In Animal Justice v. Ontario (Attorney General), 2026 ONCA 380, the Court of Appeal for Ontario unanimously reversed the lower court and upheld the constitutionality of the Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act, 2020 (Act) and its regulation, General, O. Reg. 701/20 (Regulation).
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Past Conduct, Present Cause: Ontario Court Upholds After-Acquired Cause in Birnbaum v. Dr. Chan
What happens when an employer discovers serious misconduct only after terminating an employee without cause? In Birnbaum v. Dr. Chan, the Ontario Superior Court confirmed that employees are not insulated from the consequences of serious misconduct committed before termination simply because it was discovered afterwards.
Ontario’s Court of Appeal Reaffirms the Limits of Justiciability in Dorceus v. Ontario
In Dorceus v. Ontario, the Ontario Court of Appeal confirmed that courts are not the place for sweeping political or scientific debates disconnected from viable legal claims. The decision is a useful reminder that civil claims must be grounded in material facts, that unmeritorious claims can be struck early, and that certain workplace-related disputes must proceed through the specialized forums with exclusive jurisdiction. Hicks Morley’s Shauna Bartlett reviews the decision and what it means for future claims.
Bill C-31 Introduces Federal Ban on Non-Compete Clauses and Other Employment-Related Restrictions
Bill C-31 would introduce a significant shift for federally regulated employers by proposing a broad prohibition on non-compete clauses and other employment-related restrictions, subject to narrow exemptions.
In this article, we review the proposed framework, key exemptions, transitional timing, and practical steps employers should consider now.
Canada Sport Commission’s Final Report: Time for Action
Canada’s Future of Sport Commission has released its final report – laying out 98 Calls to Action—ranging from immediate safe sport and governance expectations to longer-term structural reform. For organizations that fund, oversee, or deliver sport programs, the recommendations could signal higher compliance and audit readiness requirements. Frank Cesario, Kayley Leon and Brittany Bates review the key takeaways and practical steps you can take now.
Bill C‑15: Key Developments for Employers
Bill C 15 is officially law—and if you’re a federally regulated or public sector employer, there are a few changes you’ll want to take note of. George Vuicic breaks down what has changed and provides practical takeaways in our latest article.
Pay Equity Hearings Tribunal Clarifies and Strengthens Rules for Maintaining Proxy Pay Equity
The Pay Equity Hearings Tribunal has released a long awaited decision clarifying how proxy pay equity must be maintained over time. The decision offers helpful direction—while leaving practical questions. Lauri Reesor outlines the impact for employers in our latest article.
Highlights of the 2026 Ontario Budget
Ontario’s 2026 Budget — A Plan to Protect Ontario — is here, and employers, HR teams, and pension plan administrators will want to pay attention. Read our take on what Ontario employers need to know.
Temporary Employment Insurance Relief Extended Through October 2026
EI update for employers! Temporary relief measures introduced in response to U.S. tariffs are now extended to October 10, 2026. Read our FTR Now to learn more.
Equal Wage Treatment Regulations Coming Soon
New Equal Wage Treatment Regulations are expected soon, prohibiting federally regulated employers from paying part time, temporary or agency workers less for the same work. George Vuicic provides an overview of the requirements and the limited exceptions that may be available to employers.