Latest Articles
The information contained below is not legal advice and is for informational purposes only.
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 to Expand the Definition of Workplace Harassment to include Virtual Spaces
In Ontario, the Occupational Health and Safety Act outlines Employers’ legal obligations to ensure the maintenance of a safe workplace. The OHSA (the “Act”) requires employers covered by the Act to prepare and regularly review policies regarding workplace harassment.
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…
Do Employers have an Obligation to Prevent Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment is defined and outlined in multiple pieces of legislation in Ontario. The
Ontario Human Rights Code (the “Code”) defines sexual harassment and provides that
employees have the right to be free from sexual harassment in the workplace.
Restroom Access for Transgender Employees
Accommodations for transgender persons in the workplace is not necessarily a new topic of discussion, however it is one that persists as a controversial issue. Indeed, in February of 2024, Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre reportedly stated that people born as biological males should be banned from women’s sports, change rooms, and bathrooms.
British Columbia Tribunal Awards the Second Highest Injury to Dignity Awards in the Province
In Ms. L v. Clear Pacific Holdings Ltd. and others, 2024 BCHRT 14, the complainant, Ms. L, received British Columbia’s second highest award for injury to dignity as a result of the conduct of her employer, Sydney Hayden.
Court finds Sexual Harassment Insufficient to Justify termination
In Cho v Café La Foret Ltd., 2022 BCSC 1560 the Court found that an employee (Mr. Cho) did sexually harass a subordinate (Ms. Lee), but that his conduct was not severe enough to warrant termination. Not only did the Court award Mr. Cho 5 months’ pay in lieu of notice for wrongful dismissal.
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.
Why We Need A New Approach To Workplace Sexual Harassment Training
Sex, Snitching And School: The Ontario Sex Education Debate
Court Ruling: Employer Cannot be Vicariously Liable for Workplace Sexual Harassment
Nondisclosure Agreements Revisited In The Wake Of #MeToo