What do Canadian employers and employees do in the COVID-19 outbreak? COVID-19 and the workplace – Just before this article was written, the Prime Minister of Canada announced that due to COVID-19 Canada’s borders will be closing to most tourists, and that all Canadians abroad must return home and self-isolate.  This is just the latest in […]

Madeline Harden signed the BC Barristers and Solicitors’ Roll and participated in the BC Law Society’s Bar Admission Ceremony on Friday, 13 March 2020. This was the last requirement for Madeline to become a practicing member of the Law Society of British Columbia. Madeline’s principal during her articling term was Sebastien Anderson. A month earlier,

Employers have important obligations towards workers with disabilities Diversity is one of British Columbia’s greatest strengths and employers gain the diversity advantage when they seek to employ people with disabilities. It is estimated that more than six million Canadians identify as having a disability. Globally, the population of persons with a disability is 1.3 billion.

Retaining a labour lawyer – Recent changes to ICBC have led to personal injury lawyers masquerading as employment, labour, and human rights lawyers. Retaining an experienced employment, human rights or labour lawyer is often one of the most critical decisions you will make. Unfortunately, if you’re making this decision in BC, you should make this decision even

“Just cause” dismissal means a dismissal where the employer had cause to terminate the employment of an employee. Why might it be important for an employer to claim that a dismissal was with cause? In a “without cause” dismissal, the employer will usually have an obligation to provide notice, pay in lieu of notice, or

Under the BC Workers Compensation Act, regulations, and policy, it is the obligation of everyone in the workplace, i.e., the employer, supervisors, and employees, to take all reasonable steps to prevent bullying and harassment from taking place. However, not every unpleasant interaction or disrespectful behaviour will constitute bullying or harassment. Bullying and harassment are generally

In a previous blog, we discussed what options an employee has available to them if they are being harassed and bullied at work. One of the options we outlined there was for the employee to resign from their employment on the basis that they have been constructively dismissed. What does it mean to be “constructively dismissed?” If an

The law involving the duty to accommodate is complex and constantly evolving. Because of this, it’s helpful for employees and employers to understand the fundamental legal principles upon which the law is based. It is equally important to obtain timely legal advice from a human rights lawyer about how these legal principles may apply to your particular circumstances. An

Can I stay home from work when it’s snowing?   It’s snowing outside, and you’re wondering if you can stay home from work. If you’re in BC, and you have kids, the answer may be “yes!” Under the Employment Standards Act (the “ESA”), if your child has to stay home from school because of a snow day,