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Serious insight for serious situations.

Serious insight for serious situations.

Insights

Reflections and news direct from Rubin Thomlinson.
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Sometimes all you have to do is ask

In February of this year, the federal government launched a survey open to all Canadians asking them about their opinions and experiences relating to harassment and sexual violence in the workplace. Participants were also encouraged to offer suggestions on how to improve workplaces in relation to these issues. The stated goals of the process were

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150 Words

The diversity of Canada’s population has become a modern-day catch phrase used by politicians from coast to coast. As employment lawyers, Canada’s diversity is much more than just that – it is a reality of the legal landscape that informs the very advice we give on a daily basis. In the words of Chief Justice

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A Schrenk explainer: The case before the Supreme Court of Canada and why it matters

This past Tuesday, on March 28, 2017, the Supreme Court of Canada (the “Court”) heard arguments in British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal v. Edward Schrenk.[i] The case raises very important issues as to who is entitled to protections against harassment and discrimination in the workplace and in what workplace settings and employment-related relationships.  The Court

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New parent: More time off and more money?

The most recent federal budget proposes to make EI parental benefits more flexible. Proposed changes will allow parents to choose to receive EI parental benefits over an extended period of up to 18 months at a lower benefit rate of 33 percent of average weekly earnings. EI parental benefits will continue to be available at

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More lessons learned from the RCMP

Peter Merrifield commenced his service with the RCMP in 1998 and in June of 2007 commenced a civil action against the force, claiming damages for, among other things, the tort of harassment.  On February 28, 2017, Madam Justice Vallée issued a 174 page judgment, finding in favour of Mr. Merrifield and awarding him damages in

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Home renos and employment agreements: How employers can avoid the money pit

I have spent many lazy Saturday mornings watching home renovation shows on TV.  I envy the vision and drive of those who undertake these projects and marvel at the final reveal. Through the magic of television, these renovations are always successful (but for the one hilarious yet rectifiable snafu that creates conflict halfway through the

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Harnessing the power of the bystander: Consider the case of the Brampton firefighters

What makes a bystander tick? Why would someone who witnessed workplace harassment or discrimination, but who was not themself subject to it, complain? What would compel that person to intervene in an ongoing situation? What prompts someone to make an anonymous call to alert their employer of problematic workplace behaviour? A recent arbitral case, The

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