Gender Identity and Gender Expression: Things Employers Should Know

On April 26, 2022, members of Cox & Palmer’s Regional Employment & Labour group presented a webinar titled “Hot Topics in Human Resources: Spring 2022” which included the subtopic of Gender Identity and Gender Expression. With Pride Month on the horizon, we wanted to continue the conversation and provide employers with  further insight on how […]

Employers May Terminate for a Single Incident of Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is one of the most serious forms of workplace misconduct. While acts of sexual harassment can occur on a spectrum of severity, a single incident of sexual harassment can warrant termination. This is especially the case if the employee lacks remorse and responsibility. In Render v ThyssenKrupp Elevator (Canada) Limited, 2022 ONCA 310, […]

This Month in Nova Scotia Family Law – April 2022

Our NS Family Law team provides summaries of recent cases which have appeared in the Nova Scotia Supreme Court and the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal.

May 4, 2022

No Restarting the Limitations Clock in Balsom v. Rideout: Settlement...

In Balsom v. Rideout, 2022 NLCA 20, Cox & Palmer was successful in the appeal of a lower court decision which denied an application to dismiss the action for being commenced outside the limitation period. There were two broad issues: (1) whether an insurance adjuster’s communications were protected by settlement privilege, and (2) if not, […]

April 29, 2022

Sound Recording Copyright Vs. Musical Work Copyright

Subject to granting an assignment of copyright/license to a music publisher or record label, the author of the musical work (i.e. songwriter) will generally be the owner of the musical work copyright, while the performer of the song on the record and/or producer will generally be the owner of the sound recording copyright (referred to as the “maker” under the Copyright Act).

Secretly Recording Workplace Conversations Can Result in Termination

In recent years, there has been an increase in the prevalence of employees secretly recording conversations in the workplace. While it is not unlawful for a conversation to be recorded when only one person is aware that the recording is being taken, the undisclosed recording of conversations can raise privacy concerns. The recent decision of […]

April 14, 2022

10 Questions for a Music Lawyer

A simple conversation with a lawyer who has experience in the music business can assist in flagging potential issues and provide useful information and guidance as you navigate through this complex and dynamic terrain, whether as an artist or industry professional (or both). 

Record Deals and Contract Tips: Part 2

This article focuses on some common provisions within recording agreements and tips to consider. Of course, this overview is only meant to scratch the surface as there are many more issues to consider in every deal. Furthermore, there is no “one size fits all” recording agreement, so artists should always contact an entertainment lawyer before signing anything.

April 7, 2022

Omicron Variant at the Forefront of COVID-19 Vaccination Policy Challenge

The recent arbitration decision of Toronto District School Board and CUPE, Local 4400 (Re: PR734 Vaccine Procedure) (the “Decision”) considers the reasonableness of the Toronto District School Board’s (the “TDSB”) COVID-19 vaccination policy while taking into consideration the Omicron variant. It also addresses the question of whether section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights […]

This Month in Nova Scotia Family Law – March 2022

Ward v Murphy, 2022 NSCA 20 Justices Carole A. Beaton, Elizabeth Van den Eynden and J. Edward Scanlan Issues: Application to Vary | Child Support Guidelines | Child Support | Parenting and Support Act Mr. Ward applied to reduce his child support payment. The trial judge applied ss. 18 and 19 of the Provincial Child […]