FSCO Backlog means problems for injured persons in Ontario
The Financial Services Commission of Ontario or FSCO provides mediation and dispute resolution services to injured persons who are involved in a dispute with their insurer over the availability of Accident Benefits. Under the current law, these disputes must be sent to mediation first before they are determined on the merits by an independent arbitrator […]
Recent Cost Award against Unsuccessful Plaintiff
A recent case out of the Ontario Superior Court highlights the risk that plaintiffs face if they are unsuccessful in their claim for damages. In the case of Berg v. Loblaw Properties Limited, 2013 ONSC 4803, Mrs. Berg sustained serious injuries when she fell at a Zehrs store in Woodstock, Ontario. She brought suit against […]
Notice for Employers: Accessibility Requirements must by completed by January 1, 2014
A message from the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario: Notice for Large Private and Non-Profit Organizations: If you are a business or non-profit with 50+ employees, you have requirements coming up in 2014. By January 1, 2014, you must: Create a multi-year plan to meet your accessibility requirements. Establish policies to help you achieve your accessibility goals, and […]
Colleen Hoey quoted by The Globe and Mail on MP staffers’ confidentiality agreements
Colleen was quoted in The Globe and Mail with her opinion on the confidentiality agreements that MP staffers and caucus researchers are being asked to sign. Read the full article below. MP staffers forced to sign lifelong gag orders to get raises JOSH WINGROVE Ottawa — The Globe and Mail Published Wednesday, Dec. 11 2013, 3:44 PM EST Staff […]
Holiday Party Survival Guide for Employees and Employers
T’is the season of office holiday parties! Office parties can be a great opportunity for employees to get to know one another socially and for employers to thank their employees for their contribution to the business. Or… they can be disastrous. A review of some recent court decisions highlights that holiday party festivities can sometimes […]
A Quick Guide for Employers on Workplace Legal Obligations
In addition to reaching sales goals, managing expenses, marketing, and a myriad of other obligations, business owners have a number of legal obligations that they must meet in respect of the workplace. Recognizing that time and resources are at a premium, we have put together a list of some of the key statutory obligations, along […]
Mayor Rob Ford and Addictions in the Workplace
After months of denial, last night the Mayor of Toronto, Rob Ford, admitted to using crack cocaine while holding public office. According to a CBC article, he explained this lapse of judgment as something that he probably did while he was “in one of his drunken stupors.” Notwithstanding the admission of wrongdoing and the implicit admission that […]
How Enforceable are Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreements in Employment Contracts?
It is common for clients to seek advice about the legality of non-competition and non-solicitation clauses (sometimes referred to as “restrictive covenants”) in their employment contracts. For someone who has recently lost their job, the idea of having to sit on the bench for months or face risking a law suit can present a serious […]
Working in Retail? Ontario is Trying to Protect Your Employment Rights.
The Ontario Ministry of Labour posted a bulletin on October 16, 2013 about how Ontario is trying to protect the rights of retail workers by promoting safety and fairness at the workplace. NEWS Ontario is taking action to protect retail workers’ rights and promote fairness in the workplace by launching a province-wide employment standards retail […]