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The Perils of Bias in Workplace GenAI
In the rapidly evolving landscape of tech, Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) is becoming a central player, especially in sectors like customer service, content creation, and…
Free webinar: Trauma-Informed Workplace Investigation
November 10, 2021
Join us for Part 2 of this webinar series. Dealing with Harassment, Bullying and Sexual Violence in the Workplace, as we do a deep dive into Trauma-Informed Workplace Investigations (TII). SpringLaw’s Flo Vineberg and Emily Siu will discuss the role of a Trauma-Informed Workplace Investigator and best practices for employers.
Date: Wednesday, November 17, 2021
Time: 10:30-11:00 am EST
Register: Click here!
A Proposed Ban on Non-Competes
November 3, 2021
Photo by Bernard Hermant on Unsplash
On October 25, Ontario Bill 27, Working for Workers Act, 2021 (“the Bill”) passed first reading. This Bill proposes amendments to our key Ontario employment statutes, including the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (the “ESA”) and the Occupational Health and Safety Act. In today’s post, we will review highlights regarding the proposed ban on non-competes and talk about how Ontario businesses can prepare.
A Ban On Non-Competes
One much-discussed element of the Bill is the proposed ban on non-competition agreements in employment contracts.
A non-competition agreement restricts – or tries to – an employee’s ability, for a period of time, to work for a competitor after leaving the employer. The restriction is usually somewhere between three months to two years.
A Guide for Employers During COVID-19 – October 26 update
October 27, 2021
A Guide for Employers during COVID-19
This free guide sets out the key employment law issues to consider, as well as the government’s financial relief options to explore, to get through this ongoing pandemic. (Last Updated October 26, 2021)
Should you need legal advice specific to your workplace, please get in touch to learn more about our legal services.
Further free employment law resources can be found here.
Recent Changes to the Federal Government’s Covid-19 Benefits Schemes
October 27, 2021
Photo by Neil Thomas on Unsplash
As of Saturday, October 23, 2021, a suite of federal benefits formerly slated for both individuals and small businesses was set to expire following several extension periods. In partial response, the federal government has earmarked $7.4 billion for new programs intended to maintain some level of support for businesses and individuals throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
What Is Set To Expire?
On October 23, 2021, the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) and the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) both expired after their initial implementation in 2020. The Budget Implementation Act would allow the government to extend these programs to November 30, 2021, however, anything beyond this time frame would require the introduction of new legislation. Under the CERS, businesses have a monthly cap of $75,000 on eligible expenses that can be claimed per business location, and $300,000 in total for all locations. In our discussion below, there is potential for an increase in this monthly cap.
A Deeper Dive into Exemptions from Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policies
October 20, 2021
Photo by Steven Cornfield on Unsplash
In our recent blog, we discussed the consequences that employees may face for not receiving government-approved COVID-19 vaccinations. We also touched on the legitimate medical or religious reasons that some employees may have for refusing or being unable to be vaccinated. In this blog, we’ll take a deeper dive into what sorts of exemptions employers should be prepared to expect (if they have not already come across them) and the steps they can take to determine whether employees have a valid request for an exemption from vaccination, along with the required accommodations.
Types of COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Exemptions Employers May Encounter
Employers should keep an eye out for valid medical and religious/creed-based exemptions employees may have from vaccination.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario has provided some examples (of which it emphasizes there are few) of acceptable medical exemptions from the COVID-19 vaccination:
Free webinar: Dealing with Harassment, Bullying, and Sexual Violence in the Workplace
October 18, 2021
October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Harassment, bullying, and sexual violence in the workplace continue to persist. Last month, Western University dealt with several sexual assault allegations. What does this mean for employers?
Join SpringLaw’s Flo Vineberg and Emily Siu as they discuss sexual assault, harassment, and violence in the workplace, as well trauma-informed workplace investigations.
Date: Wednesday, October 20, 2021
Time: 10:30-11:00 am EST
Register: Click here!
