Highlights

Digital Burnout and Privacy Erosion: The New Psychosocial Hazard

As summer approaches and organizations prepare for traditional occupational hazards like heat stress, HR and OHS leaders must not overlook the silent and growing threat of psychosocial risks—specifically, digital burnout tied to persistent AI usage and privacy erosion. READ MORE...

Are You Ready For June 1? New French Language Obligations For Québec Employers With 25 To 49 Employees

The Charter of the French Language continues to evolve – bringing with it new obligations for Québec employers. One of the most significant upcoming deadlines introduced by Bill 96 affects businesses with between 25 and 49 employees: as of June 1, 2025, these companies must be registered with the Office québécois de la langue française (the “OQLF“). This requirement marks the beginning of the francization process for thousands of medium-sized employers. It is part of a broader initiative aimed at ensuring that French remains the normal and customary language of work, communication, and business operations in Québec. READ MORE...

Mind The Gaps: Bonus Entitlements, Mitigation Pitfalls & Inducement Myths In Boyle V. Salesforce.com

The recent Ontario Superior Court decision in Boyle v. Salesforce.com, provides guidance for employers when it comes to the awareness of risks when effecting a termination of employment, specifically with respect to the potential implications of inducement, mitigation, and bonus entitlement. And, given last week’s good-news article regarding termination clauses, we will avoid altogether any kind of deep dive into the (unenforceable) termination clause that was also part of this decision. READ MORE...

Tools

Navigating Employee Sick Leave And Medical Documentation

Employers often have questions about the information they can request from an employee who is taking sick leave or who requests accommodation related to a medical condition. Recent legislative developments across several provinces reflect a shift away from requiring medical documentation (e.g., a doctor’s note or medical certificate) for short-term absences. Below we summarize these changes and provide guidance regarding the information employers are entitled to receive from an employee who seeks accommodation related to a physical or mental disability. READ MORE...
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Spotlight On: Non-Disclosure Agreements

Non-disclosure agreements, or NDAs, are often presented at or near the beginning of negotiations. NDAs are designed to address the challenge of protecting information that one party discloses to another as they work towards a deal. READ MORE...
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What To Do When You Receive A Demand Letter From A Terminated Employee’s Lawyer

Receiving a demand letter from a lawyer representing a former employee is never ideal — but it’s also not unusual. These letters typically allege wrongful dismissal, breach of contract, discrimination, or other workplace-related claims. They often demand compensation or another form of relief and can be a precursor to formal litigation. READ MORE...

Navigating Workforce Changes Amid Tariffs And Price Increases

As economic pressures mount due to tariffs and rising costs, many businesses may find themselves facing tough workforce decisions. If you are a business owner wondering, “Can I lay people off because of tariffs and price increases?” — the answer is a resounding “maybe.” But it’s complex. READ MORE...
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Deserves Your Attention

A New Long Leave: Working For Workers Six Act, 2024 And The Changes Continue

Bill 229 – Working for Workers Six Act, 2024 (the “Act“) received Royal Assent on December 19, 2024. The Act included the enactment of some key changes to the Ontario Employment Standards Act, 2000 (“ESA“) as well as other employment-related legislation on that date and some on later dates, Among those changes, the highly anticipated long-term illness leave of absence will come into force as of June 19, 2025. Like its predecessors, this sixth iteration of the Act continues to build upon the other recent employment-related changes included in prior Bills. The Act implements significant amendments to the ESA, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (“OHSA“), and Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 (“WSIA“), among others. Below are some key changes employers ought to be aware of. READ MORE...
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How HR Managers Can Support Employees Under Evacuation Notice from Wildfire Threats in Canada

As wildfires become increasingly frequent and severe across Canada, human resources (HR) professionals play a vital role in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of employees affected by these disasters. When employees receive an evacuation notice due to wildfire threats, HR managers must act swiftly and compassionately. Here’s how they can provide meaningful support. READ MORE...

Navigating Change Management in Canadian Workplaces: A Strategic and Legal Guide for HR Leaders

Change is an ever-present feature of organizational life. Whether it’s expanding to meet new market demands, downsizing in response to financial constraints, restructuring departments for efficiency, or modernizing workforce strategies with new technologies, Canadian employers face constant pressure to adapt. For HR leaders, the task is to manage this change thoughtfully, legally, and compassionately. READ MORE...
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Navigating Digital Privacy Rights and Cross-Border Travel

In today’s interconnected world, Canadian employees regularly cross the border into the United States for business meetings, conferences, or short-term employment. However, recent reports indicate increased scrutiny by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including requests to access electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. This practice raises critical concerns around balancing Canadian digital privacy rights with the practical realities of international business travel. READ MORE...
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