Workplace Policies

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Happy Canada Day! As we celebrate everything that makes Canada both great and unique (personally as food lovers we’d like to mention poutine and butter tarts) we can’t help (because we’re lawyers) but reflect on what makes Canadian employment law so uniquely…Canadian.

Whether you’re running a business in Canada, or supporting HR for one, it helps to understand how our workplace laws differ from other countries, especially our neighbors to the south, and how new rules like updates to Ontario’s Employment Standards Act (“ESA”) effective July 1, 2025) continue to shape our employer obligations.

Let’s break it down.Continue Reading Oh Canada, Oh Compliance: What Employers Need to Know About Our Unique Canadian Workplace Laws

Termination clauses are a cornerstone of any employment agreement. A well-drafted termination clause can limit an employee’s entitlements on dismissal to the minimum standards under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA), helping avoid the higher costs of common law reasonable notice.

But here is the catch: even the most carefully written clause can fail. Ontario courts are strict about wording and employer conduct. Clauses that are short, clear, and directly reference the ESA tend to stand up over time. However, one misstep in how a termination clause, or the termination itself, is handled can unravel the entire clause. Continue Reading Ontario Termination Clauses: What Really Matters

The world of work has evolved rapidly in the last few years, and many workplace policies may not have kept pace.

Outdated handbooks and contracts not only risk legal non-compliance but also impact employee morale, productivity, and retention. Below are five common HR policy areas that may require a modern refresh.Continue Reading The Top 5 Outdated HR Policies That May Need a 2025 Refresh

AI is leading to sweeping changes in the job market, including how people apply for jobs.

A 2025 report from recruitment firm Career Group Companies found that only 35% of job seekers have never used AI to assist in their job search. Here’s how those who did leverage AI used it:Continue Reading AI in Recruitment: What Every Hiring Manager Needs to Know

As tensions rise between the United States and Canada (and other countries), many American businesses are reevaluating their global strategies.

The evolving U.S. trade policy, marked by tariffs, export restrictions, and geopolitical uncertainty, has pushed companies to seek more stable and accessible markets. Enter Canada: a relatively politically stable, resource-rich, and business-friendly country with a skilled workforce and strong legal framework.Continue Reading Crossing North: A Playbook for U.S. Employers

As Ontario employers gear up for summer and bring fresh talent into the workplace, many consider hiring interns to support short-term projects or provide students with real-world experience.

But beware: not every “intern” is exempt from Ontario’s Employment Standards Act (ESA). Misclassifying a worker as an unpaid intern when they are legally an employee can expose your organization to significant liability. 
Here’s what you need to know to avoid misclassification and stay on the right side of employment law.Continue Reading Summer Interns or Employees? Avoiding Misclassification in Ontario

The holiday season is upon us, bringing a mix of joy and challenges for businesses of all sizes. This time of year can be a balancing act between meeting increased operational demands, ensuring compliance with regulations, and fostering a positive work environment.

Here’s how you can make this holiday season a success for your business and your team.

Plan Ahead for Staffing and Scheduling

The holidays can bring unique staffing challenges. If your business sees a surge in activity, now is the time to consider hiring seasonal employees. Continue Reading Preparing Your Workplace for the Holiday Season

Some employee resignations are clear-cut; the employer is provided with a letter of resignation, with an effective date, a signature etc.

However, what about when an employee shouts “I quit!” and storms out of the office, expresses a general dissatisfaction about their job, or that they have received another job offer? Continue Reading Employee Resignations: When is a resignation valid? 

In the world of employment law, terminations tend to steal the spotlight. But what about when the employee is the one ending the employment relationship?

Here is an overview of the law of resignation, and what employers need to know when they receive an employee’s “two weeks’ notice”. Continue Reading Employee Resignations: The Basics

The dust has settled post-pandemic and employees are out of sorts. Turnover is high across all industries as people regroup and sort through what they want out of their careers.

We regularly hear about employees resisting commuting, moving on quicker than ever when the job gets difficult, and when regular feedback gets uncomfortable.Continue Reading Exiting Employees on a Disability Leave