When Will You Need an Employment Lawyer? As an employment lawyer in Toronto, I am regularly asked to assist both businesses and employees with a whole range of workplace matters. In this blog, we discuss a few key points in terms of how an employment lawyer can assist either an employee or employer
Another one Bites the Dust: Employment Contract Termination Clause Found Legally Invalid
Over the past several years, numerous court decisions in Ontario have helped shed light on (although some would say confound) the issue of what it takes to uphold a termination clause in an employment contract. Slowly but surely, the courts have poked holes in the ability of employers to establish
Can My Employer Force me to Retire Because I’m Older?
First thing's first: there is no such thing as mandatory retirement in Ontario. Although age 65 is the often cited "retirement age," there is, in fact, no specific age in Canada where employees are expected (or can be forced) to retire. Why? Because human rights law does not allow mandatory
A Temporary Layoff Without Employee’s Permission is a Constructive Dismissal
Is the Dust Finally Settled? Ontario Court Rules an Unauthorized Temporary Layoff is a Constructive Dismissal In a recent decision, the Ontario Superior Court concluded that if an employer unilaterally decides to place an employee on a temporary layoff, it will amount to a constructive dismissal
Termination for Cause and Wrongful Dismissal: What Does it all Mean?
As an employment lawyer, I am typically asked to determine whether an employer has justification to fire an employee "for cause." Basically, these are situations where an employer is so upset about an employee's workplace behaviour that it fires them on the spot, and refuses to provide prior notice
Ontario Employment Law Update – Government Introduces Mandatory 3 Paid Sick Days for Employees in Ontario
After repeated calls by doctors, health-care workers, and legal advocates for the government to introduce a requirement for employers in the province to provide paid sick leave for employees, the provincial government has finally acted. Specifically, the government today announced a plan to provide
My Employment Was Terminated. What Should I Do Now?
My Employer Gave Me a Termination Letter? Now What? In short, speak with an experienced employment lawyer to learn about your legal rights and options under Ontario's employment law when dealing with an employment termination. Being terminated from your employment (also known as a "dismissal"
How to Calculate Employee Severance Pay – Severance Pay Lawyer Toronto
In Ontario, once an employee is dismissed from their employment, they are usually entitled to payment from the employer called "severance pay." This is intended to provide a financial assistance for the employee to assist them as they transition to new employment (much like employment insurance