Arbitrator Finds Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy and Discipline for Non-Compliance Reasonable in Ontario Nurses’ Association v. Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital

Are mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policies in hospitals reasonable? Arbitrator says “yes” in Ontario Nurses’ Association v. Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital. In this FTR Now, Hicks Morley’s Andrew Zabrovsky and Amanda Cohen discuss the reasoning of each party and review the decision.

Ontario Launches the Protect Ontario Financial Program with $1 Billion in Support to Sectors Impacted by Ongoing Tariff Disputes

How does Ontario’s new program look out for your business in the face of ongoing U.S. tariffs? In this FTR Now, Hicks Morley’s Mornelle Lee discusses the implication of the program in today’s economic context and actions employers can take now to be ready for the program.

Federal Government Launches Consultation on Proposed Regulatory Amendments to New Leave Provisions Under the Canada Labour Code

The #federalgovernment published proposed regulatory amendments that would implement significant changes to leave entitlements for federally regulated employees. The proposed regulations support the implementation of the three new leave provisions introduced in the Fall Economic Statement Implementation Act, 2023, which received royal assent on June 20, 2024.

Summer 2025 Updates for Social Services Employers

It has been a few unsettling months, and it looks like there will be more to come. We hope that you are able to find some time this summer to relax and recharge. Before you do, we wanted to bring to your attention some developments that may be important for your social services organization in the hopes it will make managing workplace issues easier.

Federal Government Publishes Revised Standard on Accessible Employment under the Accessible Canada Act

On May 29, 2025, Accessibility Standards Canada (ASC) announced its publication of a revised Accessibility Standard on Employment (Standard) under its mandate pursuant to the Accessible Canada Act (Act). The revised Standard, CAN/ASC-1.1:2024 (REV-2025), replaces the original version released in December 2024. Background The Act came into force on July 11, 2019, establishing ASC as…

Ontario Introduces Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025

On May 28, 2025, the Ontario government introduced Bill 30, the Working for Workers Seven Act, 2025 (Bill 30). Bill 30 continues the province’s ongoing “Working for Workers” legislative initiative, proposing significant amendments to various employment-related statutes, including the Employment Standards Act, 2000, Occupational Health and Safety Act, and Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997.

Employers Take Note: WSIB Suspends Appeals and Extends Time Limits as Over 3,600 Unionized Workers Begin Rolling Strikes

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has suspended its appeals processes and extended objection time limits as over 3,600 unionized workers commenced rolling strikes on May 22, 2025, following failed contract negotiations with the Ontario Compensation Employees Union (OCEU). The labour disruption has prompted significant operational changes affecting workplace parties seeking to challenge WSIB…