When Enough Is Enough: Frustration and Accommodation Under the Ontario Human Rights Code
It is often a challenge for employers to determine the point at which employment has been frustrated by disability and has come to an end. Dismissing an employee on the basis of frustration has its risks as an employer may be exposed not only to common law damages, but also human rights claims. A recent […]
Proposed Fair Minimum Wage Act: Linking Minimum Wage to the Customer Price Index
Further to our January 24, 2014 blog titled Rise in Ontario’s Minimum Wage Rate, the province has accepted the recommendations of the Minimum Wage Advisory Panel to make minimum wage fair and predictable by introducing Bill 165-Fair Minimum Wage Act, 2014 (“Act”).
Fines Issued by the Ministry Of Labour in Early 2014
Although complying with Ontario Ministry of Labour (“MOL”) requirements may appear to be costly and exhaustive, the potential consequences for non-compliance can be severe. The MOL issued several notable fines to Ontario employers in Early 2014. These fines include:
Rise in Ontario’s Minimum Wage Rate
On January 30, 2014, Premier Kathleen Wynne announced that the minimum wage rate in Ontario will increase from $10.25 per hour to $11.00 per hour. The 75 cent per hour hike will come into effect on June 1, 2014. With the rise in minimum wage, Ontario will join Nunavut in having the highest minimum wage […]
Proposed Legislation Seeks to Introduce Increased Protection for Vulnerable Workers
On December 4, 2013, proposed legislation was introduced in the Ontario Legislature that, if passed, would make significant changes to Ontario employment law. The Stronger Workplaces for a Stronger Economy Act, 2013, also known as Bill 146 (the “Bill”), was introduced by the Minister of Labour, Yasir Naqvi , as part of the provincial governments […]
Without-cause Dismissal Available to Federally Regulated Employers
A recent ruling from the Federal Court of Canada alters the long-held view that employees working for federally-regulated employers cannot be dismissed on a without-cause basis. It’s a decision that offers a considerable ‘win’ to some employers.
The Bar Is Set: Ontario Court Awards Damages Under Section 46.1 of the Human Rights Code
In 2008, amendments to the Human Rights Code (“Code”) permitted Ontario civil courts to hear human rights cases for the first time provided that the claimant also had a separate issue that would normally be within the jurisdiction of the civil courts. The intention behind the availability of this civil remedy under section 46.1 of […]
“Do You Get Monday Off?” – the Scoop on the First Monday of August Across Canada
“Natal Day”, “Simcoe Day”, “Heritage Day”. Depending on what provinces or territories your business calls home you may recognize some or all of these names as referring to the first Monday in the month of August. Whether your employees get to put their feet up and enjoy an extra summer long-weekend will also depend on […]
Overview of the Employment Standard Under AODA
Beginning with the introduction of the Customer Service Standard on January 1, 2010 for public sector organizations and January 1, 2012 for private sector and non-profit organizations, the Ontario government has been quickly moving legislation under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
New Mandatory WSIB Coverage Takes Effect and Now Extends to Business Owners
After years of exemptions, the Workplace Safety Insurance Board recently took steps to extend mandatory WSIB coverage in the construction industry. Why? To level the playing field in this competitive industry as well as continuously work to improve the health and safety standards for all construction workers.