Practice Area: Human Rights

Application of “Family Status” Considered by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal

· 1 min read

Canadian human rights tribunals have, of late, been rendering decisions which examine the reach of “family status” as a prohibited ground of discrimination. Recently, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (the “Tribunal”) examined a case that involved eldercare responsibilities the applicant had for his mother-in-law. It found that the eligibility rules of the employer’s Relocation Directive…

Canadian Human Rights Tribunal Extends “Family Status” Protection to Care for Mother-in-Law

· 3 min read

In a recent decision of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (the “Tribunal”), Hicks v. Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, the Tribunal found that “family status” protection under the Canadian Human Rights Act (the “Act”) can extend to eldercare responsibilities for “in-laws.” The Complainant was employed by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (“HRSDC”) when…

Andrew Zabrovsky Quoted in Canadian Lawyer

Hicks Morley’s Andrew Zabrovksy was quoted in the November 2013 edition of Canadian Lawyer magazine in an article entitled “A coming of age for family status”. The article discusses human rights considerations with respect to family status, with a focus on childcare needs, family illness, and elderly parents. Andrew commented on the duty to accommodate…

Workplace Investigation Training

This workshop focuses on essential investigation skills required by HR Professionals who are charged with investigating workplace incidents. Attendance at this session will include a detailed manual entitled, “Hicks Morley’s Guide to Conducting Investigations into Workplace Complaints”. Fee $750.00 plus $97.50 HST (13%), totalling $847.50 per person. Agenda 8:00 Registration and Continental Breakfast 8:30 1….

Workplace Investigation Training – Colleges

This workshop focuses on essential investigation skills required by HR Professionals who are charged with investigating workplace incidents. Attendance at this session will include a detailed manual entitled, “Hicks Morley’s Guide to Conducting Investigations into Workplace Complaints”. ­ Fee $750.00 plus $97.50 HST (13%), totalling $847.50 per person. Agenda 8:00 Registration and Continental Breakfast 8:30…

School Board Client Update

· 12 min read

The following represents a few notable decisions made by the Ontario Labour Relations Board, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario and arbitrators in 2013 that are relevant to school boards in Ontario. FACEBOOK POSTING BY TEACHER WARRANTS DISCIPLINE In Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation and Simcoe County District School Board, 2013 CanLII 62014 (CanLII), the…

Discrimination in the Provision of Services – Is Your Organization Vulnerable?

In the 2012/13 fiscal year, 21% of applications filed with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario alleged discrimination with respect to goods, service and facilities. In addition, the introduction of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act has increased awareness and focus on providing services in a way that is inclusive and accessible. This conference will…

Section 46.1 Code Damages Awarded by Court

· 1 min read

The Ontario Superior Court of Justice recently awarded damages under section 46.1 of the Ontario Human Rights Code, a section added to the Code in 2008 to permit courts to award damages for violations of the Code. Wilson v. Solis Mexican Foods appears to be the first decision in which such damages have been ordered…