The Ontario Court of Appeal has, for the first time, considered the constitutionality of back to work legislation under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (Charter). As Canadian courts have previously recognized, section 2(d) of the Charter protects the rights of workers to advance their workplace goals through a collective bargaining process and to…
Industry: Government Ministries & Agencies (Federal)
Federal Government Reminds Federally Regulated Employers About Harassment and Violence Policy Compliance
Are your harassment and violence prevention policies up to date? George Vuicic breaks down the federal government’s recent reminder and what federally regulated employers should revisit to ensure continued compliance in the year ahead.
Major Changes to Federal Leaves Take Effect on December 12, 2025
Significant amendments to leave provisions under the Canada Labour Code will soon take effect, expanding entitlements for federally regulated employees and introducing new compliance obligations for employers. George Vuicic outlines what federally regulated employers need to do now to remain compliant.
Federal Inspection Blitz Targets Driver Misclassification in GTA Trucking Industry
The Federal Government is cracking down on driver misclassification in the GTA trucking industry. James Davis explores the indicators distinguishing employees from independent contractors and highlights the implications of misclassification for employers.
Federal Budget 2025: Key Highlights for Employers and Pension Plan Administrators
On November 04, 2025, the federal government tabled its 2025 budget, “Canada Strong“ (budget). While focused on economic spending, infrastructure, and housing, the budget also introduced several significant initiatives impacting employers, pension plan administrators, and human resources professionals. We have summarized the most significant of these announcements below. Labour and Employment Employment Insurance (EI) Retirement…
Federal Government Extends Temporary Employment Insurance Relief Measures in Response to Tariffs
Temporary employment insurance relief measures extended – in this FTR Now, Natasha Monkman and Andrew Easto provide an update on the recent announcement by the Federal Government designed to support employers in continued response to US Tariffs.
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.
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…
WSIB Claims Management: Mental Stress Claims – Building on the Fundamentals and Best Practices
WSIB claims for mental stress conditions pose unique challenges for employers. Join us as we discuss best practices for effectively managing mental stress claims, with a view to mitigating costs and working toward successful resolution of claims in the workplace.
Federal Court Dismisses $2.5 Billion Class Action Alleging Systemic Anti-Black Racism in Federal Public Service Hiring Decisions and Promotional Opportunities
The Federal Court of Canada determined a class action that sought to address alleged systemic anti-Black racism and discrimination simply did not meet the procedural criteria to certify the action as a class proceeding. In this Common Ground, Hicks Morley’s Sean Reginio and Eleanor Vaughan examine the Court’s analysis.