In a recent labour arbitration decision, Arbitrator William Kaplan dismissed a grievance filed against Wilfrid Laurier University (University) by the Wilfrid Laurier University Faculty Association (the Association) on behalf of its Contract Teaching Faculty (CTF) bargaining unit. This decision provides important guidance on the limits of an arbitrator’s jurisdiction in addressing legislative constraints on collective…
Publication Type: Article
Ontario Announces Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act, 2025
The Ontario government introduced Bill 2, the Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act, 2025. Framed as a defensive strategy, Bill 2 aims to boost interprovincial trade in response to U.S. tariff pressures.
Canada Heads to the Polls: Employers’ Obligation to Provide Paid Time Off to Vote in the Upcoming Federal Election
A federal election has been called for April 28, 2025 (election day). As the candidates hit the campaign trail and election day rapidly approaches, this FTR Now provides guidance to employers on their obligations to their employees under the Canada Elections Act (Act).
New Canadian Safe Sport Program Rules in Effect as of April 1, 2025
New Canadian Safe Sport Program (CSSP) Rules are now in effect – what does this mean for federally funded sport organizations? As of April 1, 2025, the new CSSP Rules apply to national national-level sport organizations, with significant updates around administration and compliance. In this Safe Sport, Brittany Bates, Frank Cesario, and Kayley Leon breakdown what’s changed and how organizations can ensure they meet the new standards.
Federal Government Publishes Temporary Employment Insurance Measures Addressing Economic Impacts From Tariffs
On April 9, the Federal Government released the full text of the temporary Employment Insurance Regulations (Pilot Project No. 24), addressing the economic impacts from the tariffs. In this FTR Now, Andrew Easto explores what these temporary changes mean for impacted workers and employers.
Ontario Court of Appeal Denies Crown Leave to Appeal, Affirms City of Greater Sudbury Exercised Due Diligence in Workplace Fatality
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.
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.
Federal Government Releases New Details on Employment Insurance Temporary Measures in Response to Tariffs
On March 22, 2025, the federal government announced that it will be implementing a pilot project, temporarily amending the Employment Insurance (EI) Regulations.
Sweeping Reforms Proposed to Ontario Rules of Civil Procedure
The Ontario Civil Rules Review (“CRR”) Working Group has released its much-anticipated Phase 2 Report, proposing broad reforms to the civil justice system in Ontario. The CRR was launched in January 2024 with a mandate to identify ways in which civil court proceedings could be made more efficient, affordable, and accessible.