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….
Practice Area: Employment Law
September Update on Changes to the Canada Labour Code – Part 1 [Video]
With a number of changes to the Canada Labour Code having come into force on September 1, 2019, employers in the federal jurisdiction should take note of new and changing labour standards. These include new scheduling and break provisions, the right to flexible work arrangements, changes to holiday and vacation entitlements, a statutory right to refuse overtime, as well as new and amended leaves of absence.
September Update on Changes to the Canada Labour Code – Part 2 [Video]
With a number of changes to the Canada Labour Code having come into force on September 1, 2019, employers in the federal jurisdiction should take note of new and changing labour standards. These include new scheduling and break provisions, the right to request flexible work arrangements, changes to holiday and vacation entitlements, a statutory right to refuse overtime in certain circumstances, as well as new and amended leaves of absence.
Appellate Court: Employee Can’t Transform Employer’s Supportive Leniency (Allowing Flexibility in Her Start Time) into Contractual Obligation
The Ontario Divisional Court recently considered the issue of whether flexibility offered by an employer to an employee alters a fundamental term of the employee’s employment contract. In Peternel v. Custom Granite & Marble Ltd., the Divisional Court upheld a trial judge decision that the employee’s 8:30 a.m. start time at work was an existing…
Welcome Back to School!
We hope that you all enjoyed the summer months! In this Back to School edition of our School Board Update, we highlight three decisions which will be of interest to school board.
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.
September Update on Changes to the Canada Labour Code
We have reported on the changes to the Canada Labour Code (Code) which came into effect on July 29, 2019 and on September 1, 2019. The federal government has published new Interpretations, Policies and Guidelines (IPGs) in support of some of these changes, as well as a summary of various amendments which have not yet been proclaimed into force and their anticipated in force dates. Proposed regulations for the incoming Part IV, Administrative Monetary Penalties, of the Code have also been recently published for comment.
$1.27 Million Damages Award a Reminder to Employers of Perils Associated with Fixed Term Contracts
In McGuinty v. 1845035 Ontario Inc. (McGuinty Funeral Home), the Ontario Superior Court of Justice awarded a plaintiff over $1.27 million in damages for constructive dismissal after only one year had elapsed of a 10 year consulting services agreement (Agreement). In the absence of a cancellation provision, the defendant was obligated to pay the Agreement…
Part ll (Occupational Health and Safety) of the Canada Labour Code Now Applies to PESRA Employers
Effective July 29, 2019, the occupational health and safety provisions of the Canada Labour Code now apply to specified employers and employees under the Parliamentary Employment and Staff Relations Act (PESRA).
Further Amendments to the Canada Labour Code Now In Force
On July 29, 2019, a number of amendments to the Canada Labour Code enacted by Bill C-44, the Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 1, came into force. The amendments relate to changes to the powers of the Canada Industrial Relations Board, complaints relating to reprisals and the elimination of the role of appeals officers. Learn more in this Federal Post.