This session will be a practical update on federal workplace developments and a focused discussion of hot topics in pensions, benefits and executive compensation for financial institutions. It is intended to help HR and legal teams connect legislative change with their policies, administrative practices and employee programs.
Practice Area: Employment Law
Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA): Canada-U.S. Trade Disruption: What HR Professionals Need to Know About Employment Law
Trade disruption can quickly become a workplace issue, requiring employers to make difficult decisions in uncertain conditions. Hicks Morley’s Mornelle Lee – along with Peninsula Canada’s Olivia Cicchini – will speak at an HRPA webinar about the role HR professionals can play in assessing the employment implications facing Canadian employers.
Schedule 2 Employers’ Group (S2EG): 2026 Annual Conference
Workplace injuries may complicate employment decisions. Hicks Morley’s Mariana Kamenetsky and Ruvanya Kasturiarachchi will explore the intersection of WSIB claims management and workplace management at the Schedule 2 Employers’ Group 2026 Annual Conference.
Ontario Court of Appeal Distinguishes Between Temporary Lay-off Clauses and Termination Clauses
Taylor v. Salytics Inc., a recent decision of the Ontario Court of Appeal, provides welcome appellate confirmation that where an employment agreement expressly permits a temporary lay-off and the lay-off is implemented within the Employment Standards Act, 2000 framework, the lay-off will not trigger a constructive dismissal, and therefore a termination of employment.
Safety Incidents Alone Don’t Justify Drug and Alcohol Testing
SaskEnergy Incorporated v. Unifor, a recent decision of the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal, confirms that the seriousness of a safety incident and an employee’s failure to follow safety protocols are not, by themselves, sufficient to make drug and alcohol testing a reasonable line of inquiry.
Court Clarifies Frustration and Benefit Claims in Employment Damages
The Ontario Court of Appeal has clarified two issues affecting termination liability: (1) when an employee’s illness or disability frustrates the employment contract, and (2) when an employer-provided resource is a compensable employment benefit rather than a work tool supplied to do the job.
Chambers Canada 2027 Guide Recognizes Hicks Morley as Top Firm for Employment & Labour
Hicks Morley has once again been ranked as a top law firm in the Chambers Canada 2027 Guide for Employment & Labour.
Reminder to Employers: Ontario to Increase Minimum Wage Effective October 1, 2026
A reminder to employers that the Ontario government will be increasing the general minimum wage to $17.95 per hour (previously $17.60 per hour) effective October 1, 2026.
Bill C-39: Ottawa Moves to Reshape Federal Collective Bargaining and Labour Dispute Resolution
What could Bill C-39 mean for federally regulated employers? Simon Mortimer and Andrew Movrin outline the proposed changes to federal labour laws and highlight key considerations.
Ontario Catholic School Business Officials Association (OCSBOA): Annual Conference 2026
As part of OCSBOA’s 72nd Annual General Meeting and Conference, Nadine Zacks will present “Violence in the Classroom,” offering practical considerations for school boards and business officials as they navigate workplace and community expectations in a changing education environment.