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?
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
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?
How Long Can I Wait To Look For A New Job?
Every employee suing for wrongful or constructive dismissal is required to mitigate his or her losses by taking reasonable steps to search for new work. This duty to mitigate is a topic that I have written about on several occasions. You can find links to these articles here and here. A question that I am … Continue reading How Long Can I Wait To Look For A New Job?
Revisiting the Tort of Harassment
In a previous article, I wrote about the development of the tort of harassment. A link to this article can be found here. However, earlier this year, the Court of Appeal reversed the lower court's decision and concluded that there is no basis at this time to recognize a new cause of action based on harassment. … Continue reading Revisiting the Tort of Harassment
Can You Sue Your Former Employer For Giving A Negative Reference?
It is less and less common for an employee to spend his entire working career with one employer. In order to build a more impressive resumé and develop a greater skill set, it is not uncommon to find employees spending several years with one employer, then moving on to other opportunities, and repeating the process … Continue reading Can You Sue Your Former Employer For Giving A Negative Reference?