How far should sanctions go? In this article, Brittany Bates, Frank Cesario and Kayley Leon examine a recent decision of the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada that addresses the proportionality of sanctions in cases involving sexual maltreatment of a minor and highlight practical takeaways for sport organizations navigating safe sport policies and disciplinary frameworks.
Insights
Hicks Morley publishes a number of materials, both electronic and print, on issue-specific and sector-specific topics of interest to our clients. Our insights section has links to all of our various publications, updates and blogs, both current and historical, to keep you informed of developments in the law that impact human resources.
Case In Point
Arbitrator Reinstates Steelworker in Safety Sensitive Role Following Termination for Cannabis Use During Lunch Break
When does lunch break cannabis use justify termination—especially in a safety sensitive role? In this article, Matthew Wronko provides an analysis of a recent arbitration award and what this means for employers drafting drug and alcohol and fitness for duty policies
Case In Point
Divisional Court Reinforces Tradition of Judicial Deference to Ontario’s Labour Relations Board
Judicial deference to the OLRB remains firmly intact, especially in construction labour relations. In this article, Thomas Trudell reviews a recent Divisional Court decision affirming the OLRB’s authority in construction work assignment disputes and its long‑standing approach to jurisdictional issues.
FTR Now
Back-to-Work Legislation Justified Under Section 1 of the Charter, Ontario Court of Appeal Holds in Landmark Decisions
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…
Case In Point
“No News” May Not Mean “No New Employment”: Settlement Drafting Lessons From Cross v. Cooling Tower Maintenance Inc.
When it comes to settlement agreements, precision is non-negotiable. In this article, Justin Jalea explores the recent Cross v. Cooling Tower maintenance Inc. decision and provides important reminders for employers drafting settlement agreements involving salary continuance and clawback provisions.
FTR Now
Year in Review: Notable Labour and Employment Law Decisions From 2025
Our annual Year in Review is here. In this article, Lesley Campbell, Ryan Freeman, Amanda Cohen, Rhonda B. Levy, and Owais Hashmi outline the most influential labour and employment decisions of 2025 and highlight two upcoming rulings that employers can expect to plan for the year ahead
Case In Point
Nova Scotia Court Finds Cross-Canada Termination Clause Unenforceable: A Cautionary Tale for Multi-Jurisdiction Employers
Jurisdiction matters when drafting cross-country contracts. In this article, we examine the Brocklehurst v Micco Companies decision where Micco’s termination clause was found unenforceable under Nova Scotia legislation and explore the broader implications for employers to ensure provisions are precise and effective across Canada.
FTR Now
From Kickoff to Contracts: FIFA Hiring Done Right
Toronto is gearing up for FIFA World Cup 2026™ — are your recruitment practices ready for the expansion and beyond? In this article, Kayley C. Leon outlines key employment standards considerations for hiring employers and discusses the temporary work permit exemption for select FIFA-invited foreign workers.
Federal Post
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.
Human Resources Legislative Update
Important Changes to Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act Take Effect January 1, 2026
New Occupational Health and Safety Act updates take effect January 1, 2026. In this article, we outline the latest requirements impacting construction projects, sanitation records, public sector procurement, and enforcement measures that employers and constructors need to know.