Author: Hicks Morley

Ontario Proposes Higher WSIB Wage Replacement & Extended LOE Eligibility for Older Workers

· 2 min read

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

· 1 min read

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

· 6 min read

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…

BCCA Upholds Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy Where Employer Relied on Provincial Health Officer’s Opinion

· 9 min read

A recent ruling offers new guidance to the reasonableness of mandatory workplace policies. In this article, Andrew Schjerning breaks down a recent British Columbia Court of Appeal decision confirming that employers may reasonably rely on public health authority guidance when implementing mandatory COVID‑19 vaccination policies.

Arbitrator Reinstates Steelworker in Safety Sensitive Role Following Termination for Cannabis Use During Lunch Break

· 2 min read

When does lunch break cannabis use justify termination—especially in a safety sensitive role? In this article, Matthew Wronko provides an analysis of a recent arbitration award and what this means for employers drafting drug and alcohol and fitness for duty policies

Nova Scotia Court Finds Cross-Canada Termination Clause Unenforceable: A Cautionary Tale for Multi-Jurisdiction Employers

· 6 min read

Jurisdiction matters when drafting cross-country contracts. In this article, we examine the Brocklehurst v Micco Companies decision where Micco’s termination clause was found unenforceable under Nova Scotia legislation and explore the broader implications for employers to ensure provisions are precise and effective across Canada.