Know your jurisdiction – Considerations for employers with employees in different provinces
National employers are well aware that the legislated employment standards differ widely between provinces. Keeping up with the changing law in different jurisdictions can be a challenge for companies with a workforce that is spread across the country. Since the pandemic, understanding the implications of employees working remotely from another province has also become a pressing issue for smaller businesses.
Simes Law
5 minutes read
July 11, 2023 
Termination compensation in Ontario: Guide for employers
The end of an employment relationship can be a complex and challenging time for both employers and employees. Termination compensation is a critical aspect of this process, and it can be difficult to navigate the various Ontario legal requirements and standards involved.
Roberts & Obradovic Law
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
The ESA and terminations – 101
Employers and human resources professionals are familiar with the Ontario Employment Standards Act (ESA) and that it plays a role insetting out what an employee must receive at the time of termination. However, in our practice, we have noted several common areas where there is often confusion about the specific, sometimes technical, requirements of the ESA.
Simes Law
Investigating workplace harassment
As Ontario employers are aware, the Occupational Health and Safety Act sets out the obligations of employers when it comes to workplace safety. OHSA contains specific provisions which deal with how employers must deal with workplace violence and harassment, including a mandatory investigation provision for workplace harassment.
Simes Law
The future of bonus clauses
As employers know, the specific language of an employment contract has a significant impact on what is owed to an employee at the end of the employment relationship. Among the most important clauses in the employment contract are the termination clause, and language around an employee’s entitlement to receive their bonus after termination.
Simes Law
Was Silicon Valley Bank a failure of risk management?
I have seen some unfortunate postings on social media and in the news. Self-appointed experts telling us what happened, why, and whose fault it was. There’s a political battle going on as well, with people blaming federal government administrations, regulators, and so on. I’m not going to get into that. But I think it is important for governance, risk, and audit practitioners to understand the situation and its implications.
Norman D. Marks, CPA, CRMA
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
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
