1146 Results

The Hydro-Québec Decision: Restoring Balance to the Accommodation Analysis

INTRODUCTION Following on the heels of its recent decisions in McGill University Health Centre and Honda Canada Inc. v. Keays, the Supreme Court of Canada has issued yet another helpful decision dealing with the employer’s duty to accommodate. In Hydro-Québec v. Syndicat des employé-e-s de techniques professionnelles et de bureau d’Hydro-Québec, section locale 2000 (SCFP-FTQ),…

No Surplus Distribution Required on Partial Termination of Federally-Regulated Pension Plans

In its much anticipated decision in Cousins v. Canada (Attorney General) and Marine Atlantic Inc. (“Marine Atlantic”), the Federal Court of Appeal has concluded that the federal Pension Benefits Standards Act, 1985 (the “PBSA”) does not require a proportionate distribution of surplus on a partial termination of a defined benefit (DB) pension plan.  The Federal…

Protect Your Domain Name from Rogue Departing Employees

We have recently helped a number of our clients retain and regain control of registered domain names that have either been threatened or taken by departing employees. We suggest you take steps to control against this risk. WHAT’S IN A NAME? A domain name may seem like a simple piece of intellectual property, but once…

Honda Canada Inc. v. Keays: The Supreme Court of Canada Strikes Down Landmark Damages Award

INTRODUCTION It is difficult to recall an employment law case which has generated as much interest, or created as much debate, as the litigation between Kevin Keays and his former employer, Honda Canada Inc.  The trial decision, which was released in 2005, created a shockwave within the employer community, with its blistering critique of Honda’s…

Tax-Free Savings Accounts: Potential Opportunities for Employer-Sponsored Retirement and Savings Plans

In the February 2008 Budget, the federal Minister of Finance announced a new initiative – tax free savings accounts (TFSAs). If the proposed legislation is passed, these new savings vehicles will be available to Canadian taxpayers starting in 2009. Key Features of a TFSA Canadian taxpayers will be allowed to contribute up to $5000 each…

Termination of Municipal Officers: The New Rules

This Client Update follows up on our March 2008 Update regarding the Supreme Court of Canada’s landmark decision in Dunsmuir v. New Brunswick, 2008 SCC 9 (CanLII). As discussed in the previous Update, the Supreme Court significantly reformed the law relating to the termination of public office holders. The Court clearly signalled that where office…

Information & Privacy Post – Volume-3, Number-1

In this issue Canadian e-discovery enters next era FREEDOM OF INFORMATION – EXCEPTIONS – PRIVILEGE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION – EXCEPTIONS – UNJUSTIFIED INVASION OF PERSONAL PRIVACY FREEDOM OF INFORMATION – FREEDOM OF THE PRESS PRIVACY – ACCESS TO PERSONAL INFORMATION PRIVACY – APPLICATION, EXCLUSIONS AND MATTERS OF JURISDICTION PRIVACY – COLLECTION USE AND DISCLOSURE –…

Ontario Budget 2008

INTRODUCTION Amid growing economic uncertainty, the Honourable Dwight Duncan, Ontario’s Minister of Finance, tabled the 2008 Ontario Budget, “Growing a Stronger Ontario” before the Ontario Legislature on March 25, 2008. A possible U.S. recession, a Canadian dollar hovering near parity with the U.S. greenback, soaring energy and resource costs, and relentless competition from overseas have…