Management Lawyers

Court Signals Summary Judgement Often Appropriate for Wrongful Dismissal Actions

Published on May 09, 2012

Stringer LLP Admin

The judiciary is regularly signalling that resolutions without lengthy and expensive trials are to be encouraged, wherever possible.

wrongful dismissal litigation

Minister Jason Kenney Announces changes to the Immigration System to Promote Canadian Labour Market

Published on April 30, 2012

Stringer LLP Admin

The Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration Canada has made several announcements over the past couple weeks regarding proposed changes to our immigration system focused on Canadian labour market needs.

employment law,  immigration

Landmark Decision on Certification of ESA Class Actions and Constructive Dismissal

Published on April 25, 2012

Stringer LLP Admin

Ontario’s Divisional Court has upheld a lower court ruling refusing to certify a class action for statutory notice and severance pay, and in the process provided helpful guidance interpreting an earlier Ontario Court of Appeal decision on constructive dismissal.

class actions,  constructive dismissal,  employment standards,  wrongful dismissal litigation

OLRB rules on electrician exemption in construction regulation

Published on April 23, 2012

Stringer LLP Admin

The Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) has ruled that a worker does not have to be a certified or apprentice electrician to interconnect solar panels using “plug-and-play” electrical connectors. This interesting decision will have far-reaching implications for the Solar Industry and probably for other industries as well in which similar connectors are utilized or may be developed. 

construction labour relations,  occupational health and safety

What Does the Crown Have to Prove in an OHSA Prosecution?

Published on April 17, 2012

Stringer LLP Admin

In one recent appeal case the court has opened the door to imposing a more rigorous burden on the Crown in certain types of cases.

occupational health and safety

The Supreme Court to Lay Down the Law on Random Alcohol Testing

Published on April 03, 2012

Stringer LLP Admin

The Supreme Court recently granted leave to appeal a decision regarding a random alcohol testing policy out of a paper mill near the City of Saint John in New Brunswick.

employment law,  labour law,  privacy

OLRB Directs Inspector to Produce Investigation Records

Published on March 26, 2012

Stringer LLP Admin

In a relatively minor decision that may have significant implications, the Ontario Labour Relations Board (“OLRB”) has ordered Ministry of Labour Inspectors to produce certain investigation records.

occupational health and safety

Employer Successfully Defends a Charge of Failing to Report an Accident to WSIB

Published on March 21, 2012

Stringer LLP Admin

An employer has successfully defended a charge of failing to report an accident to the WSIB within the timeframe permitted by law. 

workers' compensation

Minor Change to the OLRB’s Rules of Procedure could have a Major Impact

Published on March 14, 2012

Stringer LLP Admin

A change to the OLRB's Rules of Procedure could have a favourable impact on OHS reprisal complaint proceedings.

labour law,  occupational health and safety

Debate Continues over Family Caregiver Leave

Published on March 12, 2012

Stringer LLP Admin

On Friday, March 8 the Family Caregiver Leave Act (Bill 30) was debated for the third time at second reading in the Ontario Legislature.

employment standards

Divisional Court provides Guidance as to What Constitutes a Prima Facie Case of Discrimination

Published on March 06, 2012

Stringer LLP Admin

In a recent case, Peel Law Association v. Pieters, the Divisional Court overturned a decision of the Human Rights Tribunal finding that the complainants had not established a prima facie case of discrimination.

human rights

Forum Shopping a Growing Problem - Published in The Lawyers Weekly

Published on March 06, 2012

Stringer LLP Admin

Jeremy Schwartz and Jessica Young recently published an article on forum shopping by disabled employees in the Lawyers Weekly: Labour & Employment Law Focus.

human rights,  workers' compensation

Bill 168 and Section 50 of the OHSA: Has the Labour Board Closed the Floodgates?

Published on February 29, 2012

Stringer LLP Admin

One of the biggest questions which emerged when the Bill 168 harassment provisions became law was whether the OLRB would be inundated with “reprisal” complaints related to harassment.   Prior to the Bill 168 amendments, the OLRB had historically declined to hear harassment cases (even though a technical argument could be made that workplace harassment was covered by the “general duty clause”). 

Proposed Family Caregiver Leave goes through Second Reading

Published on February 27, 2012

Stringer LLP Admin

Bill 30, An Act to Amend the Employment Standards Act, 2000 in respect of family caregiver leave, went through its second reading last week. If passed, the bill will introduce a new unpaid leave of absence for up to eight weeks per year for employees who need to care for a sick or injured family member.

employment law

British Columbia Court of Appeal upholds just cause dismissal

Published on February 22, 2012

Stringer LLP Admin

A branch manager of a credit union was fired for just cause after she wrote a letter to her employer that the trial judge found to be “disrespectful and defamatory”.