Articles

2019 Novel coronavirus (coronavirus or 2019-nCoV) has arrived in Canada. While it is not yet known whether the virus will evolve to become a global pandemic, employers in Canada are nevertheless concerned about meeting their obligations to provide workers with a safe and healthy workplace. It is critical for employers to be aware of their legal obligations and to develop a proactive plan to manage feelings of panic and fear – whether irrational or well-founded – which will inevitably ensue. We outline some of the potential issues relating to the coronavirus and provide employers with practical guidance on how to respond to questions and concerns that may arise in the workplace

As of 1 January 2020, Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (the “WSIB”) will be replacing its current Schedule 1 employer classification system and premium and experience rating programs with a new “Rate Framework”. Under the Rate Framework, experience rating programs will be eliminated and employers will instead pay prospective and fluctuating premium rates based on their individual claims experience. As of 25 September 2019, the WSIB started notifying employers of their new 2020 premium rates. This same day, the Ontario Government announced a five-year SIB premium freeze for all non-profits operating in the province

In the recent case of Andros v. Colliers Macaulay Nicolls Inc., the Ontario Court of Appeal held that a termination clause was unenforceable, despite the fact that it explicitly referred to statutory minimums. The Court of Appeal also found that the employee was entitled to a prorated share of an annual bonus during the common law notice period, even though the bonus only became payable after the expiry of the notice period

Bill C-86 introduced a number of amendments to the Canada Labour Code. The bill subsequently received royal assent on 13 December 2018. These amendments will come into effect beginning on 1 September 2019. This article provides a summary of some of the key changes