About SpringLaw

SpringLaw is a virtual Canadian boutique law firm, practicing exclusively in the areas of employment, labour and human rights law. We work with a wide range of employers - from global companies with operations in Canada to local owner-operators and start-ups - advising on the wide range of legal issues that arise out of the workplace, particularly workplaces in the tech and creative space. We also provide legal and strategic advice to employees throughout their employment journey. Blog posts are written by Lisa Stam, Hilary Page, Emily Siu, Danielle Murray, Lindsay Koruna, Jessyca Greenwood, Marnie Baizley, Matt Chapman, Evaleen Hellinga and Tiffany Thomas.
Imagen 1

Navigating your employees’ fear of AI in the workplace

This blog post will look at what are some of the fears our employees have about AI, what are the benefits to share with your team and what are some strategies to prepare our workforces for the massive AI-driven changes on the way.

SpringLaw

Time to read 8 minutes read
Calendar November 8, 2023
Imagen 1

Tech at termination: Can I read my employee’s email after they leave?

You have just terminated an employee and must now decide what to do with their email accounts, laptop data, DMs, personal folders on their laptop and all the other digital footprints employees leave every day. This post will focus on employee emails. Whether you fire with or without cause, can you read your employee’s emails when they leave?

SpringLaw

Time to read 4 minutes read
Calendar September 14, 2023
Imagen 1

Getting your ducks in a row: Warnings before a just cause dismissal 

A common question we regularly field from employers during consultations for terminations is whether the employee has behaved badly enough to warrant a dismissal for cause and whether they really need to provide the employee with a termination package.

SpringLaw

Time to read 4 minutes read
Calendar August 9, 2023
Imagen 1

Accommodating religious observances: A primer

Employees may request time off to celebrate a religious holiday or request a modified schedule to observe their respective holy day. Creed is a protected ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code (the “Code”), meaning employees are protected from creed-related discrimination in their workplace.

SpringLaw

Time to read 4 minutes read
Calendar June 14, 2023
Imagen 1

Everything employers need to know about joint health and safety committees for both in-office and remote workplaces

It’s not groundbreaking news that employers have an obligation to keep their employees safe and free from harm while at work or that all workplaces must abide by various legislations, including the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). One crucial, and sometimes mandatory, element to assist in providing greater protection against workplace injuries, illnesses, and deaths are Joint Health and Safety Committees (JHSC). This is an important refresher on an employer’s obligations surrounding these committees, whether your workplace is in-office, hybrid, or remote.

SpringLaw

Time to read 4 minutes read
Calendar March 8, 2023
Imagen 1

How to prevent (ex) employee disclosure or misuse of confidential information

Be it confidential client records, marketing strategies, unpublished patent applications, or source code, employees in Canada have a common law duty to maintain the confidentiality of confidential information

SpringLaw

Time to read 3 minutes read
Calendar February 8, 2023
Imagen 1

Employer discretion to schedule employee vacation time

As an employer, you want to control when your employees do and do not take vacation time. Can you do this? The answer, for all jurisdictions in Canada, is yes, though this employer discretion may be restricted in some jurisdictions.

SpringLaw

Time to read 4 minutes read
Calendar September 14, 2022
Imagen 1

Offer letters vs employment contracts

esources issues like never before. Employers would be well-advised to consider the ways in which their actions at every step of the employment relationship, including those taken at the very beginning, can create or mitigate legal risks. 

SpringLaw

Time to read 3 minutes read
Calendar May 11, 2022
Imagen 1

When worlds collide: Restrictive covenants and notice periods

What is the impact of non-competition and non-solicitation provisions on a terminated employee’s notice period?

SpringLaw

Time to read 3 minutes read
Calendar April 13, 2022