Employment News

The recent BC Supreme Court case of Gibraltar Mines Ltd. v Harvey, 2022 BCSC 385 provides some clarity to how the issue of discrimination based on family status may be handled in the employment context in BC. In doing so, the Gibraltar decision followed two prior BC Court of Appeal decisions which treated family status differently from other grounds … Clarification on differing treatment of discrimination based on family status

The British Columbia government has extended the temporary layoff period to 16 weeks under the Employment Standards Act (“Act”) to financially help businesses and allow employees to keep their current positions without being considered terminated. Prior to this extension, a layoff of more than 13 weeks in a 20-week period is considered a termination, which would require … UPDATE- Temporary layoffs and the Employment Standards Act of B.C.

Temporary Wage Subsidy I. What is it? Many employers do not have the means to be able to continue paying their employees as work may be limited or non-existent at this time. The government has recently announced the Temporary Wage Subsidy, whereby certain employers, for up to three months, are able to reduce the amount … WHAT BUSINESSES NEED TO KNOW DURING COVID-19

The government has proposed a new Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), in order to help businesses and workers of Canada with financial support for those who have been forced to stop working due to COVID-19. The CERB replaces the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and Emergency Support Benefit. The purpose of the CERB is to … New Canada Emergency Response Benefit

What you need to know about the recent changes to the Employment Standards Act. On March 23, 2020, the BC Legislature unanimously passed Bill 16, the Employment Standards Amendment Act (No. 2), 2020. Bill 16 adds two sections to the Employment Standards Act (the “ESA”), that is section 49.1 and 52.12, whereby employees are now entitled to unpaid leave … IS MY JOB PROTECTED IF I MUST STAY HOME DUE TO COVID-19?

The ongoing COVID-19 health crisis has led to staff shortages, reduced hours, and business closures across British Columbia; leaving many employers unsure of their legal obligations to employees. We have compiled this list of questions most frequently asked by our clients to help British Columbian businesses navigate employment laws during these trying times. Be sure … COVID-19: A GUIDE TO WORKPLACE LAW FOR EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES

It’s that time of the year to enjoy a few drinks and treats at work Christmas party! But can your conduct at such parties put you on the naughty list and get you terminated? Lets start with what is considered to be just cause for termination. In the recent case of Smith v. Pacific Coast Terminals … ‘Tis the Season – How much fun is too much fun?

Two related topics that have come up recently are “what sort of questions can I ask, or should I avoid when interviewing a new employee?” and “what sort of background searches can I conduct on prospective employees?” To answer these questions, we must keep in mind the British Columbia Human Rights Code, RSBC 1996 c 210 … Would you consider yourself to be a Family Person?

As the world around us advances, so does the workplace and so should our employment laws. There is no doubt that today’s economy and workplace issues are far different from those 30 to 40 years ago. Especially in British Columbia, the cost of living as increased dramatically and people are looking for new ways to … Possible changes to the British Columbia Employment Standards Act

Employers and employees often misunderstand what their respective rights and obligations are when it comes to “probation.” Probation is not a term found or used in the BC Employment Standards Act.[1] In the absence of an express reference and agreement to probation, an employee is not simply bound to a probationary period. Probation is not simply implied as a … Probation – What are my rights? What are my obligations?