FTR Now

Managing Temporary Workplace Disruptions: Supplemental Unemployment Benefit Plans and the Employment Insurance Work-Sharing Program

While tariffs may be paused for now, economic uncertainty remains. What strategies can Canadian employers take to protect the future of their businesses? How can they ensure they retain skilled employees and manage employee concerns around job insecurity? Hicks Morley’s David Gruber explains in our latest #FTRNow.

Case In Point

Court Awards Terminated Executive Over $456,000 After Finding Employer’s Conditional Severance Offer Constituted Repudiation of the Employment Agreement

A recent decision underscores the importance of complying with contractual termination entitlements for departing employees. In this Case in Point, Hicks Morley’s Justin Choy examines the decision and what it means for employers.

FTR Now

Employers Take Note: Certain Employees Entitled to Paid Time Off to Cast Vote in the 2025 Ontario Provincial Election

The Ontario provincial election will be held on February 27, 2025. Under the Ontario Election Act (Act), eligible employees are entitled to three consecutive hours during voting hours to cast their vote. In some circumstances, this may require employers to provide certain employees with paid time off to vote.

Case In Point

Federal Court of Appeal Upholds Mandatory Nuclear Industry Alcohol and Drug Testing Requirements for Workers in “Safety-Critical” Positions

In a significant ruling for employers in safety-sensitive industries, the Federal Court of Appeal has upheld the constitutional validity of mandatory pre-placement and random alcohol and drug testing requirements for safety-critical positions at Class I nuclear facilities. The decision in Power Workers’ Union et al v Attorney General of Canada, Ontario Power Generation, Bruce Power,…

Human Resources Legislative Update

Ontario’s Working for Workers Six Act, 2024 Receives Royal Assent

On December 19, 2024, Ontario’s Working for Workers Six Act, 2024  (Bill 229) received Royal Assent. Bill 229 amends several statutes including the Employment Standards Act, 2000, the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997. Key amendments of particular interest to employers are addressed below. Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) The following…

Case In Point

Ontario Court of Appeal Dismisses Appeal in Dufault, Upholds Finding That “For Cause” Language in Termination Provision Contravened ESA

In Dufault v. Ignace (Township), the Ontario Court of Appeal reinforced and applied the principle established in Waksdale v. Swegon North America Inc. (Waksdale) that, when interpreting an employment agreement, all termination provisions must be read together and the invalidity of one termination provision renders all termination provisions void and unenforceable. In rendering its decision,…