The holiday season is a time for celebration. For many of us, this may include workplace celebrations. All employers, big or small, should ensure that in addition to traditional party logistics, they take the time to develop a plan for providing a healthy and safe environment for employees and guests at any workplace celebrations.
Industry: Retail & Wholesale Trade
Ontario’s Bill 132 Referred to Committee, Includes Proposed Amendments to PBA
On November 7, 2019, Bill 132, Better for People, Smarter for Business Act, 2019 (Bill 132), passed Second Reading and was referred to the Standing Committee on General Government. Bill 132 is omnibus legislation which, if passed, will amend a number of statutes, including the Ontario Pension Benefits Act (PBA). Proposed amendments to the PBA…
Budding Industry: Amendments to Cannabis Regulations Legalizing Edible Cannabis Coming Into Force
On October 17, 2019, one year after Canada legalized the sale and purchase of dried and fresh cannabis, oil, seeds, and plants, the government of Canada’s amendments to the Cannabis Regulations made under the federal Cannabis Act will come into force, establishing rules for the legal production and sale of three new classes of cannabis….
Ryan J. Freeman
Ryan maintains a broad labour relations practice, with a specific focus on construction labour relations. His practice also includes civil litigation, human rights and collective bargaining. When advising his clients, Ryan takes a strategic, forward-thinking approach and always endeavours to ensure the avoidance of unnecessary legal problems and risks. He actively listens to and engages with his clients, and they regularly reach out to him for guidance on how matters will impact their organizations in the long term.
Reminder of Upcoming AODA Deadlines
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) sets out the process for developing and enforcing accessibility standards in Ontario. Its purpose is to achieve accessibility standards for Ontarians with physical and mental disabilities by 2025. All levels of government, private sector organizations and non-profit organizations must comply with this legislation. Compliance deadline dates depend…
Ministry of Labour Consulting on “Safe at Work” Initiatives
The Ontario Ministry of Labour has announced a consultation entitled “Safe at Work Ontario 2020-21.” The Ministry is seeking information and input from stakeholders in response to specific questions related to the following issues: Hazards The Ministry has identified the top 10 occupational health and safety issues and violations in the workplace. It is asking…
Chambers Canada 2020 Guide Recognizes Hicks Morley for Employment and Labour, Pensions and Benefits, and Privacy and Data Protection
Hicks Morley has once again been recognized as a leading law firm in the Chambers Canada 2020 guide for Employment & Labour (Ontario and Nationwide) and Pensions & Benefits (Nationwide). The firm receives praise for its “tremendous bench strength” being “a pre-eminent boutique in Ontario,” as well as for working on “very big pensions matters”…
Canada Heads to the Polls: Employers’ Obligation to Provide Paid Time Off to Vote
A federal election has been called for October 21, 2019. As the candidates hit the campaign trail and Election Day rapidly approaches, in this FTR Now, we provide guidance to employers on their obligations towards their employees under the Canada Elections Act.
Grant R. Nuttall
Grant’s practice is advocacy-focused and includes collective bargaining, labour disputes, grievance arbitrations, wrongful dismissal, human rights and accommodation, and employment standards. He works across the public and private sectors with a focus on the broader public sector.
Sean M. Reginio
Sean collaborates with clients as they navigate complex issues involving workplace accommodation, mental health law, union organizing drives, disciplinary investigations and Education Act obligations for trustees and administrators. He regularly delivers training sessions and presentations regarding a variety of workplace issues including workplace harassment, management/union relations, employee terminations and attendance management.