On December 9, 2019, the Ontario government tabled Bill 161, Smarter and Stronger Justice Act, 2019, omnibus legislation that, if passed, would enact significant changes to the justice system through amendments to numerous statutes. Set out below is a brief summary of the notable changes to the Class Proceedings Act, 1992, the Courts of Justice…
Practice Area: Litigation
Federal Government Tables 2019 Budget Bill
On April 8, 2019, the federal government introduced Bill C-97, Budget Implementation Act, 2019, No. 1, for first reading. Bill C-97 is omnibus legislation enacting certain measures outlined in the 2019 Federal Budget. Below are some of the key amendments of interest to employers, pension plan administrators and human resources professionals.
Ontario Budget 2019: Protecting What Matters Most – Key Human Resources Highlights
On April 11, 2019, the Ontario government tabled its 2019 Budget, Protecting What Matters Most (Budget), and introduced supporting implementation legislation, Bill 100, the Protecting What Matters Most Act (Budget Measures), 2019 (Bill 100).
The Budget outlines key initiatives around broader public sector compensation, reforms within the healthcare sector, registered pension plans, freedom of information, and more. In this FTR Now, we highlight the proposals that are of particular interest to employers, benefits plan administrators and human resources professionals.
Court Holds Judicial Review Not Available in Broader Public Sector Compensation Restraint Challenge
The Divisional Court recently issued an important decision, Association of Professors of the University of Ottawa v. University of Ottawa, with respect to the ability of a union to challenge a university’s determination of compensation payable to its non-unionized employees on the basis that the determination is contrary to the Broader Public Sector Accountability Act,…
Workplace Law in Canada: A Primer
This Guide provides American employers with an introduction to employment laws and regulations that affect businesses in Canada. It outlines an overview of the main differences between Canadian and U.S. workplace laws.
Securities Act Amendments Allow Employees to Bring a Civil Action for Reprisal Against Whistleblowing
Recent amendments to the Ontario Securities Act (Act) now permit an employee to commence a civil action in court for reprisal against whistleblowing. Section 121.5 of the Act imposes new potential liability for employers. It states: 121.5 (1) No person or company, or person acting on behalf of a person or company, shall take a…
Supreme Court of Canada Majority Rules “Unjust Dismissal” Provisions of Canada Labour Code Prohibit Without Cause Dismissals of Non-Unionized Employees
In an important decision for federally regulated employers, Wilson v. Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, a majority of the Supreme Court of Canada has found the “unjust dismissal” provisions of Part III of the Canada Labour Code (Code) prohibit “without cause” dismissal of non-managerial, non-unionized employees with at least 12 months consecutive service, thereby allowing those employees to access the remedial relief (reasons, reinstatement, equitable relief) available under the Code.
Workplace Law In Canada: A Primer
This Guide provides non-Canadians with an introduction to employment laws and regulations that affect businesses in Canada. It provides an overview of the main differences between Canadian and U.S. workplace laws. To obtain a copy please contact Knowledge Management.
Ontario Passes Legislation to Prevent Proceedings that Limit Freedom of Expression
On October 28, 2015, Bill 52, Protection of Public Participation Act, 2014, passed Third Reading. Bill 52 amends the Courts of Justice Act by adding a section regarding Prevention of Proceedings that Limit Freedom of Expression on Matters of Public Interest (Gag Proceedings). As stated in the Bill, the purpose of the provision is: (a) to encourage individuals…
Raising the Bar – Ninth Edition
Dear Friends, Welcome to summer! We’re very pleased to bring you this pre-beach edition of Raising the Bar. In this edition, we’ll guide you through important recent decisions on topics ranging from offers to settle, to case management, to costs, to the question of when is enough discovery “enough”. We will also Shine a Light…