Cannabis law update to significantly affect workplaces
What is the proposed change to pot consumption in the workplace? Read about the recent Cannabis Statute Law Amendment Act, and how it changes where and how marijuana can be consumed.
Is an Employer Required to Offer Alternative Employment Before Terminating an Employee?
Sometimes an employee may find they are not able to perform their job adequately, or cannot keep up with the demands of the role. In these cases, what are the options for an employer? Can they be dismissed, or do they have to find an alternative role for the employee? Our latest Employment Law blog post looks at a recent Quebec case that tackled this question.
Do You Have to Put Up With “Locker-Room” Talk in the Workplace?
Many people face workplace sexual harassment on a daily basis. It can come in many forms, including derogatory comments, inappropriate touching, repeated advances, propositions, pressure to laugh at inappropriate jokes or being forced to look at explicit imagery. And it can be difficult to know what to do.
Denying Employees’ Benefits Based on Age is Discrimination and Unconstitutional
While mandatory retirement ended over ten years ago, older workers are unfortunately not immune from age-related discrimination. In Talos v. Grand Erie District School Board, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario looked at a situation where an older worker lost his benefits when he reached the age of 65.
Am I Eligible for EI Sickness Benefits?
Canada’s Employment Insurance program provides individuals with temporary financial assistance when they are out of work. This assistance includes “sickness benefits” to support individuals who would otherwise be able to work were it not for an illness or injury. Our latest Employment Law blog post looks at eligibility for EI Sickness Benefits.
Marijuana and Employment – Will I Be Able To Smoke at Work?
Once marijuana is legalized, will employees be able to smoke pot at work? In our latest Employment Law blog post, take a look at Jim Anstey talking about marijuana in the workplace.
How Is Holiday Pay Calculated?
We are fortunate in Ontario to have nine public holidays each year. If your employment is covered by the Employment Standards Act (ESA), then you are entitled to be paid for these holidays. Bill 148, the Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, made changes to this calculation recently.
Ontario election expected to determine survival of Human Rights Code amendments
Proposed changes to Ontario’s Human Rights Code that would have prevented discrimination based on social condition, genetic characteristics, immigration status and police records, was quashed when Ontario’s 41st Parliament was dissolved on May 8, 2018. However, lawyers practicing in areas that involve human rights should remain aware that the proposed amendments represent significant changes to human rights law in Ontario.
A Much-Needed Amendment to Ontario’s Human Rights Code
On October 4, 2017, Liberal MPP Nathalie Des Rosiers introduced a private member’s bill titled the Human Rights Code Amendment Act, 2017 (“Bill 164”). If passed, Bill 164 would amend Ontario’s Human Rights Code to add four new prohibited grounds of discrimination: social condition, genetic characteristics, immigration status and police records. This post explores the definitions of these new grounds, and the implications for employers and employees.
Equal Pay for Equal Work – Recent Changes Now in Effect
What are the recent changes to the Equal Pay for Equal Work provisions in the ESA? In our latest Employment Law blog post, Alexander Dezan explores what these changes mean for employees and for employers.