How can an employer ensure a safe workplace while also protecting its individual employees’ human rights? Erin Brandt considers this question in her latest case law update. Read Erin’s review of the recent Supreme Court of Canada decision in Stewart v. Elk Valley Coal Corp. here.
Archive | Blog
Implied Terms in Employment Contracts: Part 1 (Employees)
Employment contracts come in all shapes and sizes. They vary in terms of detail, style and substance. There’s one thing they all have in common, however. Every employment agreement is FULL of implied terms.
Mental vs. Physical Injuries: Canada’s Highest Court Clarifies
Should the courts treat mental and physical injuries differently when it comes to assessing damages? Find out in Richard Johnson‘s latest case law update, a review of the recent Supreme Court of Canada decision in Saadati v. Moorehead, here.
Human Rights in BC: Should We Follow Ontario’s Example?
By Erin Brandt. The purposes of our provincial Human Rights Code are to: Foster a society in which there are no impediments to full and free participation in the economic, social, political and cultural life of British Columbia. Promote a climate of understanding and mutual respect where all are equal in dignity and rights. Prevent […]
Japanese Vending Machines: The High Cost of Low-Skilled Labour
If you’ve ever been to Japan, you’ve probably noticed the bevy of vending machines. They’re everywhere. In fact, there are approximately 23 vending machines for every person in Japan. For a population of 127 million people, that’s, well…a lot of vending machines.
Seasonal Worker Series (Part 5): Ending the Seasonal Employment Relationship
As we head into the last few weeks of summer, we look at the rights and obligations of employers and employees when it comes to ending seasonal employment.
Sustainable Employment: Hiring for Success (AdvocateDaily.com)
Hiring the right employee can be stressful, but Kent Employment lawyer Richard Johnson tells AdvocateDaily.com that a new model is producing better results for both parties.
Paradise Lost – Firing an Employee on Vacation
By Samantha Stepney. Are you considering firing an employee who is on vacation in order to avoid a scene at the office? We recommend that you reconsider this strategy for both legal and other reasons. Aggravated Damages All employers owe their employees a duty of good faith and fair dealing in the manner of termination. […]
Severance liability, bad faith damages result of employer’s ambiguous standards (The Lawyer’s Daily)
Richard Johnson lends his insight on the Cottrill v. Utopia Day Spas and Salons Ltd. case relating to aggravated/bad faith damages in Lawyers Daily.
Rights and Obligations in a WorkSafeBC Inspection
There are few things more unsettling to employers than a surprise visit by a WorkSafeBC investigator, whatever the motivation for the inspection may be. While many managers may want to respond by telling the investigators to “get lost”, a more sensible approach starts with understanding everyone’s rights, obligations, and expectations during investigations of this nature.
