Practice Area: Employment Law

Taking Over a Building Services Contract? Assess Employee Liabilities Before You Bid

· 5 min read

In Kondaj v Crossbridge Condominium Services Ltd., the Court of Appeal for Ontario confirmed that an incoming building services provider, such as a property manager, a cleaning contractor, a food provider, security providers and services relating to a parking garage or lot, or a concession stand, is responsible for common law reasonable notice when it…

Pay Equity Impacts from the New Canada Labour Code Equal Treatment Rules Effective October 20

· 4 min read

New equal treatment rules under the Canada Labour Code take effect on October 20, 2026, adding another consideration for federally regulated employers managing pay equity obligations. This Federal Post examines where the two regimes may intersect and outlines the questions employers should consider when reviewing wage rates, job classifications, and employment-status distinctions.

New and Extended EI Relief Measures Now in Force

· 3 min read

The federal government has extended several temporary Employment Insurance (EI) relief measures into 2027 and introduced a new measure affecting claimants who return to insurable employment following a previous disqualification. In our latest FTR Now, these regulatory changes and what they mean for EI eligibility are reviewed.

Financial Services Lunch & Learn: Federal Workplace Update

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.

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

· 4 min read

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

· 4 min read

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.