Ensuring a Safe Holiday Party

The holiday season is a time for people to come together and celebrate. For many of us, this may include workplace parties. While the past few years have looked quite different due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many employers are back to embracing in-person workplace celebrations. No matter the size or type of workplace, all employers…

WSIB Publishes New Communicable Illnesses Policy

Following public consultations, the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has published a new operational policy on communicable illnesses (Policy), which will become effective December 1, 2023. The Policy defines a communicable illness as “an illness resulting from infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi.” In order to be entitled to benefits for…

Ontario to Table Legislative Changes Relating to Injured Workers

On November 8, 2023, the Ontario government announced its intention to introduce legislation that would include the following protections for injured workers: The government also announced it will be launching consultations on a new job-protected leave for employees who are dealing with a critical illness, such as cancer. This new leave would match the length…

Ontario Government Announces 2024 WSIB Premium Rate

On October 31, 2023, the Ontario government announced the average premium rate businesses pay to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) will remain at $1.30 per $100 of insurable payroll for 2024. The WSIB provides wage-loss benefits and medical coverage to Ontario employees and is completely funded by employer premiums. Premium rates for employers…

Worker’s Compensation Updates for Ontario and British Columbia

The Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) and WorkSafeBC have made the following changes that may be of interest to employers. Ontario The WSIB has made changes to accident reporting timelines and the determination of average earnings for apprentices. Specifically, Operational Policy Manual 15-01-02 (Employers’ Initial Accident-Reporting Obligations) and Operational Policy Manual 11-02-01 (No…

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

Kelly Brennan

Kelly is building a practice that includes advice and representation for employers in both the private and public sectors on a wide range of labour, employment, and human rights issues.

Rebecca Feldman

Rebecca offers advice and representation to employers in the public and private sectors on a wide range of labour and employment matters. This includes grievance arbitrations, human rights and accommodation complaints, employment litigation, labour disputes and workplace health and safety.

Samantha Sutherland

Samantha Sutherland is a labour and employment lawyer practising out of Hicks Morley’s Toronto office. She offers advice and representation to employers in the public and private sectors on a variety of labour and employment matters. Her work includes grievance arbitration, human rights and accommodation, wrongful dismissal actions, labour disputes, and workplace health and safety.