News & Events
Your Privacy, Your Voice: The Government of Canada holds Online Consultations
January 18, 2021
Although Canadian laws have been slow to evolve, individual privacy rights have been an issue of importance and concern for many Canadian throughout history and into the present day. With an ever growing global economy in the digital age the transfer of personal information has undoubtedly become a form of currency with which we knowingly or
Expertise
Privacy and Compliance
The Ontario Government issues a second COVID-19 emergency declaration and a stay-at-home order
January 15, 2021
On January 12, 2021, the Ontario Government issued a second state of emergency declaration under s. 7.0.1(1) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (the “EMCPA“) in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Under the EMCPA the emergency declaration will automatically terminate after 14 days unless it is extended (or terminated early). As part
Practice Area
Labour Law
Toronto Employers – Additional COVID-19 Protocols and Protections Introduced
January 11, 2021
Over the past months we have all seen just how quickly the rules and regulations in response to COVID-19 have and can change in the interest of protecting public health and safety. On January 4, 2021, with immediate effect, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health instituted additional operational guidelines for employers. The new operational requirements are
Expertise
Employment Law
Update – COVID-19 and Employment in Ontario: What you need to know for January 2021
December 18, 2020
Update: On the evening of December 17th the Ontario Government announced the extension of Infectious Disease Emergency leave to July 3, 2021. To view the press release, please click here. While the COVID-19 Period is slated to end January 2, 2021, employers will still need to be compliant with all orders of public health and
Expertise
Employment Law
Lesa MacDonald has assumed the role of Counsel in the Pensions and Benefits Department
December 1, 2020
We are pleased to announce that, effective December 1, 2020, Lesa MacDonald has assumed the role of Counsel in the Pensions and Benefits Department of Koskie Minsky LLP. In her new role, Lesa will be taking on additional senior-level client relationship management responsibilities. She will continue her legal advisory work for clients of the Pension and
Practice Area
Pension and Benefits, Labour Law
Cross-Border Privacy Issues: Doing Business in the United States
November 30, 2020
Whether a Canadian business has operations in the United States, uses a third party from the United States or even stores its information on a cloud server in the United States, it is almost impossible to do business in Canada without a cross-border aspect. Regardless of the level of interaction with our neighbours to the
Expertise
Privacy and Compliance
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE RELEASES NEW DRAFT LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS FOR CONVERSION OF HEALTH AND WELFARE TRUSTS TO EMPLOYEE LIFE AND HEALTH TRUSTS
November 30, 2020
On Friday, November 27, 2020 the Department of Finance released its long awaited legislative proposals to amend the Income Tax Act provisions governing Employee Life and Health Trusts (“ELHTs”). For the most part, these new draft proposals include some welcome changes and should facilitate the transition to an ELHT. It should be noted that the
Practice Area
Pension and Benefits
The HRTO Reminds us that Steps to Enforce Terms of Settlement Require Timely Action
November 24, 2020
Schweizer v. The Corporation of the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville (“Schweizer v. Whitchurch-Stouffville”), provides procedural reminders with respect to the enforcement of settlements entered into in matters before the Human Rights Tribunal (“HRTO”) of Ontario. The applicant, a former employee of the respondent, alleged discrimination with respect to her employment. The parties entered into Minutes of
Expertise
Employment Law
Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeal Tribunal Bars Constructive Dismissal Action
November 18, 2020
Facts The complaining Employee was employed as a housekeeper at a hotel in Niagara Falls, Ontario where she was allegedly harassed and taunted by her colleagues and supervisor for having an unpleasant odour and for other matters related to a diagnosed medical condition. While still working at the hotel, the Employee filed a human rights
Expertise
Employment Law
Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeal Tribunal Bars Constructive Dismissal Action
November 18, 2020
Facts The complaining Employee was employed as a housekeeper at a hotel in Niagara Falls, Ontario where she was allegedly harassed and taunted by her colleagues and supervisor for having an unpleasant odour and for other matters related to a diagnosed medical condition. While still working at the hotel, the Employee filed a human rights
Practice Area
Labour Law