Many companies are now using AI tools to sort through applications, with the goal of saving precious time for human resources teams. But how it’s used is as important as the fact that it’s used.
For some employers, their use of AI is resulting in some major liabilities. While we have yet to see litigation around AI implementation in Canada, in the U.S. there have already been some major cases. Continue Reading AI in Recruitment — Here’s What Companies Can Learn
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
As an employer operating in a unionized environment—whether in Ontario or under federal jurisdiction—you may encounter complex workplace disputes involving human rights issues. A common question that arises is whether employees can bypass their union to file a human rights complaint directly.
Historically, the answer was uncertain, and unions were seen as the primary—if not exclusive—representative for workplace disputes. However, recent legal decisions have clarified when employees can pursue human rights claims independently. Understanding these rulings is essential for ensuring compliance, managing risk, and effectively handling workplace disputes.Continue Reading Understanding Human Rights Protections and Union Representation
As an employer, understanding the legal framework surrounding employee leaves is crucial to mitigating legal risks and ensuring compliance with employment laws.
Employers may face challenges when making business decisions that impact employees on leave, including questions about whether termination is permissible during a leave of absence.Continue Reading Out of Sight, Out of Work? Important Considerations for Terminating on Leave
If you are a regular reader of our blog, you’ll already know that we’re big advocates of conducting regular audits on your employment contracts.
There are many good reasons for conducting regular audits, along with your legal counsel, but as many employers now know, the termination provision is of particular importance. Continue Reading Delivering on Your Promises: Aligning Contractual Commitments with Outcomes on Termination
For those who navigated the corporate world during the COVID era, the concept of “work from home” is nothing new. In 2025, a new reality is beginning to emerge: the “work from anywhere” (“WFA”) Era – where employees aren’t just working remotely but are also working across borders, time zones, and tax jurisdictions.
The WFA concept has moved from a niche perk to a mainstream policy in many industries. With employees seeking greater flexibility and companies leveraging global talent, the rise of digital nomadism and remote work across borders is accelerating. Continue Reading From Boardrooms to Beaches: The Rise of “Work-From-Anywhere” Employment in 2025
As the holiday season approaches, it is a good time to revisit lessons from highly pertinent employment law cases. One case that stands out is Matthews v. Ocean Nutrition Canada Ltd. (“Matthews”), which serves as a key reminder for employers regarding bonuses, commissions, and shares potentially owed to employees after termination.
Although this case was decided a few years ago, the principles remain highly relevant, particularly during the end of the year when many employers are planning reviews of compensation plans for the following year and paying out holiday bonuses. Continue Reading All I Want for Christmas Is… My Bonus (Even After Termination!)
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
Job abandonment typically occurs when an employee is absent without communicating with their employer for an extended period, leading the employer to conclude that the employee has voluntarily resigned. However, circumstances like medical emergencies or family crises may justify the absence, so employers should avoid jumping to conclusions.Continue Reading Out of Office… Forever? How to Handle Job Abandonment
Many employers in Ontario are becoming aware, whether through news articles, or painful and costly first-hand experiences, that employees can be owed significant entitlements upon termination.
As we have explored in more detail in our previous blog posts, employers may owe terminated employees much more than was promised in the employment contract if a court determines that the contract’s termination clause isn’t legal. Continue Reading Please Come Back! Strategies for Navigating Termination Demands