Arbitrator Clarifies Rule on Subsequent-Event Evidence

A recent arbitration decision confirmed that the admissibility of subsequent-event evidence is dependent on its relevance to the merits of the case. The grievor, a Labourer/Truck Driver for the City of Hamilton, underwent surgery. As a result of the procedure, he developed ongoing foot pain and chronic back pain. These ailments kept the grievor from […]

Upcoming Seminar on Workplace Privacy

Please join presenters Alanna Twohey and Katherine Symonds on October 22, 2013 at the Ottawa Convention Centre for a discussion of privacy in the workplace. This complimentary seminar will focus on: Whether and which privacy legislation applies to your organization; Recent case law developments, including: updates on the newly-created cause of action for invasion of […]

Termination Provisions in Employment Contracts: Are Yours Still Enforceable?

The termination clause is one of the most important, and yet one of the most vulnerable portions of an employment contract. Such clauses have come under increasing judicial scrutiny in recent years, and will be subject to even greater scrutiny by courts following the Ontario Superior Court’s decision in Stevens v. Sifton Properties Ltd. In […]

Supreme Court of Canada to Determine Waiver of Notice Issue

As reported in the Summer 2013 issue of EMPlawyer’s Update, the Quebec Court of Appeal recently held that an employer does not have to provide pay during the notice period if it waives an employee’s notice of resignation, pursuant to section 82 of the Act Respecting Labour Standards. Similar reasoning has not yet been applied […]

Zero Tolerance of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Sexual harassment in the workplace continues to cause employers several legal and financial challenges. In a recent decision, Justice Sachs of the Divisional Court assuaged a few of these problems by taking a zero tolerance approach to a grievance arising from a case of sexual harassment and assault. It had been alleged that, on June […]

Federal Employers Can Dismiss Without Cause

In a recent and ground-breaking case, the Federal Court upheld a federal government agency’s dismissal of an employee without cause. Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) dismissed an employee without alleging cause, but with a payment of six months’ severance pay in lieu of notice. The employee protested that the dismissal was unjust. An adjudicator […]