The Pelsmakher Law Blog.
Practical, Canadian-law guidance for employees and employers navigating change at work.
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
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.
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.
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.