Your employer is generally required to honour the terms of your employment, especially when it comes to your pay. If you were promised a certain wage at hiring and didn’t agree to any changes, a reduction in pay could violate your rights under Ontario law.This article explains what happens when an employer tries to
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Workplace Accommodations
Workplace accommodation requests can be critical for employees who face barriers due to disability, religion, family status, or other protected grounds. In Ontario, employers have a legal duty to accommodate under the Ontario Human Rights Code (“Code”) to the point of undue hardship.When an accommodation request is denied, it can leave an employee feeling…
Performance Reviews: Legal Best Practices
Performance reviews are essential tools for evaluating employee productivity, aligning individual goals with business objectives, and improving workplace performance. In Ontario, however, these reviews must be carried out with legal care and consistency to avoid potential liability. Employers must ensure their evaluation practices comply with Ontario’s employment and human rights laws.This article outlines the legal…
Social Media and Your Workplace
Social media has become an integral part of daily life, both personally and professionally. While platforms such as LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook offer employees and employers valuable communication tools, they also raise complex legal and reputational issues in the workplace. In Ontario, managing the intersection between employment and social media use…
Can Employers Be Sued for a Toxic Workplace Environment?
A toxic workplace environment can seriously impact employee well-being, productivity, and a company’s reputation. But beyond the internal disruption, a toxic workplace can also expose employers in Ontario to legal claims.This article explores what constitutes a toxic work environment, how it creates legal risk for employers, and how organizations can reduce exposure by addressing issues…
Counterclaim and Exemplary Damages in Employment Litigation
Facing an employment dispute can be stressful, especially when litigation is involved. But what happens when the tables turn and the employer files a counterclaim against the employee? Understanding how counterclaims work—and the potential for exemplary damages—can help both employers and employees address the risks involved in employment litigation.
Whether you’re an employee defending a…
Workplace Dress in Ontario: What Belongs in Your Policy?
In Ontario, workplace dress codes are more than just fashion statements—they’re policy decisions. A clearly written dress code helps employers manage professionalism, safety, and inclusivity, all while reducing the risk of legal challenges. Yet, many organizations still overlook this critical piece of their workplace policy framework.This article explores what Ontario employers need to consider when…
Frustration of (Employment) Contract in Ontario
Frustration of contract, in the context of employment law in Ontario, refers to a situation where a contract of employment becomes impossible to fulfill due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of either the employer or the employee. This concept is based on the principle that if the performance of a contract becomes fundamentally impossible…
Can I be forced to sign a new employment contract?
An employment contract in Ontario defines the legal relationship between an employer and an employee, outlining rights, responsibilities, and entitlements. As workplaces evolve—particularly with remote and flexible arrangements—many employers are re-evaluating and replacing existing agreements. Understanding what can and cannot be changed in an employment contract is essential for both parties.What is an Employment Contract?In…
Breach of Fiduciary Duty: 5 Signs Your Interests Are Compromised
A fiduciary is someone in a position of trust who is legally required to act in the best interests of another party. This includes corporate directors, business partners, trustees, and financial advisors. When an individual fails to uphold their fiduciary duties, it can result in financial loss, reputational damage, and legal disputes. Recognizing the signs of…