In Dufault v. Ignace (Township), the Ontario Court of Appeal reinforced and applied the principle established in Waksdale v. Swegon North America Inc. (Waksdale) that, when interpreting an employment agreement, all termination provisions must be read together and the invalidity of one termination provision renders all termination provisions void and unenforceable. In rendering its decision,…
Practice Area: Employment Law
Highlights from the Federal Government’s 2024 Fall Economic Statement
On December 16, 2024, the federal government issued its 2024 Fall Economic Statement. The Statement covers a wide array of initiatives including several proposals that, if they were to be implemented, will be of interest to employers, human resources professionals and pension plan administrators. Early Retirement Benefits in the Public Service The government has proposed…
Ontario Government Introduces Municipal Accountability Act, 2024
On December 12, 2024, the Ontario government introduced Bill 241, Municipal Accountability Act, 2024 (Bill 241). If passed, this proposed legislation would provide the government with the ability to establish a standardized provincial code of conduct for municipalities. Bill 241 also expands the oversight powers of the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario and creates new mechanisms…
Workplace Investigation Training Workshop
This session focuses on investigation fundamentals. Attendees will learn the key takeaways from case law and best practices for investigating workplace incidents.
Ontario Introduces the More Convenient Care Act, 2024
On December 2, 2024, the Ontario government introduced the More Convenient Care Act, 2024 (Bill 231). Of particular significance to health care employers and temporary help agencies is new legislation proposed by Bill 231 that would require greater transparency on the use of third-party staffing providers in the health care industry. If passed, Bill 231…
Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA): Peel Chapter: Legal Trends 2022
Join the HRPA Peel Chapter as Michael Smyth, Rebecca Liu, Danika Winkel and Jordynne Hislop share how to successfully anticipate and navigate legal issues, stay compliant and mitigate legal risks.
Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA): 2022 Education Labour Relations and Human Resources Symposium
OPSBA’s Education Labour Relations and Human Resources Symposium is held each spring and is designed to provide professional development in the areas of labour relations and human resources to trustees, directors of education, senior human resources officials and labour relations practitioners.
The Canadian Association of Black Lawyers (CABL) Annual Conference: Post-Pandemic Return to Work – What Should We Think About?
What does the case law have to say about employees returning to “in-person work”? How does the lifting of provincial mandates affect an employer’s obligation to accommodate? Can employers mandate vaccination? What are the human rights implications?
National Academy of Arbitrators 75th Annual Meeting & Education Conference: Arbitration in a Changing World: COVID, COVID, COVID: A Multitude of Workplace Issues
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on workplaces and union-management relations. Arbitrators, unions, and employers have dealt with new and developing issues such as mandatory vaccination, testing, accommodation, protection of worker health and safety, sick pay, discipline for safety violations, leaves of absence, and many other issues.
Stratford & District Human Resources Association: Legal Update 2022
Ted Kovacs and Laura Buck are presenting a labour and employment legal update to the Stratford & District Human Resources Association.