On October 28, 2024, Ontario’s Working for Workers Five Act, 2024 (Bill 190) received Royal Assent. Bill 190 amends several statutes including the Employment Standards Act, 2000, the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997. In this FTR Now, we review key amendments of particular interest to employers.
Industry: Financial Services
Ontario Court Upholds Termination Clause Excluding Employee’s Common Law Entitlements, Ends Employee’s Lawsuit Against Former Employer
In the recent decision of Bertsch v. Datastealth Inc., the Ontario Superior Court of Justice upheld the enforceability of a termination clause in an employment agreement that limited the plaintiff’s entitlement to only the minimum standards under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA). The Court held the clause was valid and enforceable and consequently dismissed…
Electronic Documents (MFIPPA and FIPPA)
As institutions migrate their data almost exclusively to electronically stored formats, unique freedom of information (FOI) access issues arise when confronting requests for such records.
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.
Labour and Employment Legal Trends for Credit Unions
Growth and consolidation in credit unions amid a shortage of talent presents unique workplace challenges for human resources professionals working in this sector. This complimentary webinar will provide an overview of some of the current legal trends and offer tips on navigating these challenges heading into 2025.
Arbitration Workshop
For human resources professionals tasked with maintaining workplace labour relations, navigating an organization’s grievance and arbitration process can present unique challenges—particularly if you aren’t yet familiar with key aspects and strategic considerations along the way. This hands-on workshop has been designed to equip both new and more experienced members of your labour relations team with the skills necessary to prepare a case for grievance arbitration.
Advanced WSIB Claims Management: The Return-to-Work Process
The WSIB return-to-work process is complex. Employers must navigate multiple issues such as meeting return-to-work obligations, managing claim costs and addressing potential concurrent employment law issues.
Request for Volunteer to Remove Rainbow Sticker from Name Badge Not Discriminatory, Says Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario
In an important decision for employers, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (Tribunal) confirmed that distinction does not necessarily amount to discrimination. In Zanette v. Ottawa Chamber Music Society, the Tribunal held that the Ottawa Chamber Music Society’s request that a volunteer usher (Zanette) remove a rainbow sticker from his name badge did not constitute…
Accommodating Family Status, Creed (Religion), Gender Expression and Gender Identity
Requests for accommodation based on an individual’s family status, creed/religious beliefs, gender identity and/or gender expression can present unique challenges. How you respond to these types of requests can mean the difference between a finding that suitable accommodations were offered and one that exposes your organization to significant liability. Join us for an in-person workshop that addresses the legal obligations and best practices to keep in mind as they relate to family status, religious accommodation, gender identity and gender expression.
Stevie (Stephanie) Gellatly
Stevie advises employers on a variety of matters related to labour relations, employment law and human rights.