Report on Human Rights: Pinto Report Finds Fully Functioning Facilities

Early in 2008, the Ontario government made substantial changes to the human rights system. This new and improved system was designed to resolve disputes more quickly and to provide more assistance to those making discrimination claims, amongst other improvements. Andrew Pinto, a human rights and employment lawyer, was appointed by the Attorney General to conduct […]

When a Swimming Pool is Just a Swimming Pool

As a result of Blue Mountain Resorts Ltd. v. Bok, injuries sustained by guests while on an employer’s premises do not turn every inch of those premises into a “worksite” for the purposes of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (“the Act”). Blue Mountain Resort Limited owns and operates an all-season resort and recreational facility […]

Human Rights Protections Against Hate Speech Limited by Freedom of Expression

William Whatcott distributed flyers in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, two of which were entitled “Keep Homosexuality out of Saskatoon’s Public Schools!” and “Sodomites in our Public Schools”. Complaints were lodged with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission claiming that these flyers promoted hatred against individuals based on their sexual orientation in contravention of section 14 of the Saskatchewan […]

Legislative Update: Leaves to Help Families

On March 5th, 2013, the Ontario government proposed an amendment to the Employment Standards Act, 2000, (“ESA”), entitled the Employment Standards Amendment Act (Leaves to Help Families), 2013 to create three job-protected leaves: * Family Caregiver Leave: up to eight weeks of unpaid leave for employees to provide care and support to a family member […]

Proposed Regulation Regarding Mandatory Health and Safety Training for All Workers and Supervisors

The Ministry of Labour has proposed to introduce new regulatory requirements that would require employers to ensure that all workers and supervisors complete mandatory occupational health and safety awareness training programs. The proposed requirements would apply to everyone who meets the current definitions of “worker” and “supervisor” under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Should […]

Amendments to the Canada Labour Code

The Canada Labour Code (the Code) in the areas of holiday pay, wage-related complaints, the period covered by payment orders, and review mechanisms, these amendments were enacted in December 2012. These amendments are not industry-specific. Rather, they pertain to all federally-regulated employers. The most substantive amendments are presented in detail below. 1) Holiday Pay Bill […]