Ottawa Police Charged Two Individuals for Fraud-Related Offences Upon Discovery of Fraudulent COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate
On October 28, 2021, the Ottawa Police Service Organized Fraud Unit charged two individuals with fraud-related offences after discovering that the individuals were in possession of falsely obtained COVID-19 vaccine certificates.
Ontario Introduces Legislation to Increase Minimum Wages as of January 1, 2022
The Ontario government recently released their 2021 Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review: Build Ontario plan,
Ontario Decision Holds that Employee Sophistication is Irrelevant When Determining Whether a Termination Clause is Enforceable
A recent Ontario Superior Court of Justice (the “Court”) decision held that where a termination provision in an employment agreement violates the Employment Standards Act, 2000 [ESA], it is unenforceable irrespective of the sophistication of the parties. In Livshin v The Clinic Network Canada Inc. [Livshin], the Court held that the employer, The Clinic Network […]
Ontario Introduces Legislation that would Prohibit Use of Non-Competition Agreements and Mandate “Disconnecting from Work” Policies for Larger Employers
On October 25, 2021, the Ontario government announced that it would table omnibus legislation proposing a suite of new measures for workplaces.
Court of Appeal Finds Just Cause Dismissal Justified after Adamant Refusal to Apologize for Sexual Harassment
A recent Ontario Court of Appeal (“ONCA”) decision shows that while it may be hard to say “sorry”, an employee’s refusal to acknowledge and remedy serious offences with an apology is enough to support a just cause dismissal.
Ontario Long-Term Care Home Workers Will Be Legally Required to Be Vaccinated Against COVID-19 To Attend Work
On October 1, 2021, the Ontario government announced that all long-term care home workers in the province will be legally required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by November 15, 2021 in order to attend work, unless they provide proof of a valid medical exemption. The same day, Ontario’s Minister of Long-Term Care issued a […]
Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity and Gender Expression Can Be Costly for Employers
A recent decision by the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (the “HRTO” or the “Tribunal”) serves as an important reminder for employers that failing to provide a discrimination-free workplace
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