Ontario Human Rights Commission Releases Policy Statement on COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates and Proof of Vaccine Certificates
On September 22, 2021, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (“OHRC”) published a policy statement on COVID-19 vaccine mandates and proof of vaccine certificates (the “Policy Statement”). The Policy Statement is applicable to all organizations within Ontario and discusses the measures implemented as part of the provincial vaccination certificate system, which requires individuals to provide proof […]
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Canada’s New Federal Statutory Holiday
On June 3, 2021, Parliament passed an Act to establish a new federal holiday called the “National Day for Truth and Reconciliation”. This new federal holiday will be observed on September 30, starting in 2021.
Ontario Has Extended the Paid IDEL and Deemed IDEL Until At Least January 1, 2022
On September 16, 2021, the Ontario government extended the deemed Infectious Disease Emergency Leave (“IDEL”) until January 1, 2022 by amending the Infectious Disease Emergency Leave regulation
Ontario Releases Further Guidance for Establishments That Must Implement Proof of Vaccination Requirements
The Ontario government recently amended the rules under the Reopening Ontario Act, 2020 to require patrons to provide proof of identification and full vaccination status
Special Edition 2021 Newsletter
Given that workplace investigations have become an increased part of doing business, we have devoted this edition of our newsletter to helping employers understand the importance of and navigating the complexities related to conducting appropriate workplace investigations.
Federal Election Day 2021
On Monday, September 20, 2021, Canadians will return to the polls to elect a federal government. Pursuant to the Canada Elections Act (the “Act”), every Canadian citizen who is 18 years of age or older is entitled to three consecutive hours away from work while polls are open on election day in order to cast […]
Ontario Decision Holds that the WSIA Does Not Bar Employee from Pursuing Constructive Dismissal Claim
In the recent decision of Morningstar v WSIAT (“Morningstar”), the Ontario Divisional Court (“Court”) partially overturned a decision from the Workplace Safety and Appeals Tribunal (“WSIAT”), Decision No. 1227/19 , which held that an applicant’s claim for constructive dismissal arising out of chronic mental stress due to a poisoned work environment was barred by the […]
Ontario Announces Proof of Vaccination Requirements for Entry Into Certain Settings & Vaccination Passports
On September 1, 2021, the Government of Ontario announced that as of September 22, 2021, individuals must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of their vaccination status along with a photo ID to gain entry into certain establishments,
Ontario Employers Are Now Required to Comply with Public Health Recommendations Regarding Workplace Vaccination Policies & Toronto Employers Must Implement Vaccination Policies
In a major development for Ontario employers, all Ontario employers are now required to follow any advice, recommendations, or instructions from medical officers of health with respect to vaccination policies. As a result, employers in certain public health regions such as Toronto and Hamilton must now implement and enforce vaccination policies with certain prescribed elements, […]
Ontario Court Decision Finds Termination Clause Unenforceable Due to Language in “For Cause” and “Without Cause” Provisions
On March 31, 2021, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice released another new decision, Lamontagne v J.L. Richards & Associates Limited [Lamontagne], which found a termination clause to be unenforceable.