A recent decision provides clarification on the distinction between legitimate workplace policy enforcement and discriminatory conduct. In this #CIP, Hicks Morley’s Gabrielle Lemoine shares details of the case and what it means for employers and HR professionals.
Industry: Arts, Entertainment & Sports
Court Awards Terminated Executive Over $456,000 After Finding Employer’s Conditional Severance Offer Constituted Repudiation of the Employment Agreement
A recent decision underscores the importance of complying with contractual termination entitlements for departing employees. In this Case in Point, Hicks Morley’s Justin Choy examines the decision and what it means for employers.
Employers Take Note: Certain Employees Entitled to Paid Time Off to Cast Vote in the 2025 Ontario Provincial Election
The Ontario provincial election will be held on February 27, 2025. Under the Ontario Election Act (Act), eligible employees are entitled to three consecutive hours during voting hours to cast their vote. In some circumstances, this may require employers to provide certain employees with paid time off to vote.
Year in Review – Key Legislative Updates of 2024
Welcome to our annual review of notable legislative updates over the past year that we believe will be of interest to employers and human resources professionals.
WSIB Claims Management – A Detailed Overview of the Life of a Claim
Managing WSIB claims has become increasingly complex. Many issues are impacting employers’ WSIB claims costs, including unsuccessful return-to-work efforts, complicated injuries, psychological conditions, pre-existing conditions, and a lack of monitoring and progress. This workshop will provide a detailed overview of the life of a WSIB claim, along with strategies to better manage these challenging issues.
Ontario’s Working for Workers Six Act, 2024 Receives Royal Assent
On December 19, 2024, Ontario’s Working for Workers Six Act, 2024 (Bill 229) received Royal Assent. Bill 229 amends several statutes including the Employment Standards Act, 2000, the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997. Key amendments of particular interest to employers are addressed below. Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) The following…
Ontario Court of Appeal Dismisses Appeal in Dufault, Upholds Finding That “For Cause” Language in Termination Provision Contravened ESA
In Dufault v. Ignace (Township), the Ontario Court of Appeal reinforced and applied the principle established in Waksdale v. Swegon North America Inc. (Waksdale) that, when interpreting an employment agreement, all termination provisions must be read together and the invalidity of one termination provision renders all termination provisions void and unenforceable. In rendering its decision,…
Highlights from the Federal Government’s 2024 Fall Economic Statement
On December 16, 2024, the federal government issued its 2024 Fall Economic Statement. The Statement covers a wide array of initiatives including several proposals that, if they were to be implemented, will be of interest to employers, human resources professionals and pension plan administrators. Early Retirement Benefits in the Public Service The government has proposed…
The Growing Your Workforce Conference
This year’s Growing Your Workforce Conference, hosted by Workforce WindsorEssex, focuses on addressing workforce development challenges and opportunities across Southwestern Ontario. It is an event where ideas are exchanged, best practices are shared, and solutions are crafted to address the pressing issues facing workforces, talent pipelines and local labour markets.
Accommodating Mental Health in the Workplace: Advanced Accommodation Principles
Managing mental health issues in the workplace poses a considerable challenge to employers, who are often required to navigate difficult questions around employee privacy, employment preferences, and workplace rules and expectations with the duty to accommodate.