From time to time, potential clients will contact me about a possible lawsuit that is already statute-barred. In other words, the limitation period has already expired. When this happens, I explain to them that their options are very limited. This is because the expiration of the limitation period can be a complete defence to that … Continue reading When Does A Limitation Period Start?
Civil Litigation
What is a signature in the Digital Age?
The pandemic has forced all of us to pivot from many of our previous modes of carrying out our day-to-day activities. Vaccine certificates are required in order to sit down for a meal at a restaurant. Masks and daily health screenings are needed before our children head out the door to go to school. Screen … Continue reading What is a signature in the Digital Age?
COVID-19 – Constructive Dismissal Update Revisited
In my last post, which you can find here, I wrote about section 7 of O. Reg. 228/20 entitled Infectious Disease Emergency Leave (the “IDEL Regulation”) and how it affects an employee's claim for constructive dismissal. Section 7 of this Regulation of the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (the “ESA”) states: (1) The following does not constitute constructive dismissal if … Continue reading COVID-19 – Constructive Dismissal Update Revisited
COVID-19 – Constructive Dismissal Update
As many employers are aware, not long after the start of the pandemic, the provincial government enacted legislation to preclude employees from advancing a claim of constructive dismissal based on a temporary lay-off prompted by COVID-19. More information on constructive dismissal can be found here. Specifically, the government passed O. Reg. 228/20 entitled Infectious Disease … Continue reading COVID-19 – Constructive Dismissal Update
I Have Just Been Let Go. What Happens To My Bonus Now?
Quite often, when I am asked by a client to review a severance package, the entitlement to a bonus is an important factor. In some cases, the employer historically pays a bonus, which varies in amount from year to year, but is entirely gratuitous with no connection whatsoever to the performance of the employee or … Continue reading I Have Just Been Let Go. What Happens To My Bonus Now?
As A Union Member, Can I Sue My Employer?
I often receive phone calls from employees who are members of a union with inquiries about claims that they would like to pursue against their employers. Unfortunately, except in very limited circumstances, there is little that I can do as an employment lawyer to help them. The limited circumstances where I can assist a union … Continue reading As A Union Member, Can I Sue My Employer?
COVID-19 – Urgent Applications During the Pandemic
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March, courts across the province ceased operations almost entirely. At present, in the Superior Court of Justice, the only civil cases to be adjudicated are those considered urgent in nature. A link to the Notice issued by Chief Justice Morawetz setting out the various kinds of urgent … Continue reading COVID-19 – Urgent Applications During the Pandemic
Update on Termination Clauses from the Court of Appeal
Termination clauses or notice provisions in employment agreements are an area of employment law that continues to develop at a rapid pace. These provisions attempt to limit the amount of notice, or pay in lieu thereof, that an employee might be entitled to upon dismissal. My previous article on this topic can be found here. … Continue reading Update on Termination Clauses from the Court of Appeal
What Am I Entitled To In A Wrongful Dismissal Claim?
Most of the time, when a client comes to see me about a wrongful dismissal, the client tells me, "I only want what I am entitled to." However, most of the time, the client does not really know what he or she is entitled to in damages or compensation. The Court of Appeal's decision in … Continue reading What Am I Entitled To In A Wrongful Dismissal Claim?
Publicly Placing A Person In False Light
The COVID-19 pandemic forced millions across the province to work or study from home. In order to use videoconferencing or virtual classrooms, a stable internet connection is needed. While the internet has become an indispensable tool for most Ontarians, we are all well-aware of how it can also be used to harm others. The law … Continue reading Publicly Placing A Person In False Light