A Word of Caution for Employers: When Terminating Employees Say...

What do employment contracts and termination letters have in common? They both have the potential to end, or at least limit, an employer’s liability in the event of a termination. However, to be effective, they must be properly drafted. A termination letter that fails to assert just cause for termination, and specify the reasons for […]

National COVID-19 App Available in Nova Scotia; Potential for Public...

Nova Scotia recently became the eighth province to onboard the federal government’s COVID-19 exposure notification application. Public health officials believe that if it is widely used across Canada, COVID Alert has the potential to provide an efficient way of tracing the virus. However, the introduction of this tracking technology into the national COVID-19 response presents new privacy issues for Canadians to consider.

Dismissed Employee gets his $1 Million Bonus and we get...

Is an employee entitled to incentive compensation as part of their “reasonable notice” damages when terminated from employment? That is often the $1 million (or even $10,000) question. Background It is well established at common law that an employee who is terminated without cause is entitled to be provided with reasonable advance notice and, failing […]

August 20, 2020

Laying it All Out: Why Layoff Clauses Should be Included...

In times of financial uncertainty, employers seeking to cut costs may quickly turn to temporary layoffs. From the employer’s point of view, layoffs offer an opportunity to press “pause” on its obligations to employees in the short-term while still maintaining the employment relationship in the long-term. Failing to handle layoffs properly, however, may leave the […]

COVID-19 Travel Restrictions in Atlantic Canada – A Summary for...

This article was last updated on September 10, 2020 While the term “unprecedented” is being used frequently in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures that have been taken in response to it, one context where the word can legitimately be applied is the restrictions to inter-provincial travel that have been introduced in […]

Newfoundland and Labrador’s COVID-19 Response – Information for Businesses

This article was revised to include updates as of June 8, 2020 On March 18, 2020, the Minister of Health and Community Services for Newfoundland and Labrador declared a Public Health Emergency under the Public Health Protection and Promotion Act. This declaration continues in effect; along with the accompanying Orders under the Act, and has […]

Nova Scotia – Legal Implications of the COVID-19 Emergency

Summary of rules for Nova Scotians, businesses and institutions under the Heath Protection Act and the Emergency Management Act, updated as of May 1.

Tendering and COVID-19: bidders beware (or at least be aware)

Amid the messages of complex and difficult times it should be no surprise that a traditionally challenging topic – procurement – would be even more complex these days. The attention needed to sustain the health of any business is even greater as we struggle to “flatten the curve” through self-isolation. But industry dare not stop […]

April 9, 2020

Client Care and Continued Service at Cox & Palmer

The Cox & Palmer COVID-19 Response Team continues to monitor the current situation closely. These are unprecedented times and we are navigating each day with care and concern.

COVID-19 Related Travel Restrictions in Canada: The Impact on Foreign...

Throughout these uncertain times, it is important for foreign nationals currently living in Canada or planning to travel to Canada to remain vigilant with respect to the changing government regulations regarding entry to Canada.