Employer News

On June 17, 2020, the Ontario Court of Appeal issued a decision in Waksdale v Swegon North America Inc(“Waksdale”), which involved a dispute regarding the enforceability of a termination clause in an employment contract. In Waksdale, the Court of Appeal overturned the lower court’s decision that the termination clause in question was enforceable. The Court of Appeal’s decision provides clarification with respect to the interpretation of termination clauses and the limitations of severability clauses in employment agreements. more >

The Ontario government moved the City of Toronto and Peel Region into Stage 2 on June 24, 2020 (joining the other 31 public health regions that entered Stage 2 on June 12, 2020 and June 19, 2020), allowing more businesses and services to open. more >

On May 29, 2020, the Legislative Assembly of Ontario passed O. Reg. 228/20: Infectious Disease Emergency Leave. The Regulation makes significant changes to the application of the Employment Standards Act for non-unionized employees that have seen reductions in hours or wages as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. more >

With many people working remotely as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of video teleconference platforms has widely increased. Our firm has been participating in virtual mediations and hearings before labour arbitrators, administrative tribunals, and the courts. As the legal community gains experience with virtual platforms, certain protocols and best practices are being developed. more >

The Ontario Government has published a series of reopening guidelines to support industries through the gradual reopening of the economy. more >

On March 30, 2020, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice released its decision on the merits in Fresco v Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, a class action seeking compensation for unpaid overtime wages on behalf of non-union service workers. more >

The Ontario government has revised its list of essential workplaces that are permitted to remain open while its order requiring the mandatory closure of certain businesses is in effect. more >

The Federal government has announced that the previously unveiled temporary wage subsidy will be increased to 75%. more >

The federal government last week announced its COVID-19 emergency response package. This afternoon, legislation supporting the response package received royal assent. more >

The Ontario government announced that it would be ordering the mandatory closure of all non-essential workplaces, effective at 11:59PM on Tuesday, March 24, 2020. The list of "essential workplaces" that will be permitted to remain open has now been released. more >