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Practical, Canadian-law guidance for employees and employers navigating change at work. Search or filter by topic to find what's relevant to you.
Understanding Both Sides of the Table: Simon Pelsmakher Featured in The Legal Circle
Pelsmakher Law founder Simon Pelsmakher speaks with The Legal Circle about advising both employees and employers, founding the firm, and providing practical resources for the public.
A Win for Women’s Equality: Federal Court of Appeal Strikes Down EI Rules That Penalize New Mothers
In Chalifour-Racine v. Canada (AG), 2026 FCA 145, the Federal Court of Appeal held that EI rules that deny regular benefits to new parents who lose their jobs breach the Charter. What it means for employees and employers.
Microsoft’s Voluntary Exit Offer: What Canadian Employees Should Know Before Accepting a Buyout
Microsoft has offered voluntary buyouts to about 60,000 employees, including in Canada. Learn how Ontario severance, reasonable notice and mass termination rules apply before accepting.
Henshell v. BFN of Ojibways: Termination Clause Enforced
Henshell v. BFN of Ojibways examines termination clause enforceability, the impact of Baker, and when moral damages may be available after dismissal.
Stelco Layoffs: Employee Rights, Severance and Government Action
Stelco’s planned layoffs raise questions about severance, mass termination rules and federal enforcement. Learn what affected Ontario employees and employers should know.
Canada Labour Code Termination Entitlements: Notice, Severance and Benefits for Federally Regulated Employees
Learn what federally regulated employees are owed on termination under the Canada Labour Code: notice, severance pay and benefits during the notice period.
Bill C-39: Proposed Changes to Federal Labour Law | Canada Labour Code
Bill C-39 proposes changes to federal labour law, including collective bargaining, contractor succession, wage settlements and medical leave under the Canada Labour Code.
Terminating an Employee on Long Term Disability: Reviewing the Federal Court of Appeal's Decision in O'Grady v. Bell Canada Reviewed
The Federal Court of Appeal held that ending disability coverage before a return to work can be discrimination, and a violation of human rights law. Click here, to review key takeaways for employers and employees.
Ontario Court of Appeal Clarifies Frustration of Contract and Employment Benefits in Hill v. B&B Towing
Learn what Hill v. B&B Towing means for disability accommodation, frustration of contract, constructive dismissal and employment benefits in Ontario.
Pregnancy, Reasonable Notice, and the Standard for Stay Motions: Nahum v. Honeycomb Hospitality Inc.
Does pregnancy increase reasonable notice in Ontario? Review Nahum v. Honeycomb on severance calculations and the high legal bar for staying court judgments.
Kondaj v. Crossbridge: Ontario Court of Appeal Clarifies Termination Liability For Building Services Providers
The Ontario Court of Appeal confirms that an incoming building services provider may owe common law notice of dismissal, when it declines to retain an existing employee.
Ontario Bill 105: New Employment Law Changes for Employees and Employers
Ontario Bill 105 proposes changes to the ESA, workplace safety, WSIB benefits, uniforms and talent agencies. Learn what employees and employers should know
Ontario Court of Appeal Clarifies Temporary Layoffs and Employment Contracts
In Taylor v. Salytics Inc., 2026 ONCA 621, the Court, the Ontario Court of Appeal has clarified when temporary layoffs are permitted under employment contracts and when a layoff may amount to constructive dismissal.
Uber Layoffs: Severance & Termination Rights in Ontario
Uber is cutting 3,300 jobs. Learn what Ontario employees should know about layoffs, termination, severance pay, mass terminations and their legal rights.
Ontario Job Posting Requirements in 2026: Salary, AI and Vacancy Disclosure Rules
Ontario employers face new job posting rules in 2026, including salary transparency, AI disclosure, vacancy disclosure and Canadian experience restrictions. Learn what employers need to know.
The Government of Canada Expands EI Benefits in Response to U.S. Tariffs
The Canadian Government has expanded EI benefits and worker supports in response to U.S. tariffs. Learn what the 2026 changes mean for employees, layoffs and severance.
Canada-U.S. Tariffs: Ontario Employment Law & Layoff Rights
How could the Canada-U.S. tariff war affect Ontario workers and businesses? Learn about temporary layoffs, constructive dismissal, severance, terminations and mass layoffs.
Who Owns an Employee’s Work Product? Intellectual Property rights in the workplace. Lessons from Delivery Ease Inc. v. Tahir
Ontario court decision highlights who may own intellectual property created during employment and key lessons for employees and employers.
Corus Media Layoffs: Severance Rights for Global News & Radio Employees
Corus Media has announced further layoffs across Global News and talk radio. Learn about severance, group termination and Canada Labour Code rights for affected employees.
Wigdor v. Facebook: Ontario Court of Appeal Rules on RSUs and Termination Clauses
The Ontario Court of Appeal in Wigdor v. Facebook Canada Ltd., 2026 ONCA 572 awarded more than US$4.7 million for RSUs lost following termination. Learn what the decision means for employees and employers in Ontario.
Termination Pay, Severance Pay and Reasonable Notice in Ontario: What Employees Are Actually Entitled To
What are employees entitled to when their employment is terminated in Ontario? The answer depends on whether the employee is looking only at the minimum standards under Ontario's Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA), or whether the employee is also entitled to common law reasonable notice.
Duty to Accommodate Disability in Ontario: Undue Hardship Explained
Ontario employers must accommodate disability to the point of undue hardship, not perfection. Learn the procedural and substantive duty, what triggers it, and where it ends.
What changes at age 65 when it comes to workplace pension and benefits?
Learn why LTD, pension, and health coverage shift at this milestone, what the law permits, and how to plan ahead for both employers and employees.
When Disability Affects Your Job: Understanding Frustration of Contract in Ontario
If you have have been on disability leave for an extended period, or if you manage employees who are, you may have heard the term "frustration of contract." It's often misunderstood. This article provides a helpful overview for employees and employers regarding frustration of contract in the workplace.
At Any Time Is Legal: The Ontario Court of Appeal's New Ruling Changes Termination Contracts
The Ontario Court of Appeal in Baker v. Van Dolder's Home Team Inc. and Li v. Wayfair Canada ULC, 2026 ONCA 568, resolved years of legal confusion over enforceability of "at any time" termination language, with significant implications for contract drafting and employee entitlements.
Was It Termination, Resignation, or Abandonment? Alberta Court Awards $300K in Ross v. Newly Institute Inc.
A recent decision from the Alberta Court of King’s Bench highlights how cutting off an employee’s access and going silent, even without ever using the word ‘terminated’, can still amount to a dismissal. Learn what employers and employees should know about wrongful dismissal, contract amendments, and severance entitlements
Are Non-Solicitation Clauses Enforceable? Lessons from Intellimedia Limited Partnership v. Jawad
A recent decision from the Alberta Court of King’s Bench highlights how the wording of a non-solicitation clause can determine whether it is enforceable. Learn what employers, employees and business owners should know about restrictive covenants in Canada.
Can an Employer Fire You Without a Written Warning?
Learn when warnings are required, how wrongful dismissal works, what just cause means, and what employees and employers need to know before termination.
Business Sale Agreements and Employment Contracts: Lessons from Facility Condition Assessment Portfolio Experts Ontario Ltd. v. Bouchard
A recent decision from the British Columbia Court of Appeal highlights how inconsistent drafting between commercial agreements and employment contracts can create significant liability. Learn what Ontario employers and employees should know about fixed-term contracts, business sales, and restrictive covenants.
$2.5 Million Wrongful Dismissal Award: Ontario Court Says RBC 'Went Nuclear' Against Employee
An Ontario court awarded a former RBC financial planner more than $2.5 million after finding the bank 'went nuclear,' manufactured violations and used a deeply flawed investigation to support a cause dismissal.
Ontario Workplace Investigations: What Employers and Employees Should Know
An OLRB decision provides guidance on what makes a workplace harassment investigation appropriate in Ontario.
Ontario Minimum Wage Increase 2026: What Employees and Employers Need to Know
Ontario’s minimum wage increases to $17.95 on October 1, 2026. Learn how the change affects hourly, salaried, commission and federally regulated employees.
Can an Employer Force You Back to the Office? A New British Columbia Court of Appeal Decision Draws the Line
What Cressey Construction Corporation v. Parolin means for remote work, constructive dismissal and workplace policies in Canada
Rogers Layoffs 2026: Severance and Unjust Dismissal Rights
Affected by the Rogers layoffs? Learn about severance pay, federal employment rights, and Canada Labour Code unjust-dismissal complaints.
Ontario Court Awards 33 Months' Notice After Finding Employer Acted in Bad Faith During Wrongful Dismissal
A new Ontario wrongful dismissal decision awarded an employee an extraordinary 33 months of notice after finding the employer acted in bad faith during the dismissal process. Here's what the case means for Ontario workplaces.
Can My Employer Read My Personal Text Messages, Emails, or Social Media?
Learn about workplace privacy rights in Ontario, when employers can monitor employees, and what happens if personal communications are used to justify discipline or dismissal.
Meta AI Layoff Lawsuit: What Ontario Employees and Employers Should Know
Meta faces a landmark lawsuit alleging AI was used to target employees on medical leave during layoffs. Learn what Ontario employees and employers should know about AI, discrimination, wrongful dismissal, and workplace rights.
Canada Labour Code Updates: What Federally Regulated Employees Should Know in 2026
Learn about the latest Canada Labour Code developments affecting federally regulated employees, including termination notice, severance pay, unjust dismissal, workplace harassment protections, and employee rights. This update explains what has changed, who is covered, and the steps employees should take after a dismissal or workplace dispute.
Can Your Employer Strip Away Your Bonus Upon Termination?
One of the most common battlegrounds in Ontario executive and professional terminations is the end-of-year bonus. When an employer lets a worker go, they typically offer a basic salary continuation but attempt to strip away variable compensation, performance metrics, or stock options.
7 Costly Mistakes Employees Make Before Signing a Severance Package in Ontario
Learn the seven most common mistakes employees make before signing a severance package in Ontario, and strategies to protect your rights.
Ontario Court Upholds Just Cause Dismissal After Second Positive Drug Test
A recent Ontario Superior Court decision offers important guidance for both employers and employees on when a dismissal for just cause may be legally justified.
When Can an Employer Rely on Frustration of Contract? New Court Decision Highlights the Limits
A recent employment law case serves as an important reminder that employers cannot simply rely on the doctrine of frustration of contract whenever an employee is unable to return to work due to illness or disability.
Microsoft Layoffs Are a Reminder About Wrongful Dismissal in Ontario
Even the largest, most successful employers cut jobs without warning. If you've been let go, being dismissed does not mean you've received everything you're owed.
Is Your Termination Clause Actually Enforceable? (Employers, Read This)
A single flawed sentence can void your entire termination clause and expose you to full common law severance. Here's what Ontario employers need to know.
Do You Need Written Employment Contracts? A Guide for Employers
A properly drafted contract is one of the cheapest ways to limit liability, and one of the most commonly skipped. Here's what's actually at stake.
Caught in a Mass Layoff? You May Be Owed More Than You Think
When an employer terminates a large group of employees at once, Ontario law triggers enhanced notice rules. Here's what mass termination actually means for you.
How Much Severance Am I Really Entitled to in Ontario?
Most employees are entitled to far more than their employer's first offer. Here's how severance is actually calculated under Ontario law.
"Your Role Has Been Eliminated" — Do You Still Get Severance?
Employers often frame a termination as a restructuring or role elimination. It sounds different, but your legal entitlements usually aren't.
Wrongful vs. Constructive Dismissal: What's the Difference?
You don't need to be fired to have been dismissed. Here's how Ontario law treats a job that changed too much to still be the one you agreed to.
The State of Non-Competes in Canada: Provincial Bans and a Coming Federal Change
Ontario already bans most non-competes, other provinces regulate them, and Ottawa is now contemplating a federal ban. Here's the national picture, and where it's heading.
Can a Return-to-Office Mandate Be Constructive Dismissal?
Employers are calling remote workers back in. Depending on what you were promised, a sudden RTO order may cross a legal line.
Does a Bad Economy Mean Less Severance?
Employers sometimes suggest a tough market justifies a smaller package. The law often points in the opposite direction.
Employee or Independent Contractor? Why the Label Can Be Wrong
Calling someone a contractor doesn't make them one. Misclassification is one of the most common, and costly, mistakes in Canadian workplaces.
Just Been Laid Off? Do These 5 Things Before You Sign Anything
The first few days after a dismissal shape everything that follows. Here's a calm, practical checklist for protecting yourself.
Is Your Employer Watching? Electronic Monitoring Rules in Ontario
Ontario now requires many employers to tell staff how they're being monitored. Here's what the electronic-monitoring rules mean for both sides.
Temporary Layoffs: When Are They Actually Legal?
A temporary layoff can feel like a pause, but in many cases it's a dismissal in disguise. Here's when a layoff crosses the line under Ontario law.
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