Employers seeking to initiate equitable hiring strategies may wonder whether such programs are “legal”, given the current political climate in the United States. A recent decision of the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario contains important reminders.
Industry: Education
No Presumption Without Exposure: WSIAT Reverses WSIB Entitlement for Mesothelioma, Finding No Evidence of Asbestos Exposure in Caretaker Role
In a recent decision, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT) found that a caretaker’s duties at a large public sector employer did not involve asbestos exposure.
Arbitrator Dismisses Faculty Grievance over Bill 124 Wage Dispute: No Arbitral Jurisdiction Without Reopener Provision in Collective Agreement
In a recent labour arbitration decision, Arbitrator William Kaplan dismissed a grievance filed against Wilfrid Laurier University (University) by the Wilfrid Laurier University Faculty Association (the Association) on behalf of its Contract Teaching Faculty (CTF) bargaining unit. This decision provides important guidance on the limits of an arbitrator’s jurisdiction in addressing legislative constraints on collective…
The Ontario Court of Appeal Provides Another Caution to Employers Drafting Employment Contracts: Actual Language is Paramount—Not Intent
In a recent decision of the Ontario Court of Appeal, the Court upheld the lower court’s decision finding that the termination clause in the employment contract was offside of the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) and that as a result, the employee was entitled to common law reasonable notice.
Canada Heads to the Polls: Employers’ Obligation to Provide Paid Time Off to Vote in the Upcoming Federal Election
A federal election has been called for April 28, 2025 (election day). As the candidates hit the campaign trail and election day rapidly approaches, this FTR Now provides guidance to employers on their obligations to their employees under the Canada Elections Act (Act).
Federal Government Publishes Temporary Employment Insurance Measures Addressing Economic Impacts From Tariffs
On April 9, the Federal Government released the full text of the temporary Employment Insurance Regulations (Pilot Project No. 24), addressing the economic impacts from the tariffs. In this FTR Now, Andrew Easto explores what these temporary changes mean for impacted workers and employers.
Ontario Government Announces $11 Billion in Relief Measures for Workers and Businesses Amid Economic Uncertainty Due to U.S. Tariffs
On April 7, 2025, the Ontario announced approximately $11 billion in relief and support for workers and businesses to protect the province’s economy from economic uncertainty and the impact of U.S. tariffs.
Ontario Employers Take Note: Pending Changes to the Employment Standards Act, 2000
Changes to the Employment Standards Act are coming. Since 2021, the Ontario government has passed a series of Bills that have amended a range of employment-related statutes.
Dismissal of Healthcare Worker for Failure to Disclose COVID-19 Exposure to Spouse/Co-Worker Not Discriminatory
A recent decision provides clarification on the distinction between legitimate workplace policy enforcement and discriminatory conduct. In this #CIP, Hicks Morley’s Gabrielle Lemoine shares details of the case and what it means for employers and HR professionals.
Safe Sport Considerations for Colleges and Universities
While Canadian colleges and universities are not required to adopt the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (the UCCMS), they may find themselves bound to the UCCMS by their participation with certain governing sport bodies and may want to develop their own policies to ensure a safe sport environment.