The Ontario Court of Appeal has denied the Crown’s motion for leave to appeal, finding the City of Greater Sudbury successfully exercised due diligence under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. In this FTR Now, Stephanie Jeronimo and Allison E. MacIsaac explore the Court’s reasoning and what it means for employers moving forward.
Practice Area: Employment Law
Changes Are Coming to the ESA– Are You Ready?
Ontario employers need to prepare for significant changes to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) coming into effect in 2025 and early 2026. These amendments, introduced through various “Working for Workers” Acts, create new obligations regarding employee leaves, information disclosure requirements, and job posting transparency. Organizations must understand these changes to ensure compliance and update their workplace policies accordingly.
Ontario Government Announces $11 Billion in Relief Measures for Workers and Businesses Amid Economic Uncertainty Due to U.S. Tariffs
On April 7, 2025, the Ontario announced approximately $11 billion in relief and support for workers and businesses to protect the province’s economy from economic uncertainty and the impact of U.S. tariffs.
Ontario Employers Take Note: Pending Changes to the Employment Standards Act, 2000
Changes to the Employment Standards Act are coming. Since 2021, the Ontario government has passed a series of Bills that have amended a range of employment-related statutes.
Collective Bargaining and Negotiating Theory: Insights into Tariff Tactics
The current tariff disputes triggered by the U.S. administration have left many understandably dazed and confused. However, amid these increasingly turbulent tariff disputes, some perspective can be gained by considering the actions of the participants through basic negotiation theory.
Ontario Minimum Wage to Increase October 1, 2025
On April 1, 2025, the Ontario government announced that the general minimum wage will increase to $17.60 an hour (from $17.20 an hour) effective October 1, 2025. This minimum wage applies to most employees. The minimum wage for the following groups will also increase on October 1, 2025: This adjustment reflects the 2.4% increase in the Ontario…
Supervisor Found Criminally Negligent and Sentenced to Five Years in Prison Following a Vehicle Collision Resulting in Driver’s Death
A recent decision serves as a reminder that supervisors’ actions—and inactions—regarding workplace safety are subject not only to the OHSA but also to the Criminal Code. In this Case in Point, Hicks Morley’s Artimes Ghahremani shares the Court’s analysis and key takeaways for supervisors.
Federal Court Dismisses $2.5 Billion Class Action Alleging Systemic Anti-Black Racism in Federal Public Service Hiring Decisions and Promotional Opportunities
The Federal Court of Canada determined a class action that sought to address alleged systemic anti-Black racism and discrimination simply did not meet the procedural criteria to certify the action as a class proceeding. In this Common Ground, Hicks Morley’s Sean Reginio and Eleanor Vaughan examine the Court’s analysis.
Hicks Morley Selected as “Boutique Law Firm of the Year” Excellence Awardee
Hicks Morley is honoured to be a “Boutique Law Firm of the Year” Excellence Awardee in the 2025 Canadian Law Awards. Congratulations to all of the Excellence Awardees for the significant contributions they make to the legal profession!
B.C. Supreme Court Imposes Costs on Workers’ Compensation Appeal Tribunal for Procedural Fairness Breaches, Deviating from the “Traditional Immunity” Enjoyed by Decision-Makers
A recent ruling underscores the importance of procedural fairness in administrative tribunal proceedings, especially when dealing with vulnerable applicants. In this Case in Point, Mariana Kamenetsky reviews the case, the court’s analysis and the decision.