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Christine Plante

Employment Lawyer | HR Legal Counsel

Partner

Sara G. Parchello

Employment Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Tami Oguntona

Associate

Bill C-31 proposes significant amendments to the Canada Labour Code that would prohibit most post-employment non-compete clauses and potentially other employment-related restrictions in federally regulated workplaces. While the legislation has not yet been enacted, employers should begin assessing the potential impact of the proposed changes, including the limited exemptions available for certain business transactions and senior executive roles.

Restricting Covenants in Federal Workplaces

Proposed Updates to Canada Labour Code Expected To Prohibit Post-Employment Restrictive Covenants

David Cassin

Brendan J. Weiler

Employment Services Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Two recent Ontario Superior Court decisions&mdash;Li v Wayfair Canada Inc. and Jones v Strides Toronto&mdash;clarify that the phrase &ldquo;at any time&rdquo; in a termination clause does not automatically invalidate an employment agreement under the ESA. While both cases distinguish earlier restrictive rulings, ongoing inconsistencies, including the Chan decision, highlight the need for appellate guidance. Employers should continue to review contracts carefully to ensure ESA compliance.

Termination At Any Time A Review of Recent Developments

Termination “At Any Time”? A Review of Recent Developments from Li v Wayfair Canada Inc. and Jones v Strides Toronto

Carl Cunningham

Management-side Employment Lawyer

Bill 27, introduced in October 2021, has now passed and received royal assent. Employers should review the employee-friendly legislation changes, including a ban on non-competes and a "Disconnect from Work" policy.

Ontario Bill 27 Working for Workers Act 2021 is Now the Law

Ontario Bill 27: Working for Workers Act, 2021 is Now the Law

There are now three recent Ontario arbitration decisions that address whether an employer may require its unionized employees to be vaccinated. While directly relevant to unionized employers, given the lack of case law considering the issue, these decisions may have further-reaching impacts on all employers in Ontario.

Challenging Mandatory Vaccination Policies in Ontario

Challenging Mandatory Vaccination Policies in Ontario: Arbitrators Take a First Look and Reach Differing Conclusions

Julia Horowitz

Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

In Wigdor v. Facebook Canada Ltd., 2026 ONCA 572, the Ontario Court of Appeal clarified that equity-based compensation, including RSUs, may constitute a term or condition of employment that must be preserved during the statutory notice period under the Employment Standards Act, 2000. The decision highlights the need for employers to carefully review RSU forfeiture provisions and saving language to ensure compliance with employment standards legislation, while confirming that the threshold for punitive damages remains high.

RSU Forfeiture Revisited Ontario Court of Appeal Provides Important Guidance for Employers

RSU Forfeiture Revisited: Ontario Court of Appeal Provides Important Guidance for Employers

Alison G. FitzGerald

International Arbitration Lawyer

George W. H. Reid

International Trade, Investment and Public Procurement Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Sabrina A. Bandali

International Trade, Regulatory and Investment Lawyer

Canada has introduced a new round of retaliatory tariffs on $27.6 billion worth of US goods in response to the Trump administration's 50% tariffs on Canadian exports. The measures, effective September 8, 2026, include surtaxes ranging from 15% to 50% on a wide range of products, alongside remission programs and duty relief mechanisms for affected businesses.

Canadas Response to Trump Tariffs and Relief Measures

Canada's Response to Trump: Tariffs and Relief Measures

Simon Grant

Financial Services & Regulatory Lawyer

Partner 

Matthew Flynn

Technology Transaction Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Lucas Stevens-Hall

Corporate Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

The Bank of Canada has published its first enforcement decisions under the Retail Payment Activities Act (RPAA), all involving unregistered payment service providers and $0 administrative monetary penalties. The decisions provide early insight into the Bank&rsquo;s enforcement approach and highlight the importance of registration, proactive remediation and ongoing RPAA compliance.

Bank Of Canada Publishes First RPAApaa Enforcement Decisions Against Payment Service Providers

Bank Of Canada Publishes First RPAA Enforcement Decisions Against Payment Service Providers

Talia K. Bregman

Employment Services, National Practice Group Leader

After a series of conflicting decisions, the Court of Appeal for Ontario has clarified the enforceability of termination clauses in Ontario employment agreements through its recent decision in the dual appeals in Baker v Van Dolder&rsquo;s Home Team Inc. and Li v Wayfair Canada ULC.

At Any Time and for Any Reason is Here to Stay

Ontario Court of Appeal Restores Common Sense to Termination Clauses in Ontario Employment Agreements

"At Any Time" and "For Any Reason" is Here to Stay

Michelle F. Yung

Real Estate Lawyer at Bennett Jones Vancouver

Andrew L. Jeanrie

Real Estate & Municipal Law Lawyer | Development & Approvals

Nathalie Hunter Heighington

Associate at Bennett Jones Vancouver

Part II of this three-part series examines Build Canada Homes&rsquo; Investment Policy Framework, including its priorities, eligible housing projects and partnership models. It explores how project readiness, affordability, scale, modular construction and cross-sector collaboration may position commercial real estate proponents to participate in BCH initiatives.

Part II How Build Canada Homes

Part II How Build Canada Homes Works: Investment Framework, Eligibility and Partnerships

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Canadian Bar Association Employment Seminar

From the Same Authors