Latest Articles
The information contained below is not legal advice and is for informational purposes only.
I was hired as a remote worker. Do I have to start working from the office?
Court Awards Human Rights Damages of $125,000 in Workplace Sexual Harassment Case
In Stride v. Syra Group et al., 2024 ONSC 2169, the Plaintiff, Stride, was an employee of Syra Group Holdings (“Syra”). She brought an action for wrongful dismissal and breach of the Human Rights Code. Syra is an Ontario Corporation that owns several apartment buildings in the GTA.
Ontario Introduces Working for Workers Bill 6
Ontario has recently introduced new legislation which seeks to amend leave provisions under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (“ESA”). For example, the proposed Bill seeks to amend the ESA to provide up to 16 weeks of unpaid leave where there is a placement of a child “into an employee’s custody, care and control for the first time for the purposes of adoption”…
HRTO Dismisses Sexual Harassment Claim because it was Brought 19 Years after the Alleged Sexual Misconduct Occurred
In Ontario, there is a limitation period for civil legal matters. The Ontario Limitations Act 2002 provides that legal claims of a civil nature must be brought within a two-year period. In 2016 however, the Limitations Act was amended such that sexual assault claims…
Exceptional Circumstances lead to Wrongful Dismissal Award of 27 Months
In Milwid v. IBM Canada Ltd. the Ontario Court of Appeal upheld a decision in which an employee was awarded 27 months’ notice for wrongful dismissal. This is a notable decision, as the Court confirmed that exceptional circumstances justified an award greater than the usual cap of 24 months. ….
Alberta Courts Recognize Harassment as an Independent Cause of Action
In Alberta Health Services v. Johnston, 2023 ABKB 209, the Court recognized harassment as an independent cause of action. Now Albertans who have been subject to harassment are able to bring a civil action against their harassers.
Alberta Court Rules That Refusal to Return to Work Did Not Constitute a Failure to Mitigate Loss of Employment
In recent appeal decision, Northern Air Charter (PR) Inc v Dunbar, 2023 ABKB 171, released by the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta, Justice A. Woolley upheld a trial judge’s decision to award the plaintiff wrongful dismissal damages. Contrary to Northern Air’s assertion, Dunbar was not laid off but instead terminated. Northern Air’s attempt to recall him to work and Mr. Dunbar’s refusal did not constitute a failure to mitigate in the circumstances.
BC Court: Forced Unpaid Leave for Refusing to Comply with Mandatory Vaccination Policy is Not a Constructive Dismissal
Recently the British Columbia Supreme Court ruled on the reasonability of an unpaid leave of absence for failing to comply with a mandatory vaccination policy. In Parmar v. Tribe Management Inc., 2022 BCSC 1675, the employee, Ms. Parmar had reservations about vaccination and did not qualify for an exemption (medical or religious). In December 2021 the employer placed her on an unpaid leave of absence for approximately 3 months. Parmar did not agree and demanded reinstatement, or she would treat the unpaid leave as a
Alberta Court of Appeal: Employees Must Act Promptly in Order to Assert a Constructive Dismissal
Constructive dismissal claims typically arise when an employer makes a unilateral and fundamental change to the employment relationship, for example, a material pay cut or demotion.
An employee who refuses the change may resign and pursue constructive dismissal damages. However
Read More

















