Ontario Court of Appeal issues welcome decision for employers on termination entitlements
In Battiston v Microsoft Canada Inc.,[1] the Ontario Court of Appeal enforced a stock option agreement that limited an employee’s entitlement to non-vested stock options upon termination. This decision offers some welcome news for employers navigating the thorny world of...
Is refusing to get vaccinated just cause for termination in the non-unionized workplace?
As workplaces around the country implement employee vaccination policies in response to the pandemic, the obvious question arises of what can be done to enforce them. A well-crafted policy will include provisions on what discipline may apply to employees who...
Ontario Government intends to raise minimum wage to $15 per hour
The Government of Ontario announced plans to raise minimum wage in response to increased costs of living during the COVID-19 pandemic. They propose to increase the general minimum wage from $14.35 to $15.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2022. If...
Federal Government announces further support measures for employers and workers
The Federal Government has announced further measures to assist employers and workers during the pandemic, including the extension of the Canada Recovery Hiring Program until May 7, 2022, at 50%. The Federal Government is also proposing the creation of two...
Ontario introduces Bill 27, the Working for Workers Act, 2021: Disconnecting from work, limits on non-competes, licensing of temporary staffing agencies, and more
On Monday, October 25, 2021, the Ontario Government introduced the Working for Workers Act, 2021. If passed, this Bill will require employers with 25 employees or more to develop “disconnecting from work” policies within six months from its effective date. ...
Episode 12: COVID-19 mandatory vaccination – Issues related to employment
What are some key elements that employers need to consider when rolling out a mandatory vaccination policy? Learn more from the newest episode of our podcast series on COVID-19 vaccines.
Government of Ontario providing financial relief to help employers cope with impacts of COVID-19
On October 6, 2021, Monte McNaughton, the Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development, announced a number of proposed changes that, if passed, will help employers across the province of Ontario cope with the economic hardship imposed by the COVID-19...
Mandatory vaccination policies in the workplace: Considerations for employers
Over the past two months, governments across the country have begun implementing various vaccination measures in an effort to curb rising COVID-19 case numbers. All provincial governments have announced or have begun implementing some form of vaccine passport system to...
Proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test required for access to a broad range of Saskatchewan businesses, event venues, and workplaces
Further to a press release issued by the Government of Saskatchewan on September 28th, 2021, effective October 1, 2021, everyone seeking access to a range of Saskatchewan businesses and venues will require proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative...
Ontario Court upholds just cause termination provision
Last year, we reported on the Ontario Court of Appeal’s decision in Waksdale v. Swegon North America Inc. (the “Waksdale decision”), in which the Court found that although drafted properly, a termination without cause provision in an employment contract was...
