Q&A: Suspected use of marijuana in the workplace
With medicinal marijuana already being prescribed by doctors and the upcoming legalization of recreational marijuana just around the corner, this question addresses a real concern shared by many employers across Canada.
Ava Z Moradi, JD
7 minutes read
July 6, 2018 
The 9 top workplace posting requirements every Ontario employer must know – with the latest requirements
Employers in Ontario have to post a lot more than just the Ministry of Labour’s Employment Standards Poster in their workplaces. You may be required to have 30 or more documents and posters displayed in a location (or locations) where all your employees can see them. Employers may have posting responsibilities under the following Acts: […]
Fred Stewart
Before the duty to accommodate, the duty to inquire
If the duty to accommodate is a well-known concept, the duty to inquire is a fuzzy notion. The principle is that an employee seeking accommodation for a disability is under a duty to disclose sufficient information to her employer to enable it fulfill its duty to accommodate.
De Bousquet PC Barristers and Solicitors
When can an employer ask for an independent medical examination?
The Ontario Court of Appeal has confirmed that in certain circumstances, it is reasonable for an employer to demand an Independent Medical Examination (“IME”) to determine whether an employee needs accommodation and if so, how. In August 2017, the Court denied leave to appeal the Divisional Court’s decision that found the employer was justified in requesting an IME as part of the process of accommodation.
Rudner Law, Employment / HR Law & Mediation
The curious incident of the sick dog and paid leave in the work day
Earlier in October news outlets reported that a woman in Italy had successfully petitioned her employer to allow her to use two days of paid leave to care for her sick dog, rather than use vacation allotment.
Michele Glassford
An employer’s duty to inquire into mental illness
Accommodating a mental illness does not only benefit the employee, but it also makes good business sense. Enabling employees with mental illness to access support can increase their productivity in the workplace.
Doug MacLeod, MacLeod Law Firm
Talking damages: Put your money where your mouth is
When it comes to human rights cases, awards for general damages are often less than $10,000, even though the $10,000 cap on general damages was removed almost a decade ago.
Rudner Law, Employment / HR Law & Mediation
Workplace investigations that are required or recommended
Until the last few years formal workplace investigations were relatively uncommon. Recent changes to the law however have totally changed the legal landscape relating to workplace investigations. To reduce legal exposure and save costs, I believe most employers should ensure that at least one employee receives workplace investigation training. This blog discusses four scenarios where workplace investigations are required or recommended.
Doug MacLeod, MacLeod Law Firm
What injured workers need to know about WSIB
If you sustained a workplace injury and are in receipt of Workplace Safety and Insurance Board benefits for the first time, there are essential pieces of information that you should be familiar with…
Occasional Contributors