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Jeffrey Adams

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Jeffrey Adams has joined SpringLaw as a labour, employment, and human rights lawyer. He brings practical strategies to help employers navigate workplace relations, conflict resolution, and compliance. A Paralympic champion and recipient of the Order of Ontario, Jeff offers a unique perspective shaped by experience in sports, business, and government. Bilingual in English and French, he’s also a sought-after speaker on EDI and team building, known for his engaging storytelling and leadership.

Ontario’s Working for Workers Four Act, 2024 changes the Employment Standards Act. 

From January 1, 2026, employers with 25 or more employees must say in any publicly advertised job posting if AI is used to screen, assess, or select applicants. You must also include the same note in any associated application form. 

This sits beside other new posting rules, such as…

It’s 2025, and clients are using AI tools like ChatGPT in their legal matters. If you’re an HR professional or run a business, maybe you’ve seen a team member pull up ChatGPT to write a demand letter or question your workplace policies. Or maybe you’ve tried it yourself: “Can I fire someone for this?” or “Is this harassment under Ontario law?”

These tools aren’t going away. Just like WebMD changed how patients interact with doctors, ChatGPT is shifting the lawyer-client relationship. That can be a good thing, with the right boundaries.Continue Reading When Clients Use ChatGPT for Legal Advice

The Ontario Superior Court recently reminded employers that employment agreements aren’t optional – they’re enforceable.

In Timmins v. Artisan Cells, 2025 CanLII 2387, the employer ignored its own termination provisions and tried to use severance as leverage for a release. It backfired big time.Continue Reading Don’t Use Severance as Leverage: Courts are Not Impressed

Most HR leaders and employers think ableism is about physical things, like whether your building has a ramp. But for many disabled workers, the real barriers are invisible—and often unspoken.

Ableism isn’t always aggressive or obvious. In fact, it’s usually the quiet stuff: the meeting without captions, the candidate dismissed as “not the right fit,” the office that’s never had to “deal with that before.” It’s apathy. And apathy, especially in a workplace context, causes real harm.Continue Reading From Shrug to Strategy: Tackling Ableism at Work

If you’re reviewing a termination package that includes a ‘retiring allowance,’ it might sound like a perk tied to retirement. That makes sense, right? Not really.

Despite the name, a retirement allowance in Canada has nothing to do with retirement. In most employment law cases, it simply means money paid to an employee upon or after termination of employment in recognition of long service. It’s a tax term, not a legal entitlement, and it often leads to confusion when planning severance packages or reporting to the CRA. Let’s break down what it is – and what it isn’t.Continue Reading Retiring Allowances – Don’t Be Fooled by the Name

What Employers Can and Can’t Deduct from Employee Wages in Ontario

Accurate payroll management is essential for employers in Ontario. A common question is: What can we legally deduct from an employee’s wages? The short answer—very little, unless the employee has agreed, or the law requires it.

Ontario’s Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) sets strict rules on wage deductions. However, some recent Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) decisions have conflicting interpretations regarding whether employers can deduct overpaid vacation pay. Because OLRB decisions are not binding on courts, the law on this issue remains unsettled.Continue Reading I Overpaid My Employee: What Now?

Underperformance can be a big issue for employers, especially in smaller organizations where every employee’s contribution matters.

There can be serious costs to the business. Before you terminate someone, you need to understand the legal framework in Ontario. Skipping the proper steps can expose your business to claims for wrongful dismissal, which can be even more expensive.Continue Reading Can I Terminate an Employee for Underperforming?

Hiring workers like nannies, doulas, housekeepers, or gardeners can make life a lot easier for Ontario households, but it’s critical to understand the legalities involved. A key issue is whether the worker is an employee or an independent contractor. Misclassification can lead to financial liabilities, tax issues, and legal disputes.Continue Reading Hiring Workers for Your Household in OntarioHiring Workers for Your Household in Ontario

The holiday season is a time when many employers want to show appreciation to their employees. Gift cards are a popular and convenient choice for recognizing hard work and spreading some seasonal cheer.

But employers need to be aware of the employment and tax implications of gifting gift cards, especially here in Canada. Missteps can result in unintended financial consequences for both the employer and the employee.

If you’re planning to hand out gift cards this year, here’s what you need to know.Continue Reading Keeping Gift Giving Jolly: How Employers Can Avoid Tax Surprises