Blog – Employment Contracts
Looking to stay up to date on the latest news and information regarding employment law and how it impacts your workplace situation. Use our information centre to find informative blogs, media commentary, Globe and Mail articles and other helpful resources to ensure you understand your workplace rights.
An employment contract is a contract between you and your employer that outlines and guides the terms of your employment and working relationship with your employer. It may include terms regarding compensation, hours of work, probation period, termination, post-employment restrictions, vacation, bonuses, and shareholder agreements.
Are Your AI Emails Quietly Damaging Workplace Trust?
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how businesses communicate, both internally and externally. From drafting emails to generating reports,…
Deloitte Cuts Benefits: Could It Happen in Canada?
Salary has never been the only factor that attracts people to a job. For many employees, benefits like…
Employer Ordered to Pay $185,000 for Overtime and Reprisal: Lessons for Ontario Employers
What began as a dispute over a few days of unpaid wages escalated into a $185,000 award for…
Can Employers Enforce Broad Confidentiality Clauses in Ontario?
Confidentiality clauses are a critical component of employment agreements, particularly for senior employees with access to sensitive business…
Can Your Employer Make You Work While on Vacation?
In the age of remote work, it’s not uncommon to hear of employers asking employees on an approved…
Are Non-Solicitation Clauses Enforceable in Ontario?
Non-solicitation clauses are a common feature of employment contracts in Ontario, but their enforceability, especially after employment ends,…
Employee or Contractor in Ontario? Lessons from a $100,000 Wrongful Dismissal Decision
Worker misclassification is an issue in Ontario employment law, as employers often assume that calling someone an “independent…
Do You Qualify for New Leave Rights Under the Canada Labour Code?
As of December 12, 2025, key amendments to Part III of the Canada Labour Code took effect, expanding…
Courtroom Victory: Jordan Cantor & Abby Leung Secure Justice for Kishan Patel and TechSpirer Inc. Against ITCAD
Overview In ITCAD Tech Inc. v. Patel et. al., 2026 ONSC 368, Jordan Cantor and Abby Leung successfully…
Can Employees Refuse to Return to the Office?
After three years of working in sweatpants and slippers, you might be frustrated when your employer suddenly tells…
Can an Employer Say No to Your Resignation?
If you have ever considered quitting your job, you might wonder what happens if the company refuses to…
What Are My Rights During Pregnancy and Parental Leave in Ontario?
Navigating pregnancy and parental leave in Ontario can raise many questions for expecting parents. Key concerns often revolve…
Are Non-Compete Clauses Legal in Ontario?
Are non-compete clauses legal in for provincially regulated and federally regulated employees in Ontario? If you’re reviewing an…
What Is Considered a Casual Employee in Canada?
What is considered a casual employee in Canada? It’s a question many employers and employees face when work…
Ontario Statutory Holidays Explained – 2026
In Ontario, statutory holidays are more than just nice days off; they carry specific legal rights and obligations…
Do Employers Have to Pay for Training Time in Ontario?
Most jobs require some training for the employee to get up to speed. This can be anything from…
Courtroom Victory: Marc Kitay & Aaron Zaltzman Secure Justice for Former CIBC Employees While Transforming Employment Law
Overview Marc W. Kitay and Aaron Zaltzman of Whitten & Lublin employment law firm break new ground in…
Can Your Employer Force You Back to the Office or Is It Constructive Dismissal?
Earlier this year, a case in Ontario’s Small Claims Court ruled that in certain situations, recalling an employee…
Why One Contract Can’t Work Across Canada?
A recent Nova Scotia Supreme Court decision is a cautionary reminder that “one-size-fits-all” employment contracts can backfire when…
Daniel Lublin in Conversation with Ben Mulroney: How AI Is Shaping the Future of Legal Work
In a recent episode of The Ben Mulroney Podcast, Whitten & Lublin’s Founding Partner, Daniel Lublin, joined Ben…
Are Employers Required to Accommodate Candidates Before They’re Hired?
In Ontario employers have a duty to accommodate an employee’s disability to the point of undue hardship. However,…
Can ChatGPT Really Replace a Lawyer?
Over the last two to three years, it seems that all anyone is talking about is AI. You’ve…
Can My Employer Force Me to Work Weekends Without Extra Pay?
Can my Employer Force Me To Work Weekends Without Extra Pay? In Ontario, whether an employer can ask…
What is the Difference Between Labour Law and Employment Law in Ontario?
If your job situation has taken a bad turn, you’ve probably started looking into your legal rights. You’ve…
Forced Relocation Orders by Employers in Ontario Employment Law
If your employer orders you to relocate to another city or office, you may wonder what your rights…
What is an Employees Duty of Confidentiality After Employment Ends?
Employers have a right to protect confidential information especially when that information holds real value to their business…
Can Your Boss Force You Back to the Office?
How common is remote work in Canada today? A recent report from the Gensler Research Institute showed that…
Why do employers need written employment contracts?
In today’s evolving workplace, the importance of well-written employment contracts cannot be overstated. If you’re an employer looking…
Do I Get Paid For Leave of Absence in Ontario?
For provincially regulated employees, the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (the “ESA”) provides for entitlements to leave from your…
Can My Employer Force Me to Change Roles or My Job?
An employment relationship is governed by an employment agreement, whether in writing or verbally made. As a result,…
Can My Employer Make Me Pay for Damaged Equipment in Ontario?
It is a common concern among employees: What happens if you accidentally damage company equipment? Can my employer…
Canada Temporarily Changes Employment Insurance in Response to Tariffs
In response to the current trade war between the United States and Canada, the federal government has introduced…
Can My Employer Dictate How I Take My Vacation Days?
Have you ever had your employer reject your vacation request? Did that make you wonder to what extent…
Can My Employer Reject My Resignation?
If you have found a better job or simply no longer wish to work for your current employer,…
Can an Employer Make You Move to Keep Your Job?
Moving is a challenge in the best of times. It often means uprooting yourself from your support networks,…
What is Collective Agreement in Labour Law?
If you’re part of a unionized workplace in Ontario, your rights at work don’t just come from company…
I’m Off the Clock – Can My Employer Monitor My Personal Device?
Can my employer monitor me outside of work hours? In an increasingly hybrid world, many employees take their…
Do You Have to Give Notice for a Layoff?
Your Layoff Questions, Answered Layoffs. It’s a word dreaded by workers across industries because it’s the kind of…
Can a Company Layoff and Hire at the Same Time?
Layoffs are never easy. Despite being necessary for some businesses, they are often a contentious issue for affected…
How to Handle Disputes in a 50/50 Partnership
A dispute can quickly create a once unfathomable rift between longtime business partners. Even in relationships that go…
Can an Employer Force Mandatory Overtime?
What Is Overtime Pay in Ontario? Overtime pay can be a boon for employees trying to make the…
Employment Rights in Canada: Protecting Your Wealth in the Workplace
A Note to Our Readers At Whitten & Lublin, we’re dedicated to empowering working Canadians with the knowledge…
Restrictive covenants, loose ends: the slippery slope of contract missteps
Special to HRD The legal landscape of employment agreements in Canada continues to evolve, presenting challenges for employers…
Big Changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Act
On October 28, 2024, the Ontario government passed the fifth iteration of the Working for Workers Five Act,…
Can Ontario Paralegals Advise on Employment Law Matters?
Many people assume paralegals can handle a wide range of legal issues, including employment law. But in Ontario,…
Starbucks Demands Return: Are Your Rights Brewing?
What does your employment agreement say about return-to-office? Starbucks is the latest of many employers to bring down…
Do You Have the Right to Work From Home?
In September 2024, Amazon announced that its employees would need to return to the office five days a…
What is the Capital Punishment of Employment Law?
Being terminated for cause is often referred to as the “capital punishment of employment law.” This isn’t just…
How to Stay Compliant With Employment Laws: A Guide for Employers in Ontario
In many businesses, people tend to be focused on hitting performance targets or managing day-to-day tasks. Whether it…
Wage Deduction Dispute under the ESA: Courtroom Victory
Overview A car dealership unilaterally reduced an employee’s monthly commissions for losses it allegedly suffered from fraudulent credit…
Can an Employer Track Your Location or Is It a Breach of Privacy?
Why Pricewaterhouse started tracking their employees? On September 10, 2024, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) announced that it would start tracking…
Can My Employer Force Me to Return to Work in Office?
Amazon recently announced a full return-to-office (“RTO”) policy, effective early 2025. This marks an end to the hybrid…
Why is Meta’s Restrictive Clause Unlawful?
In the evolving landscape of employment law, restrictive clauses in contracts often come under scrutiny. A recent ruling…
How Are Job Applicants Protected From Discrimination in Ontario?
Imagine sitting down for a job interview, your heart racing with excitement for the possibilities ahead. You’ve prepped…
What Should You Consider Before Signing an Updated Employment Contract?
What does fresh consideration mean regarding updated employment contracts? When signing a new employment agreement or amended agreement…
Can an Employment Contract Supersede Law?
Imagine you’ve just been handed an employment contract for a promising new job. It’s tempting to skim through…
What’s Allowed When It Comes To Tracking Employee Work Locations?
Published By: HR Reporter Like many employers, PwC is figuring out its hybrid work policy now that the…
Restrictive Covenant & Confidential Information Dispute
Overview Stephen Wolpert and Athanasios Makrinos, partners at Whitten & Lublin PC, successfully defended Fabio Folino, a former…
Can I Collect EI On Temporary Layoff?
A common question that many employees who are laid off ask is whether they can collect employment insurance…
Legality of Restrictive Clauses in Separation Agreements
Separation agreements play a crucial role in understanding the terms of an employment relationship, offering compensation, expectations and…
Quiet Vacationing: The New Trend in Time-Off
In today’s fast-paced work environment, where burnout and stress are rampant, employees are exploring innovative ways to balance…
How to Report an Employer for Breaking Labour Laws
In Ontario, your workplace should be a place of respect, fairness, and safety. But what happens when it…
What is Redundancy in Employment Law?
Redundancy occurs when a position within a company is no longer necessary. This could be due to restructuring,…
Restrictive Covenants in Employment Law: What Are They?
What are restrictive covenants in employment law? Restrictive covenants in employment law are terms in employment contracts, also…
What Are The Severance Pay Laws for Remote Workers?
What is a Remote Worker? A “remote worker” is generally an individual who works for their employer remotely…
What is a Common Law Employer?
A common question many employees ask is the difference between entitlements under the Employment Standards Act, 2000, S.O….
What Employment Laws Apply to Remote Employees in Canada?
For many Canadians, remote working quickly became the norm following the COVID-19 pandemic, transforming their day-to-day lives. Although…
Does Your Company Need an AI Policy?
Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) is rapidly transforming workplaces in Canada. In a survey conducted in 2023 by KPMG, 22%…
Do Employment Laws Apply To Volunteers?
The Ontario Employment Standards Act, 2000, S.O. 2000 c. 41 (the “ESA”) is silent when it comes to…
Ontario’s New Non-Compete Law: What It Means for You?
What significant changes to non-compete laws took effect in Ontario in 2021? In 2021, significant changes to non-compete…
LCBO Workers Strike: The Impact on Ontario
What is the current status of the LCBO workers’ strike? The ongoing strike by the union representing Ontario…
Electronic Monitoring: Employers Are Catching Sneaky Employees!
How Has Remote Work Increased the Use of Monitoring Technology? The rise of remote work has led to…
Parental and Maternity Leave Top-Up Benefits
Having a child can be one of life’s most joyous milestones, yet for some, this anticipation is accompanied…
Non-Disparagement Clauses: Their Impact on Contracts
Why were employees afraid to speak out after leaving OpenAI? In recent news, OpenAI has made headlines by…
Return-to-Work Policies: A Guide for All
What Are the Legal Requirements for Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Policies? As many workplaces continue to shift…
What are the Planned and Proposed Changes to the ESA?
The Ontario government is proposing new legislation that aims to increase fines under the Employment Standards Act (ESA)…
Non-competes are becoming outlawed, but you might still be bound by one
Published By: THE GLOBE AND MAIL Traditionally, workplace non-compete agreements are difficult for employers to legally enforce, but that…
The Employer’s Guide to Robust Employment Contracts
Why are robust employment contracts essential in today’s job market? In today’s dynamic employment landscape, where over 7…
Remote Work: Understanding CRA Guidelines
Remote work arrangements have risen in the post-COVID era, and with the CRA’s new guidance for remote work…
Employee Benefits: Essential Insights for Employers
In today’s competitive job market, enhancing employee benefits is critical for retaining and recruiting top talent, as well…
The Costly Risks of Termination Clauses
One of the most critical yet often misunderstood aspects of employment law in Ontario is the enforceability of…
New Canada Labour Code Paid Medical Leave Provisions
What are the new paid medical leave entitlements under the Canada Labour Code? Since December 1, 2022, significant…
Workplace Policy Pitfalls: Cost of Miscommunication
What Are the Consequences of Not Communicating Workplace Policy Clearly? An early 2024 case has demonstrated the risk…
Strategies for Employers to Enhance Employee Benefits
In today’s competitive job market, employers looking to gain an edge in hiring can do so by looking…
‘They better have all their ducks in a row’
It was a news release that quickly made headlines beyond Canada: RBC had dismissed its CFO and an…
Impact of Non-Solicitation Clauses: A Case Study
In Catch Engineering Partnership v. Mai, 2023 ABKB 279, the Alberta Court of King’s Bench awarded $112,320 in…
Truth of the Canadian Job Market in 2024
What are the current dynamics of the Canadian job market in the first half of 2024? As we…
Importance of Having Your Employment Contract Reviewed
What are the potential risks of overlooking the review of your employment contract? 81% of Canadian professionals will…
Workers should second guess new contracts as courts crack down on severance-limiting clauses
Published By: THE GLOBE AND MAIL Ask any business owner who has been sued for wrongful dismissal, what is…
Post-Waksdale: Importance of Employment Contract Review
In the aftermath of Wakedale, it has become more important than ever for employers to get their contracts reviewed…
The Potential of Virtual Lawyers
In the ever-evolving landscape of employment law, having instant access to legal guidance is no longer a luxury-it’s…
Your Employment Contract – Can They Hold You to a Job?
Can You Resign Immediately After Signing a New Employment Contract? What do you do when you just signed…
Remote Work Realities and the Grindr Effect
Can employees choose remote work without it being explicitly in their employment agreement? With many Canadians having grown…
Contract Trends Heading into 2024
Are Millennials and Gen Z Living Paycheck to Paycheck? Increased cost of living and overall economic uncertainty have…
The Pitfalls of ‘Free’ Legal Consultations
Are Free Consultations Worth the Risk? In the world of law, as in life, you often get what…
Updates to Canada Labour Code and Implications
The federal Budget Implementation Act, 2018, No. 2 introduced a number of changes to federally regulated employees whose…
Amazon’s Return to the Office Policies Spark Controversy
Can Amazon Terminate Employees for Not Returning to the Office 3 Days a Week? In the ever-evolving landscape…
Selecting the Ideal Employment Lawyer: A Guide
In the quest for an employment lawyer, particularly the one deemed the best for you, here are the…
When Can My Employer Modify My Work Schedule?
Does Your Employment Contract Address Schedule Changes? The resolution to this inquiry hinges significantly on the presence of…
Ontario to Mandate Pay Transparency in Job Listings
Ontario is taking a significant step towards enhancing pay transparency in job listings, with new legislation on the…
As Side Gigs Become Common, What Are The Rules For Employees?
Published By: THE GLOBE AND MAIL These days, many Canadians are struggling to make ends meet. With so…
Why Employment Contracts Matter
Why is employer recruiting activity still declining in Q2 2023? A new report from the Indeed Hiring Lab…
Toronto Dominion Bank’s $500M Battle for Employee Rights
A fresh chapter unfolds as a proposed class action lawsuit takes center stage against The Toronto Dominion Bank….
Considering Using AI for Legal Advice? Here’s Why it’s Not Ready
Published By: THE GLOBE AND MAIL Why pay for a lawyer’s advice when you can find it online…
Remote Work Redefining Sick Days
Can Employees Choose Remote Work Post-COVID? With many Canadians having grown accustomed to working remotely during the COVID-19…
Empowering Employers: Changes to Canada Labour Code
Updates to Canada Labour Code? As of July 9, 2023, amendments to the Canada Labour Code have taken…
Legal Alarms: Are Your Employment Contracts Outdated?
Recent changes to the law should have employers reviewing their employment contracts. Since 2020, the landscape of employment…
Amazon’s Return-to-Office Blitz: The Battle for Workforce Waves!
How did the COVID-19 pandemic change remote work dynamics for employees? Over the COVID-19 pandemic many employees began…
Work from Anywhere Weeks: Blessing or Curse?
Do employees have the right to choose remote work? The COVID-19 pandemic led to many employees either choosing…
Beyond 9 to 5: Unmasking the Impact of Off-Duty Conduct
How has the digital world and remote work blurred the line between work time and personal time? There…
Employment Rights : Extended Notice Beyond 24 Months
What is “reasonable notice of termination” and its significance? During the current recession, it is important for all…
Hybrid Work Policy Demands in PSAC Strike
The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) has been on strike since April 19, after two years of…
Protecting Remote Workers’ Rights
There was a significant boom in the number of employees working remotely as a result of the COVID-19…
Remote Workers’ Rights & Legal Implications
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw many workers leave the city, or even the province. While some have…
Canada’s Parental Benefits May Cover Adoptive/Surrogate Parents
The federal government is looking to implement new changes to parental leaves and the benefits that new parents…
Amazon Mandates Employees to Return to the Office.
Amazon’s CEO, Andy Jassy, has mandated all workers return to the office at least three times per week,…
$800M Class-action Lawsuit Launched Against RBC Dominion Securities
On December 29, 2022, the Ontario Superior Court certified a class proceeding against RBC Dominion Securities, which claims that…
Remote Work Ban at Twitter – What are Your Employee Rights?
Since he purchased Twitter, Elon Musk has been taking a hard line with employees. He has told them…
Departing Employees Be Aware: Risks of Taking Clients from Former Employer
Workers may well know the recently passed Ontario legislation (Bill 27: Working for Workers Act, 2021) that generally…
Being Forced To Go Back To The Office – Remote Work
With more and more Canadians shifting back to a more normal way of living given the current state…
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