Notice to Employers: Be Careful – Your Employees Might Be...

Introduction Artificial intelligence holds the promise of delivering new waves of efficiency and productivity in the workplace, but it also carries risk for employers who don’t mitigate operational, reputational, and legal risks associated with unauthorized use. Generative AI platforms such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot are free tools at the fingertips of employees. […]

September 20, 2023

Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry – A Fantastic Way to...

For applicants who wish to live in Nova Scotia permanently, the Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry (“NSE:EE”) is a great stream to apply for permanent residence. General Requirements To qualify for NSE:EE, an applicant must be between 21 and 55 years old, have the required work experience, demonstrate they have graduated high school or have […]

Mandatory Vaccination Policies: Considerations for Employers

Following the Government of Canada’s announcement on August 13, 2021 that it would be mandating COVID-19 vaccinations for those employed in the federal public sector and in the federally-regulated air, rail, and marine transportation industry, a growing list of Canadian employers have followed suit in announcing their own vaccine mandates. This list now includes five […]

Intra-Company Transferee Work Permits: A possible solution despite current travel...

Throughout the past year, COVID-19 and the resulting international border closure has complicated the pathway to Canada for many. Nonetheless, there are still a number of options available to those wishing to come to Canada, whether on a temporary basis or with the ultimate goal of permanent resident status in mind. Intra-Company Transferee Work Permit: Overview […]

Breach of COVID-19 Policy Justifies Termination

COVID-19 has dominated our world for the past year. It has touched every facet of our lives. It has resulted in ever-changing rules, policies and procedures being implemented that affect the way we work, shop, socialize and engage in extra-curricular activities. Employers, in particular, have been required to radically change the way things have always […]

January 20, 2021

Employment & Labour – Top Ten Cases of 2020

In a year like no other, there have been steady developments in the landscape of employment & labour and human rights law. Some of these developments were long anticipated, including the effect of termination on bonus compensation and the legality of mandatory arbitration clauses in the gig economy. Perhaps the most interesting cases, however, are […]

A Word of Caution for Employers: When Terminating Employees Say...

What do employment contracts and termination letters have in common? They both have the potential to end, or at least limit, an employer’s liability in the event of a termination. However, to be effective, they must be properly drafted. A termination letter that fails to assert just cause for termination, and specify the reasons for […]

Dismissed Employee gets his $1 Million Bonus and we get...

Is an employee entitled to incentive compensation as part of their “reasonable notice” damages when terminated from employment? That is often the $1 million (or even $10,000) question. Background It is well established at common law that an employee who is terminated without cause is entitled to be provided with reasonable advance notice and, failing […]

August 20, 2020

Laying it All Out: Why Layoff Clauses Should be Included...

In times of financial uncertainty, employers seeking to cut costs may quickly turn to temporary layoffs. From the employer’s point of view, layoffs offer an opportunity to press “pause” on its obligations to employees in the short-term while still maintaining the employment relationship in the long-term. Failing to handle layoffs properly, however, may leave the […]

Atlantic pilot program fast track to East Coast immigration

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) offers a fast route for employers wishing to hire immigrants and for people wishing to immigrate to Atlantic Canada. The AIPP has recently been extended until December 2021. The AIPP is an employer-driven program that allows Atlantic Canadian employers looking to fill labour gaps with applicants who meet their […]