Latest news in Legal issues

How could the federal parties’ childcare platforms affect working parents?

The result of the federal election could have a direct impact on working parents. The Liberal Party made a national $10 a day childcare system…

  • By: Staff
  • September 15, 2021 September 15, 2021
  • 09:00

Uber drivers entitled to same employment benefits as taxi drivers: Dutch court

A court in Amsterdam ruled Sept. 13 that Uber drivers fall under the Dutch taxi drivers’ collective labour agreement — meaning they’re entitled to the same employment…

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Liberals promising to protect employers mandating coronavirus vaccines

Amid the ongoing federal election campaign, the Liberal Party is promising to table legislation that would allow employers to request proof of a coronavirus vaccination…

  • By: Staff
  • September 9, 2021 September 9, 2021
  • 15:00
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KPMG, Couche-Tard mandating coronavirus vaccinations for employees

KPMG in Canada is among the latest companies requiring coronavirus vaccinations all employees. As of Oct. 1, the company is mandating vaccinations for all partners, employees,…

What can employers do if workers won’t get coronavirus vaccine?

Air Canada’s recent decision not to offer rapid testing as an alternative for employees who refuse to be vaccinated against the coronavirus sets a tough new…

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Ontario optometrists’ services withdrawal may cause ‘trickle-down effect’ for benefits plans: consultant

While the withdrawal of provincially-insured eye services by Ontario optometrists is unlikely to have a direct impact on benefits plans, it could cause a “trickle-down…

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Federal parties making mental-health services promises on campaign trail

If elected, the Conservative Party is promising it will encourage employers to add mental-health coverage to their benefits plans by offering a tax credit for…

  • By: Staff
  • September 2, 2021 September 2, 2021
  • 09:00

Uber Canada sharing details of self-directed benefits fund for gig workers

Uber Technologies Inc. is revealing more details of a labour model it’s pitching to Canadian provinces and territories, a model that’s drawn opposition from some…

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NDP promising universal pharmacare, Conservatives looking to double EI sickness benefits

If elected, New Democratic Party Leader Jagmeet Singh is pledging to begin working with provinces immediately to deliver a single-payer, public pharmacare program for all…

Where do the federal parties stand on paid sick leave?

Paid sick days has been a hot topic throughout the coronavirus pandemic and political leaders are pitching their solutions in the lead-up to the federal…

Delta Air Lines charging unvaccinated employees on company health plan US$200 per month

Delta Air Lines will charge employees on its company health plan US$200 a month if they fail to get vaccinated against the coronavirus, a policy…

Canadian Pharmacists Association calling for blend of private, public pharmacare plans

The Canadian Pharmacists Association is calling for a universal national pharmacare plan that blends public and private plans, according to a press release. The call is…

Vaccine policies gaining steam with small-, medium-sized employers

When the fourth wave of the coronavirus pandemic started to intensify in Canada, Toronto-based tech company Staffy decided it was time to implement a vaccination…

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Twitter among growing list of Canadian employers, governments enacting vaccination policies

Twitter Inc. is among the latest employers enacting a coronavirus vaccination policy for employees. In an emailed statement to Benefits Canada, the social media company…

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Possible national pharmacare program has pros, cons for employers: experts

Discussion around implementing a national universal pharmacare strategy is growing louder ahead of next month’s federal election. In its 2019 budget, the federal government said it…

Ontario court certifying Uber class action over employee classification

Ontario’s Superior Court of Justice has certified a class-action lawsuit against Uber Technologies Inc., which advances a fight to get some of the platform’s Canadian…

Head to head: Should private drug plans require biosimilar non-medical switching?

While one side highlights how plan sponsors can contribute to biosimilar sustainability, the other touts the benefits to patients and the health-care system. Durhane Wong-Rieger,…

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How to encourage vaccine hesitant employees to get the shot

With coronavirus vaccinations playing a key role in shaping the post-coronavirus pandemic workplace, employers can help employees overcome vaccine hesitancy through a variety of measures,…

Little legal clarity for employers dealing with pandemic-related layoffs

A trio of conflicting decisions from Ontario’s Superior Court of Justice has left employers confused about a possible onslaught of wrongful dismissal lawsuits stemming from…

B.C. hospitality workers’ layoffs affecting critical benefits during pandemic

A labour dispute between hospitality workers and two Vancouver hotels is affecting the employees’ health benefits and pension plan. More than 50 hospitality workers at…

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Employers should weigh human rights, health risks when drafting pandemic policies

Employers are facing a growing number of legal considerations as they continually adapt policies amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, according to a recent webinar hosted…

Feds supporting B.C. workplace violence, harassment prevention training program

The federal government, the B.C. Maritime Employers Association and its partners, the Warehouse Union Canada, and the Ending Violence Association of B.C., are launching a comprehensive…

  • By: Staff
  • February 11, 2021 April 23, 2021
  • 09:00
B.C. making it easier for employees to make coronavirus compensation claims

B.C. making it easier for employees to make coronavirus compensation claims

A recent change to British Columbia employment law is making it easier for workers to claim compensation related to a coronavirus infection. Last August, B.C.…

  • By: Staff
  • February 10, 2021 March 26, 2021
  • 09:00
Federal employers shouldn’t change employment entitlements during notice period: court

Federal employers shouldn’t change employment entitlements during notice period: court

A recent decision from the Ontario Superior Court suggests that federally-regulated employers will be held to the same strict rules as their provincial counterparts in…

Sounding Board: Employers playing a key role in vaccination efforts

Sounding Board: Employers playing a key role in vaccination efforts

The issue of employers imposing vaccines in a global pandemic context is unprecedented. Employers will be faced with the difficult challenge of ensuring a safe…