The number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise, and statistics flooding news and social media either are, or may be, contributing to health and safety concerns and apprehension on the part of employees of open and operating workplaces. For businesses whose operations have continued, ensuring that employees continue to show up for work is critical, […]
The Nova Scotia Government today announced $161 million of funding would be made available for small- and medium-sized businesses in Nova Scotia to help them cope with the impact of COVID-19.
As the number of confirmed cases continues to rise, the growing impact of COVID-19 is being felt with each passing day. We know that things are changing rapidly and we want to ensure you have the information you need for dealing with COVID-19 in the workplace. Symptoms of COVID-19 in the Workplace If an employee […]
As global concerns are on the rise, and in light of yesterday’s news of the first presumptive case of Coronavirus in Atlantic Canada, employers in this region should consider how to respond if the Coronavirus presents within the workplace. What is Coronavirus? COVID-19, commonly referred to as Coronavirus, is a virus which may cause symptoms […]
On January 30, 2020, the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education announced its largest increase to Nova Scotia’s minimum wage in a decade. Minimum Wage Increased Starting April 1, 2020, Nova Scotia’s minimum wage will increase from $11.55 to $12.55 an hour. Also, the Nova Scotia Government has announced that it will be […]
What is the “standard of review”? In considering a challenge to the decision of an arbitrator, tribunal or other administrative body, whether by appeal or judicial review, this is always a fundamental question. Yet, finding the right answer has remained one of the most confusing legal questions out there. This has resulted in seemingly inconsistent […]
Last year was the first holiday season after the legalization of cannabis. The products available then were primarily for consumption by inhalation. As of October 17 of this year, edible cannabis is legal, and edible cannabis products may be available for sale by mid-December.[1] The introduction of legalized edible cannabis raises difficulties in detecting consumption, […]
The Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education is considering expanding the equal pay provisions of the Labour Standards Code (the “Code”), and its ability to enforce compliance with the Code through the imposition of administrative penalties. The Code currently has equal pay provisions that prohibit employers from paying women differently from men for […]
The legalization of cannabis has heightened concern and awareness around impairment in the workplace. Legalization has certainly made cannabis more accessible. However, it is still generally understood that it is inappropriate to report to work impaired unless an employee is part of an agreed accommodation arrangement where some level of impairment is permitted, or the […]
This is the first holiday season in the post-legalization of cannabis era. If, as an employer, you are planning a holiday gathering, you should be aware that you may be exposing your company to significant financial liability for the actions of an impaired guest. The concept of host liability is not new, but with the […]