85% to 90% and extend LOE eligibility for workers who intend to work past age 65. If passed, these amendments may increase claim costs and premium pressure—making strong return-to-work programs even more important. Hicks Morley’s Stephanie Savoni outlines the amendments.
Ontario Intends to Extend WSIB Coverage to More Frontline Workers
Ontario has announced it will table legislation that could extend mandatory WSIB coverage to workers in privately operated residential care facilities, retirement homes and group homes—expanding access to wage-replacement and health care benefits for more frontline staff. Stephanie Savoni provides an update on the proposed changes.
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…
Ontario Minimum Wage to Increase October 1, 2026
Earlier today, the Ontario government announced that the general minimum wage will increase to $17.95 per hour (previously $17.60 per hour) effective October 1, 2026. This minimum wage rate is one of the highest in Canada and applies to most provincially regulated employees.