Ontario’s small claims court has ruled that recalling an employee from a remote working arrangement to in-person work can amount to a constructive dismissal giving rise to liability for damages. The employee in question, Lesley Byrd, had worked for Welcome Home Children’s Residence Inc. in Ottawa since 2018, but without a written contract of employment. […]
An article on a series of court cases dealing with remote working arrangements in Quebec was the most-read story on BenefitsCanada.com this past week. Here are the top five human resources, benefits, pension and investment stories of the last week: 1. Quebec’s approach to remote workers’ rights holds lessons for other provinces: lawyer 2. How […]
When the World Health Organization declared a pandemic on March 11, 2020, companies across Canada scrambled to shift their employees to home setups. For the dozen or so staff at Edmonton-based technology company Punchcard Systems, the new reality meant figuring out new patterns of how to communicate as they would have at their downtown office. […]
The federal government has put together a $6.5-billion aid package and is making temporary changes to the employment insurance program to support Canadian businesses and workers through the trade war with the U.S. The government is building new flexibility into the employment insurance program to help businesses retain workers by reducing work hours. Read: How […]
Quebec’s approach to legislation impacting remote workers’ rights holds lessons for the rest of Canada, says Geneviève Beaudin, a Montreal-based partner in Lavery de Billy LLP’s labour and employment law group. “There have been five cases in Quebec that focus on the meaning of ‘establishment’ [in a remote working arrangement] which is central to labour […]
Nova Scotia is increasing paid domestic violence leave from three to five days, effective April 1. The change aims to give employees more time to access essential medical, legal and social support services, according to a press release. Currently, employees with at least three months of service are eligible for up to 16 continuous weeks […]
Economic uncertainty, including the potential for new U.S. tariffs, is prompting businesses to review their workforce strategies and benefits policies to remain resilient. While employers have no control if or when their products may be subject to tariffs, there are steps that can be taken to be more prepared. Read: Financial markets resilient in wake […]
Spain’s government is pushing through legislation that would reduce the normal workweek from 40 to 37.5 hours with no reduction in pay, according to a report by CTV News. If passed, the legislation, which was first proposed at the end of 2024, would take effect this year. The legislation would affect around 12 million workers, […]
While traveling in Europe, Margaux Lantelme noticed something different about the store cashiers: they did their work sitting down. It was a stark contrast to Chicago, where Lantelme works the register at Recreational Equipment Inc. and cashiers typically spend eight hours a day on their feet. For Lantelme, a former kayaking instructor, prolonged standing can […]
An article on incoming changes to Alberta-based employers’ workplace violence and harassment policies was the most-read story on BenefitsCanada.com this past week. Here are the top five human resources, benefits, pension and investment stories of the last week: 1. What Alberta-based employers need to know about incoming workplace violence, harassment policy changes 2. Gen Z, […]