We have provided services to educational institutions since the formation of our firm in 1972.
School Boards
We act for more than 50 public, Catholic and French-language district school boards across Ontario. In addition to providing ongoing labour and employment law services, we advise and represent school boards on a wide range of education law matters, providing assistance as they address human rights and student rights disputes, manage special education issues, provide safe schools, deal with school closures, interpret and apply the Education Act and its regulations, and handle freedom of information requests. We have represented school boards in dozens of key decisions delivered by all levels of court—up to and including the Supreme Court of Canada. We also help schools manage special education issues and remain a leading authority in helping schools navigate the increasing complexities of special education law.
Universities
We advise and represent more than 15 universities on a variety of areas including academic matters, labour arbitrations, litigation, collective bargaining, pensions, human rights, privacy and academic affairs. We have served the university sector for over 50 years and have a unique understanding of the nature of the academic environment in terms of both its governance and its mandate to offer students the best education possible.
Colleges
We act in a variety of capacities for the 24 Ontario colleges, the College Employer Council, and Colleges Ontario. Drawing on our extensive experience in this sector, we provide advice and representation on issues such as grievance arbitration, pension, benefits and executive compensation, student governance and human resources policies, collective bargaining, privacy and occupational health and safety. We have also been instrumental in helping colleges with student accommodation issues and advising on human rights issues relating to both employees and students. We are increasingly called upon to provide advice and representation on workload resolution arbitrations (WRAs).