Employer Misconduct Results in Moral Damages

The Ontario Court of Appeal in Doyle v. Zochem Inc., 2017 ONCA 130 recently upheld an award of $60,000 in “moral damages” to a former employee for the bad faith manner in which she was dismissed.

Pregnancy Quips Perpetuate Gender Discrimination

Yes, it’s 2017, but gender discrimination continues to persist in many workplaces. Discrimination in employment on the basis of gender is contrary to human rights legislation and leaves an employer vulnerable to liability for its wrongful conduct.

September 30, 2016

Sexual Harassment and the Perils of Failing to Manage Workplace...

The recent arbitration decision in Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 1418 v New Brunswick (Justice and Public Safety), 2016 CanLII 50052 (NB LA) (July 28, 2016) highlights the dangers in failing to confront employee “bad” behaviour and being lax with policy enforcement and training.

August 18, 2016

The “Wells Report” on Municipal Ethics Systems: Window Dressing or...

The Honourable Clyde K. Wells, Q.C., released his “Report to St. John’s City Council on Recommended Adjustments to The City’s Existing Ethical Conduct Legislation” (the “Report”) in September of last year.

August 11, 2016

Use of Social Media for Operational Purposes: Should Employers Hang...

A recent labour arbitration decision out of Ontario considers an employer’s obligation to protect its employees from harassment via an employer’s presence on social media.

Unprecedented Damage Award for Violation of Human Rights

Early this year, the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal chartered into new territory when it awarded an employee $150,000 in damages for injury to dignity, feelings and self-respect that were caused by the employer’s egregious violation of the employee’s human rights.