COVID-19 and Workplace Preparedness

Health officials in Canada have stated that the risk of contracting COVID-19 remains very low. That said, in recent weeks the virus has been top of mind for many, including employers. In this FTR Now, we discuss workplace pandemic planning and operational issues employers should be anticipating in the unlikely event of an outbreak.

New False Light Privacy Tort Recognized by Ontario Court

The case of Yenovkian v. Gulian is a significant case that, for the first time in Canada, has recognized a new privacy tort – “publicity placing a person in a false light.” The decision was decided by Justice Kristjanson of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and released in late 2019. The case arose out…

OMHRA Winter 2020 ECHO Newsletter Features Articles Authored by Hicks Morley Lawyers

The Winter 2020 issue of OMHRA’s ECHO newsletter features two articles authored by Hicks Morley lawyers. In the article “The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario Highlights the Requirement for Co-operation in the Accommodation Process,” Amanda Cohen and Jessica Toldo discuss a recent decision of the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal that provides support for the proposition that there may be recourse to termination where an employee refuses to co-operate in providing medical documentation…

IIROC-Regulated Employers Now Subject to New Cybersecurity Incident Reporting Obligations

As of November 14, 2019, investment dealers engaged in trading activity in Canadian markets (Dealer Members) that are regulated by the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) are now subject to new stringent reporting obligations for cybersecurity incidents. These new rules are the result of amendments to Rules 3100 and 3703 of the IIROC Rules that apply to all Dealer Members.

Employers with Drivers Operating in the U.S. Take Note: New U.S. Drug and Alcohol Testing Rule in Force January 6, 2020

On January 6, 2020, Canadian employers who have commercial drivers operating in the United States will be required to comply with the requirements under the new Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse program. Clearinghouse is administered by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

We Welcome Two New Associates to the Firm

Hicks Morley is pleased to announce that two new associates have joined the firm. Practicing out of the Toronto office are Caitlin Morin, a member of the firm’s Pension, Benefits & Executive Compensation group, and Ryan Freeman  a Labour & Employment lawyer.

Ransomware Attack on Three Ontario Hospitals Highlights a Growing Cybersecurity Risk

Three Ontario hospitals were recently targeted in ransomware attacks that highlight the emerging risk of cyberattacks on public institutions and healthcare providers. The CBC first reported these attacks, which are the latest in a growing list of public institutions whose computer systems are infiltrated by hackers. Are you prepared? Learn more in this HR HealthCheck.