In A Flash
Introduction In a decision released August 25, 2026, the Ontario Labour Relations Board (the “OLRB”) provided important guidance on the interaction between central and local bargaining under Ontario’s School Boards Collective Bargaining Act, 2014 (the “SBCBA”), particularly during first collective agreement negotiations. In Ottawa Catholic School Board (OLRB Case No. 3382-25-U and 0082-26-M), Vice-Chair Brian … Continued
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In A Flash
Background The Tax Court of Canada (“TCC”) has recently found that an office assistant working at a chiropractic clinic for nearly two years was an independent contractor, not an employee. In Varga v. The King, 2026 TCC 138 (“Varga”), on appeal from the CPP/EI Rulings Division, the TCC was asked to determine whether the Intervenor/Worker … Continued
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In A Flash
Introduction Following upon its landmark decision regarding termination provisions in employment agreements last week, the Ontario Court of Appeal released another important decision for employers who provide deferred equity compensation to their employees. In Wigdor v. Facebook Canada Ltd., 2026 ONCA 572, the Court of Appeal held that language in Restricted Stock Unit (“RSU”) agreements … Continued
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In A Flash
Termination provisions in employment contracts are constantly under attack by terminated employees seeking severance packages beyond those contemplated by their written agreements. One such challenge which has been hotly debated, arising from the analytical framework established in Dufault v. The Corporation of the Township of Ignace, 2024 ONSC 1029 (“Dufault”), is whether the use of the … Continued
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The Pulse - Healthcare Update
SECOND ISSUE • SUMMER 2026 Welcome Back to The Pulse The 3.5% general wage increase we identified as the emerging norm in our last issue has not just held — it has hardened, and it has spread. INTEREST ARBITRATION: THE PATTERN EXTENDS Across 36 long-term care and retirement home awards this quarter, not one board … Continued
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In A Flash
Whereas the WSIB’s SIEF policy has long provided employers with cost relief in claims where a worker’s prior disability caused or contributed to the compensable accident, or if the period resulting from an accident becomes prolonged or enhanced due to a worker’s pre-existing condition, the revisions establish an effective closure date of June 16, 2026: … Continued
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In A Flash
The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development in Ontario recently amended Ontario Regulation 422/17 (the “regulations”) pursuant to the Ontario Immigration Act, 2015 (OIA), which changed the permanent residence streams available under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (“OINP”). These amendments came into force on June 26, 2026. The changes include removing the existing eight (8) streams and … Continued
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In A Flash
The Facts In Tudor v Accurate Screen Ltd., the employer posted for a new Vice President of Business Development, considered an executive level position. The job posting stated an undergraduate degree in Business Administration or a related field was required and that an applicant would ideally also posses an MBA. The Plaintiff’s online application stated … Continued
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In A Flash
Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 (No. 2) The Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 (No. 2), more commonly referred to as Bill 11, was introduced by the Government of Alberta in late October 2025. Bill 11 will affect employer-sponsored benefit plans in three key areas: 1) Age-based termination of benefits; 2) Drugs and supplemental health benefits; … Continued
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