On October 27, 2015, the Ontario government tabled new legislation to address sexual violence and harassment. If passed, the proposed measures in Bill 132, the Sexual Violence and Harassment Action Plan Act (Supporting Survivors and Challenging Sexual Violence and Harassment), 2015 (“Act”), would, among other things, require publicly assisted colleges and universities and private career…
Practice Area: Human Rights
Ontario Invites Submissions on Closing Gender Wage Gap
On October 8, 2015, the Ontario government invited input from individuals and organizations to assist it in developing a strategy to close the wage gap between men and women. In this FTR Now, we review the government’s initiative, its invitation for submissions and how Ontario employers can provide their feedback. THE CONSULTATION PROCESS By way…
Recognition
Hicks Morley is proud to be a recognized leader in the field of human resources law: One of Canada’s Best Law Firms in Labour & Employment and Human Rights The Globe and Mail 2025 A leading law firm in Employment & Labour Chambers Canada 2025 45 lawyers recognized in Labour and Employment Law, Education Law,…
Ontario Launches Three-Month AODA Compliance Blitz Targeting Large Retailers
This Fall, the Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure will be leading targeted audits of retail companies with 500 or more employees during a three-month blitz to ensure workplaces and employee practices are accessible and compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (“AODA”). Among other things, audited employers will be asked to provide…
Industries
Different industry sectors have different human resources issues. Some industries grapple with the effects of globalization or regulation, others with a shortage of talent and still others with the impact of rapid growth. Our industry knowledge gives us a clear context in which to provide clients with solutions that work within their competitive environment.
Andrew Zabrovsky quoted in Law Times
Hicks Morley’s Andrew Zabrovsky was quoted in the September 14, 2015 Law Times article entitled “Employers urged to prepare for new AODA requirements.” The article focuses on the January 1, 2016 deadline for organizations to comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Andrew feels that employers “can’t wait for December to roll around…
Human Rights
As groundbreaking new law continues to emerge from human rights tribunals, arbitration boards and courts across Canada on hot-button—and often headline-grabbing—issues, our Human Rights Practice Group provides clients with the strategic, practical advice they need to respond to the unique challenges of this area on all fronts. Whether in respect of new protections of discrimination…
Employer Investigations Held to Standard of Reasonableness, not Correctness or Perfection
In a recent decision, Zambito v. LIUNA Local 183, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (“Tribunal”) provided some useful guidance on internal employer investigations. It reiterated that while it is extremely important for employers to respond seriously and promptly to all allegations of discrimination and harassment, they will be not be held to a standard of…
Lauri Reesor Selected as a Member of the HRTO’s Practice Advisory Committee
Hicks Morley is pleased to announce Lauri Reesor, chair of the firm’s Human Rights practice group, has been selected to sit as a member of the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario’s (HTRO) Practice Advisory Committee. View the HRTO’s announcement.
Federal Court Confirms “Family Status” Applies to Mother-in-Law
In Canada (Attorney-General) v. Hicks, the Federal Court held that the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (“CHRT”) did not err when it found that Human Resources and Services Development Canada (“HRSDC”) discriminated against Mr. Hicks in refusing to approve expenses associated with maintaining temporary dual residences after a relocation from Halifax to Ottawa. After Mr. Hicks…