While not universally applicable, social media has contributed to a decrease in the separation between our personal and professional lives. In other words, social media has blurred boundaries.  With just a few taps on our smartphones, we can share our thoughts, experiences, and even frustrations with the world. But what unfolds when personal posts on the most popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter backfire, such as leading to job loss? Employees may be legally dismissed (for just cause) if they publicly post or share comments that are considered inappropriate, off ..read more

Injuries may occur at any point in your life, and depending on the severity, it may be challenging to navigate employment after sustaining the injury. It is essential to report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. When returning to work, you must be mindful of health considerations and workplace obligations. In this blog, we will be exploring the return-to-worawk process, consider options such as modified work arrangements, and address common concerns faced by employees, including disputes over return-to-work readiness, potential pay cuts, the pressure to resign, and unfair treatm ..read more

In today’s job market, being laid off can be a frightening experience due to uncertainty of the future. Whether due to economic downturns, company restructuring, or unforeseen circumstances, being laid off can have immense financial and psychological implications. However, it is important to keep in mind that as an employee in Canada, you have rights and protections in place to help you through this challenging time. In this blog, we will explore your rights as an employee if you find yourself facing a layoff in Canada. Notice Periods and Pay in Lieu When an employee is facing a layoff, one of ..read more

Receiving an employment offer is a moment that can shape your career path, determining not just your current circumstances but also influencing your long-term prospects. It is easy to overlook the finer details hidden in the employment contract amidst the excitement of a new opportunity. This is where an experienced legal professional’s advice is vital. In this comprehensive review, we explore the primary reasons for why it is not just advisable but also necessary to have a lawyer evaluate a job offer to protect your interests and ensure a strong start to your career. Understanding the Employm ..read more

Every individual deserves to work in a safe environment free from bullying and harassment. However, despite regulations and policies in place, instances of workplace mistreatment still occur. When faced with such adversity, understanding one’s employment rights becomes crucial. In this blog, we discuss the legal framework surrounding bullying and harassment in the workplace. Defining Bullying and Harassment Bullying: Bullying is seen as acts or verbal comments that could psychologically or mentally hurt or isolate a person in the workplace. This includes behaviour that intimidates, offends, d ..read more

Remote work has transformed from a convenient perk to an imperative aspect of many workplaces. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this shift, prompting companies to adopt remote work policies rapidly. As we navigate this evolving landscape, it’s important to understand the legal implications and trends associated with remote work. As an employment and immigration law firm, we’re dedicated to helping businesses and employees navigate these complexities. This blog will explore key trends shaping remote work and discuss the legal considerations involved with this type of work. Work Location Types ..read more

Termination with cause is one of the forms of termination available to employers in Ontario. This means that employers can terminate an employee without notice or payment in cases of serious misconduct or poor performance. However, it is important to note that termination for cause is difficult to prove and often involves various legal complexities.  In this blog, we discuss termination with cause and its consequences for both employees and employers.  What Constitutes Termination for Cause?  If an employee is terminated for cause an employer may not be required to provide any n ..read more

Wrongful dismissal occurs when an employer terminates an employee without providing them with advanced notice of termination or appropriate pay in lieu of notice. It’s important to note that determining whether a dismissal was wrongful doesn’t solely rely on the fairness or reasonableness of the termination itself. Instead, it focuses on how the termination took place and the circumstances surrounding it. Legal Principles  Notice Period:In Ontario, employees have a right to receive pay in lieu of notice. The entitlements to notice under Ontario’s Employment Standards Act (the “ESA”) are m ..read more

The concept of resignation in employment law is often more complex than it appears. A pivotal case that sheds light on this intricacy is Johal v Simmons da Silva LLP, as adjudicated by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. This case, while dating back to 2017, sets a foundational understanding of what constitutes a clear and unequivocal resignation. However, with the evolving dynamics of the modern workplace, particularly post-COVID-19, and advancements in digital communication, the parameters of what defines a resignation have become increasingly nuanced. Johal v Simmons da Silva LLP: A Case ..read more

If your employment is “severed”, you may be entitled to severance pay. Severance pay is paid to a qualified employee as compensation for losses (such as loss of seniority) that occur when a long-term employee loses their job. Severance pay is not the same as termination pay, which is given in place of the required notice of termination of employment.  This blog discusses the particulars of severance pay and outlines when severance pay occurs and who qualifies for it. When Severance Occurs A person’s employment is “severed” when their employer: dismisses or stops employing the employee, i ..read more