Human Rights Law Protections for Employees The Ontario Human Rights Code requires all employers to respect the rights of their workers and ensure their workplace is free of any form of discrimination. Most importantly, employers are required to accommodate their workers to the point of “undue
Ontario – Infectious Disease Emergency Leave and Temporary Layoff
Temporary Layoffs in Ontario As covered before on this blog, employers may be able to place employees on a temporary layoff, particularly in response to business downturns. However, to do so, the employer must have prior permission in the form of a signed, valid employment contract authorizing
To be or Not to Be: Employee, Independent Contractor… or Dependent Contractor?
Employee, Independent Contractor... or Dependent Contractor? In the area of employment law, some of the most common disputes employment lawyers deal with often involve debating legal rules that are constantly changing as a result of conflicting court decisions. The main reason for this is because
Got a New Employment Contract? Key Considerations for Employees in Ontario
Receiving a new job offer is an exciting time, often coming with a new role, a fresh start and - most importantly - higher pay and more employee perks and benefits. But with that new gig, a new employer may request that an employee sign a new "Employment Contract" before starting their first day on
Employee Severance Package
What Does My Employer Have to Pay When My Employment is Terminated? In Ontario, an employer has various legal obligations when it decides to terminate an employee's job. Most important among them is the obligation to provide the employee with a severance package. Generally, the only exception to
COVID-19: Federal Government Benefits for Businesses and Employees
In response to the coronavirus pandemic ("COVID-19"), the Canadian government has enacted a variety of financial measures intended to alleviate the economic and financial consequences of COVID-19. To help employers, employees, seniors and students navigate through the myriad of financial benefits
Constructive Dismissal of Employees in Ontario: What is It? What Are Some Examples?
What is a Constructive Dismissal in Ontario? In employment law, a "constructive dismissal" means that an employer has acted in such a manner that it has essentially refused to perform its obligations under its employment contract with an employee. In other words, a constructive dismissal occurs
When is a Temporary Layoff Allowed? When is it a Constructive Dismissal?
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant economic disruptions on businesses across Canada, many employees were either terminated from their employment, or were placed on "temporary layoff" by their employers. While it may seem reasonable for employers to ask their employees to stay home while