By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • A wrongful dismissal lawsuit that challenges whether pregnancy is a protected ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code will be worth watching, says Toronto employment lawyer Ellen Low. Low, principal of Ellen Low & Co., says she was intrigued by Google Canada’s statement of defence in the lawsuit filed […]
Google challenges a woman’s claim of ‘pregnancy discrimination’ Read More »
By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • Probationary periods of employment are nothing new, but employers who fail to grasp the nuances involved can face significant legal consequences, says Toronto employment lawyer Ellen Low. While a probationary term is a long-standing practice acceptable by law, there are many clauses which run the risk of failing to
Don’t make assumptions about employment probationary terms Read More »
By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • A recent decision by the Human Rights Tribunal (HRTO) is notable for providing insight into assessing witness credibility, says Toronto employment lawyer Ellen Low. The ruling in the case of a woman who alleged her employer discriminated against her based on her age and sex and created a poisoned
Tribunal ruling provides helpful analysis of witness credibility Read More »
By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • A recent court judgment offers “some real practical advice” on the principles of mitigation, says Toronto employment lawyer Ellen Low. In Byrd v Welcome Home Children’s Residence Inc., the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Small Claims Court, offered “a fully reasoned, well thought out” analysis on how the mitigation
Court judgment offers guidance on the principles of mitigation Read More »
By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • Employees should carefully consider all their legal options if they have been asked to sign an anti-rehire agreement in a severance package, says Toronto employment lawyer Ellen Low. Low, principal of Ellen Low & Co., says anti-hire clauses are not typically common in Canada but are utilized nonetheless. “An
Take the time to understand the implications of anti-rehire clauses Read More »
By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • January is not only the start of another new year but it’s also the perfect time to review and update employment contracts and workplace policies, says Toronto employment lawyer Ellen Low. Low, principal of Ellen Low & Co., says new employment legislation coming into effect in 2025 is reason
The new year is a good time to review employment contracts Read More »
By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • While unlimited paid time off (PTO) policies may potentially benefit both employers and employees, it is a concept that needs to be carefully evaluated before being implemented or accepted, says Toronto employment lawyer Ellen Low. Low, principal of Ellen Low & Co., says many organizations have been moving to
Consider all the pros and cons of unlimited paid time off policies Read More »
By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • A simple bureaucratic change could help avoid ongoing Hunger Games scenarios for those attempting to satisfy Employment Insurance (EI) repayment obligations after a workplace settlement, says Toronto employment lawyer Ellen Low. Low, principal of Ellen Low & Co., says it is not unusual for people to receive EI benefits
Time to change Employment Insurance repayment system Read More »
By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • Potential whistleblowers and those considering making derogatory public statements at the end of an employment relationship should choose their words carefully or risk a defamation lawsuit, says Toronto employment lawyer Ellen Low. Low, principal of Ellen Low & Co., says there are cases where people feel the need to
Be careful about what you say or post – it could land you in court Read More »
By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • Fixed-term contracts may seem a logical choice when hiring workers for a specified period but employers need to consider all the legal ramifications to avoid running afoul of the law, says Toronto employment lawyer Ellen Low. Low, principal of Ellen Low & Co., says a fixed-term contract is an
Carefully consider all the pros and cons of fixed-term contracts Read More »
