New Hire
New Trade Agreement Makes Canada More Accessible to Foreign Professionals
On December 30, 2018 the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (“CPTPP”) came into force presenting new opportunities for facilitating the temporary entry of “business persons” into Canada from 10 signatory countries in the Asia-Pacific Region: Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam.
Discrimination on the Basis of Addiction? Not Where Employee Capable of Complying with Workplace Rules
In a decision released on June 15, 2017, the Supreme Court of Canada has held that an employer did not discriminate against an employee when it terminated his employment for failing to disclose his use of cocaine.
Changes to Unpaid Leave Periods in British Columbia
Amendments to the Employment Standards Act (ESA) in 2019 and 2020 have introduced new job protected leave periods as set out below.
When Volunteers are “Workers”: 5 Key Ways to Effectively Manage OHS Risk
Volunteers. Volunteerism. They both matter. Without them Canadian society would suffer. But, when are volunteers “workers” for the purpose of OHS legislation? What is the effect of this? How do you keep volunteers safe and otherwise manage risk effectively? What, in fact, are the risks? These are questions that we have been asked and are happy to answer.
Offer of Employment to a Foreign National Exempt From an LMIA
In February 2015, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) set out new requirements for the issuance of work permits under the International Mobility Program.
BC’s Provincial Nominee Program: What Employers Need to Know
Administered by the Province of BC under an agreement with Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (“IRCC”), the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is the province’s only direct economic immigration tool for bringing in new British Columbians.
“Tweets Are My Own” – Except When Your Company’s Reputation Is On The Line
Employers can ask workers not to identify themselves as employees on personal social media accounts.
Averaging Agreements
Section 37 of the Employment Standards Act allows employees and employers to agree on work schedules that are irregular and that would otherwise attract overtime. As a tourism employer, you might find that averaging agreements provide a degree of flexibility and related cost savings.
Accommodating Employees’ “Family Status”: A Legal Imperative?
In the era of the "sandwich generation", many employees are balancing work with significant family obligations – caring for children, aging parents, or both. Many employers seeking to retain valued employees have been considering and implementing temporary or even permanent flexible work arrangements in an effort to assist employees in balancing their work and family responsibilities.
Paydays, Payroll Records and Deductions
The Employment Standards Act sets out your obligations with respect to paying your employees and maintaining payroll records. One common area of confusion and dispute concerns an employer’s ability to make deductions from wages. To employees, payday is an important event, and it’s something you should get right – every time.