Recent allegations against Patrick Brown highlight the need for Bill C-65
An employee should not have to be subjected to sexual harassment in order to succeed in their career. Allegations of sexual misconduct against former Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader, Patrick Brown, highlight why Bill C-65 is necessary to enact stronger protection for Parliament Hill staff. But while Bill C-65 sounds like a promising first step, there is still legislative work to do.
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace: What Should I Do?
The sexual abuse allegations against film mogul Harvey Weinstein led to an outpouring of allegations against other powerful people in Hollywood and the entertainment industry. The workplace is an especially vulnerable place due to the obvious power imbalance between employees and their supervisors. If you are experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace, what are your legal rights?
Termination Clauses: Reading the Fine Print
In the event you are terminated, does your contract act in your best interest? Is the termination clause clear and unambiguous, and therefore enforceable? A recent case, Amberber v. IBM Canada Limited, illustrates the importance of thoroughly reviewing your employment contract, or having someone with expertise review it for you.
Jill Lewis interviewed on the CBC about extended parental leave
Our very own Jill Lewis was interviewed yesterday by the CBC, discussing the changes to extended parental leave proposed in the 2017 Federal Budget. The proposal allows parents to take an extended parental leave of up to 18 months. The benefit rate for extended leave will be 33%, compared to the existing rate of 55% for 12 months.
Just Cause: When Is It Justified?
Much of the work of employment lawyers involves dealing with people who have been terminated. One type of termination is for cause. In general terms, this is when the employer dismisses an employee for having done something wrong. What does this mean for the employee? And what are the obligations of the employer?
Court finds scathing job reference to be acceptable because it was true
When you ask a former employer or colleague for a reference, it’s usually safe to assume that they will give a positive one.
Rejected Severance Packages: To Plead or Not to Plead, That is the Question
A recent decision from an Ottawa judge at the Superior Court of Justice has shed light on whether severance packages offered by employers at termination can later be referred to in court pleadings. It seems that the answer will usually (but not always) be “no”.
Promotion But No New Contract? That Old Contract May Not Apply!
What happens if your responsibilities and remuneration change so dramatically over the years that the fundamental nature of your employment is no longer the same? Are you still tied to your initial employment contract, including whatever notice and severance is found within, or do your entitlements change? A legal concept that helps answer these questions is known as the “changed substratum doctrine”.
[Media Release] Timeline for Certification Motion regarding the BlackBerry Class Action has been set
Ottawa – July 24, 2017 – A Timeline for Certification Motion regarding the BlackBerry Class Action has been set and a motion record has been filed with the Court. Note that all dates in the timeline could be subject to change, including the certification motion date. Click here to view the Timeline for Certification Motion.
Bill C-16 and Transgender Rights
Last month Bill C-16 was finally given royal assent. The bill, which adds protection of gender identity and expression to the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code, received a 67-14 vote in favour of the bill in the Senate. The passing of the law is regarded by many as a historic moment, bringing federal human rights laws in line with the provinces and territories.