On June 17, 2022, Arbitrator Nairn held in FCA Canada Inc. v Unifor, Locals 195, 444, 1285 that a two-dose mandatory vaccination policy (Policy) implemented by an employer was no longer reasonable going forward due to the evolving scientific evidence regarding the COVID-19 virus. In so finding, she cited a number of pre-print scientific studies…
Tag: COVID-19
Advantage CPD: Bad Faith Damages – How Employers Can Avoid and Defend These Claims
In this session we will discuss what constitutes bad faith in the employment context, and how it applies to different phases of the employment relationship. We will address employer conduct leading up to termination, at the time of termination, during the post-termination period and during litigation—each of which can have an effect on an award for bad faith damages.
Arbitrator Upholds Mandatory Vaccination Policy—Reduced Public Health Measures of No Consequence
In a “bottom line” decision in Extendicare Lynde Creek Retirement Home and United Food & Commercial Workers Canada, Local 175, Arbitrator Raymond upheld the mandatory COVID-19 Immunization Policy (Policy) of a retirement home, finding that the Policy is a reasonable workplace rule and consistent with the collective agreement, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the…
Arbitrator Upholds TDSB Mandatory Vaccination Policy
On March 22, 2022, Arbitrator William Kaplan issued The Toronto District School Board and CUPE, Local 4400 (Re COVID-19 Vaccine Procedure), an award in which he upheld the mandatory vaccination policy (Policy) of the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). He found that the Policy did not infringe section 7 (life, liberty and security of person)…
Further Easing of Ontario Public Health Restrictions Coming March 21, 2022
On March 11, 2022, the Ontario government filed O. Reg. 213/22 which amends O. Reg. 364/20: Rules for Areas at Step 3 and at the Roadmap Exit Step made under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020. O. Reg. 213/22 gives effect to the further reduction of public health restrictions in force…
Ontario to Ease Capacity Limits and Lift Proof of Vaccination Requirements
With the key public health indicators improving and the Omicron variant beginning to retreat, the Ontario government has announced that public health measures imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19 will be eased, effective February 17 and March 1, 2022. The province has announced that it intends to lift proof of vaccination requirements and all…
Ontario to Ease Public Health Measures on January 31, 2022
On January 20, 2022, the Ontario government announced a gradual easing of public health measures, beginning on January 31, 2022. Effective on that date, the new measures will include: social gathering limits increased to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors. capacity limits increased to (or maintained at) 50% in indoor public settings, including restaurants,…
Canadian Lawyer : Employment Law Update: What Employers Need to Know in 2022
Moderated by Siobhan O’Brien, a panel of top legal experts will discuss some of the major employment law issues and challenges employers will face in 2022 and how they can best prepare their businesses to minimize liabilities while ensuring they continue to meet their obligations to employees.
Ontario Moves to Modified Step 2 due to Surge in COVID-19 Cases
On January 3, 2022, the Ontario government announced that in light of the surge in COVID-19 cases, the province will be moving to modified Rules for Areas in Stage 2 of its Roadmap to Reopen plan. These changes will come into effect on January 5, 2022 at 12:01 a.m. and will remain in effect until…
Ontario Announces Further Capacity Limit Reductions in Light of Omicron
On December 17, 2021, the Ontario government announced it is taking further public heath measures in light of the rapidly spreading Omicron variant. The new measures significantly expand upon the December 15 announcement reducing capacity limits to 50% in certain settings with a usual capacity of 1000 or more. Effective December 19, 2021, the following…