Tag archives: human rights

Speculation in Human Rights Claims – A Recent Decision

One of the challenging circumstances often facing an employer is having to make a tough decision (e.g. termination) with respect to an employee who is known to have a protected characteristic under human rights law. Whether the employee is elderly, has a disability, is gay, or has another protected characteristic, the concern is that the employee will allege that the decision was discriminatory. Even if the employer is comfortable that the protected ground was not a factor in the adverse decision, the threat or commencement of a complaint will add costs, time and stress.

Thankfully, the BC Human Rights Tribunal … Continue Reading

Can French employers require their employees to get the Covid-19 vaccine?

By Elodie Grangier on December 29, 2020 Posted in Coronavirus, Europe, France

Further to the approval by EU authorities of the vaccine developed by BioNTech and Pfizer, and further to the recommendations of the French Health authorities on the vaccination programme, the French vaccine campaign against Covid-19 was launched yesterday, at the same time as in all EU countries.

In France, the Government established a specific strategy regarding the vaccine campaign. This includes targeting the most vulnerable and exposed persons first, and progressively extending the Covid-19 vaccine to the rest of the population.

French employers are now asking whether they can insist that employees are vaccinated before returning to the workplace. However, … Continue Reading

Entre l’obligation d’accommodement et milieu de travail sécuritaire : un équilibre difficile à atteindre pour les employeurs à l’ère du cannabis médical

By Stéphane Erickson and Antoine Gagnon on September 30, 2020 Posted in Canada, Québec

Le 17 octobre prochain marquera le deuxième anniversaire de la légalisation du cannabis récréatif au Canada. Bien que cette réalité fasse maintenant partie de notre quotidien, différentes questions liées à la consommation de cette substance demeurent, notamment en matière d’emploi.

L’une d’entre elles a récemment été abordée par la Cour d’appel de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador[1] et peut se résumer ainsi : que doit faire un employeur lorsqu’un salarié désirant occuper un poste pouvant mettre en jeu sa sécurité et celle de ses collègues consomme du cannabis à des fins médicales sur une base quotidienne?

La décision

Dans cette affaire où le … Continue Reading

Discrimination dans un processus d’embauche ou exigence professionnelle justifiée : la Cour d’appel rappelle les principes applicables

By Bourget-Rousseau Antoine on September 28, 2020 Posted in Canada, Québec

Au Québec, la Charte des droits et libertés de la personne[1] (la Charte) interdit notamment aux employeurs, dans le cadre de leurs processus d’embauche, d’exercer de la discrimination en se fondant sur le handicap des candidats.

Cette interdiction de discriminer dans l’embauche comporte toutefois une exception importante : l’exigence professionnelle justifiée. L’article 20 de la Charte stipule en effet qu’une distinction, exclusion ou préférence fondée sur les aptitudes ou qualités requises par un emploi est réputée non discriminatoire[2].

À ce titre, il est bien établi en jurisprudence qu’une telle exigence professionnelle, pour être réputée non discriminatoire, … Continue Reading

Employés qui s’absentent en raison de la pandémie : le gouvernement du Québec adopte des protections additionnelles

By Éric Lallier and Emmanuelle Boilard on September 11, 2020 Posted in Canada, Coronavirus, Québec

Le 9 septembre dernier, le gouvernement du Québec a adopté le nouveau décret 943-2020 (le Décret), lequel, comme l’a confirmé le ministre du Travail, de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale dans une annonce gouvernementale communiquée à cet égard le même jour, vise notamment à protéger le lien d’emploi des employés devant s’absenter du travail en raison de la COVID-19.

Plus précisément, les nouvelles mesures interdisent à un employeur d’imposer toute sanction ou encore d’exercer des mesures discriminatoires ou des représailles à l’endroit d’un employé, et ce, au motif qu’il s’absente du travail et que cette absence découle du … Continue Reading

A reminder to BC employers: Family care obligations to accommodate family care needs amid pandemic

By Andrew Schafer on August 5, 2020 Posted in Canada, Coronavirus

Covid-19 has made working from home the new normal for many employees. This new reality has created challenges for employees who, due to the closure of schools, daycares and other social services, have had to serve as full-time caregivers in addition to carrying out their everyday work tasks. Under these circumstances, it is important for employers to understand their obligations for accommodating the family care needs of employees.

Family status accommodation during Covid-19

The issue of family status accommodation is not new. In past newsletters we have explored how various tribunals across Canada have come up with differing tests on … Continue Reading

CHRT paves the way for more efficient, adaptable Rules of Procedure in federal human rights sphere

By Stéphane Erickson and Denyse Boulet on July 20, 2020 Posted in Canada

The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (Tribunal) has published a number of proposed changes (Proposed Changes) to the current Rules of Procedure (Rules). According to the Tribunal, the Proposed Changes will be published shortly in the Canada Gazette, Part I. However, some delays in publishing the Proposed Changes may occur due to COVID-19-related reasons.

What is the general intent of the Proposed Changes?

The Proposed Changes include the modernization of service and filing methods, and promote overall efficiency during proceedings. Specifically, the Proposed Changes are intended to provide parties with more efficient ways to bring and respond to complaints, and to … Continue Reading

Tribunal canadien des droits de la personne : Vers des Règles de pratique plus efficaces et plus souples

By Denyse Boulet and Stéphane Erickson on July 20, 2020 Posted in Canada

Le Tribunal canadien des droits de la personne (« Tribunal ») a publié les changements qu’il se propose d’apporter (« changements proposés ») à ses Règles de pratique actuelles (« règles »). Selon le Tribunal, les changements proposés seront bientôt publiés dans la Partie I de la Gazette du Canada. Toutefois, en raison de la COVID‑19, des retards sont à prévoir.

Quel est le but général visé par les changements proposés?

Ils portent notamment sur la modernisation des modes de signification et de dépôt et favorisent en général l’efficacité des procédures en offrant aux parties des façons plus efficaces … Continue Reading

Les droits religieux et le port des équipements de protection

By Marie-Krystel Ouellet on May 19, 2020 Posted in Canada, Coronavirus, Québec

En cette période de pandémie, certains employeurs envisageront l’adoption d’une politique concernant l’utilisation des équipements de protection individuelle, tels que la blouse, les gants, le masque ou encore la protection faciale. L’adoption d’une telle politique peut, pour certaines personnes, avoir pour effet d’opposer leurs droits religieux et leur propre santé et sécurité ou celles des autres travailleurs. Dans une telle situation, est-ce qu’un travailleur peut être exempté de l’application d’une politique obligeant le port de ce genre d’équipements?

L’affaire Singh c Montréal Gateway Terminals Partnership

La Cour d’appel s’est prononcée sur cette question à l’automne dernier dans l’arrêt Singh c. … Continue Reading

Religious rights and wearing protective equipment

By Marie-Krystel Ouellet on May 19, 2020 Posted in Canada, Coronavirus, Québec

During this pandemic, certain employers will consider adopting a policy on using personal protective equipment, such as gowns, gloves, masks or even facial protection. For certain people, adopting such a policy may have the effect of encroaching on their religious rights and protecting their own health and safety or that of other workers. In such a situation, can a worker be exempted from a policy requiring that this type of gear be worn?

Singh c Montréal Gateway Terminals Partnership

The Quebec Court of Appeal rendered its ruling on this matter last fall in Singh c. Montréal Gateway Terminals Partnership^[1]… Continue Reading

Easter & Passover 2020: Pandemic reminders for employers

By Natasha Hyppolite on April 9, 2020 Posted in Canada, Coronavirus

Good Friday marks the start of the Easter long weekend in Canada. Undoubtedly, this year, festivities will be observed differently. Due to COVID-19, large gatherings are currently prohibited and most private and public places of recreation are closed, including places of worship. Employers must continue to navigate these trying times, holiday or not. Below, we have outlined a few key reminders for employers and as the long weekend approaches.

Non-essential services closed

Jurisdictions across Canada have ordered the closure of all non-essential businesses, some until at least May, pursuant to powers under applicable emergency legislation. This weekend will be no … Continue Reading

Pandemic Q&As: Walking off the job, limitation periods, symptomatic employees and human rights considerations

By Rika Sawatsky and John Mastoras on April 2, 2020 Posted in Canada, Coronavirus

In this blog post, we provide answers to the following four questions posed by Ontario employers:

Can my employees walk off the job for fear of contracting COVID-19?
Do I still need to meet my filing deadlines?
One of my employees reported having COVID-19 after reporting to work for several days—what do I do?
Is a COVID-19 infection a disability?

Q1: Can my employees walk off the job for fear of contracting COVID-19?

Short answer: No.

In press conferences last week, Premier Doug Ford stated:

We passed legislation. Not just construction workers—any worker in Ontario—if you don’t feel

Foire aux questions sur la pandémie : Quitter le travail, délais de prescription, employés symptomatiques et questions de droits de la personne

By Rika Sawatsky and John Mastoras on April 2, 2020 Posted in Canada, Coronavirus

Dans cet article de blogue, nous répondons aux quatre questions suivantes que se posent les employeurs ontariens :

Mes employés peuvent-ils quitter leur travail par crainte de contracter la COVID-19?
Dois-je toujours respecter mes échéances de dépôt?
L’un de mes employés a déclaré être atteint de la COVID-19 après s’être présenté au travail pendant plusieurs jours – que dois-je faire?
L’infection par la COVID-19 constitue-t-elle un handicap?

Q1 : Mes employés peuvent-ils quitter leur travail par crainte de contracter la COVID-19?

Réponse brève : Non.

Lors de conférences de presse la semaine dernière, le premier ministre Doug Ford a déclaré … Continue Reading

Check-in for a Check-up – An Employer’s Duty to Make Inquiries

By Taryn Mackie on October 13, 2019 Posted in Canada

Excessive absenteeism is one of the most difficult issues facing human resource professionals today. It is also one of the more complex areas of labour and employment law. One of the reasons why excessive absenteeism is so complicated is because it often raises human rights implications.

The perfect example is found in Coast Mountain Bus Company and CAW, Local 111 A-227/04 (Joan Gordon) — an old case with facts still faced by today’s employer nearly two decades later. The employer hired the employee as a bus driver in 1996 and terminated the employee in 2003 for excessive non-culpable absenteeism. The … Continue Reading

BC Court of Appeal affirms BC approach to “family status” discrimination cases

By Jennifer Lang-Hodge on March 8, 2019 Posted in Canada

The British Columbia Court of Appeal (the “BCCA”) recently issued an important decision about family status discrimination. In Envirocon Environmental Services, ULC v. Suen (“Envirocon”), a unanimous BCCA affirmed the existing legal test for adverse discrimination on the ground of family status under the BC Human Rights Code (the “Code”). For BC employers, this is a welcome decision.

In Envirocon, Mr. Suen was fired when, shortly after the birth of his daughter, he refused a work assignment that would have required him to work outside of BC for eight to ten weeks. Mr. Suen alleged … Continue Reading

New York State and New York City employers face new compliance requirements

By David Gallai (US) and Rachel Kurth (US) on February 6, 2019 Posted in North America, United States

Recently, New York State and New York City have continued the trend of enacting employee-friendly legislation and issuing broad enforcement guidance under their respective employment laws and regulations. New York State and New York City employers should be aware of the following recent developments from 2018 and early 2019, and should take action to review and update their practices and policies for compliance.

New York City lactation room and policy laws — new policy requirement

Federal and New York State laws already require employers to make reasonable efforts to provide a room other than a bathroom where a nursing employee … Continue Reading

The beginning of a revolution (by the French lower courts) ?

By Elodie Grangier on February 5, 2019 Posted in Contracts, Europe, France

French President Emmanuel Macron implemented a significant reform of the French employment code in late 2017, with the intention of providing employers greater flexibility and predictability in managing labour relations.

One of the most controversial measures was the creation of a grid applicable to the amount of indemnities due to employees for unfair dismissal, setting minima and maxima as a function of the length of service of the employee and the headcount of the employing entity.

Prior to the adoption of the grid, courts were free to determine the amount of damages payable to unfairly dismissed employees based on the … Continue Reading

Bill C-86 Receives Royal Assent: New Leaves, Greater Notices, Proactive Pay Equity & More

By Stéphane Erickson on December 17, 2018 Posted in Canada

Bill C-86, A second Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on February 27, 2018 and other measures (the “Bill”), received Royal Assent on December 13, 2018. As noted in our previous publications on the Bill’s amendments to the Canada Labour Code (the “Code”) and the introduction of the new (proactive) Pay Equity Act, significant cost and resource-intensive changes to the federal sphere of employment, labour and human rights law are now at every federally-regulated employer’s doorstep.

The Bill provides that many of the amendments to the Canada Labour Code will not come … Continue Reading

Direct Discrimination – how far can this go?

By Amanda Sanders (UK) on October 12, 2018 Posted in Discrimination and harassment, UK

The recent case of Lee v Ashers Baking Company Limited and Others has hit the headlines in looking at what amounts to direct discrimination in terms of the provision of services to individuals. What effect does this case have on discrimination in the employment field?

The case involved a family owned bakery, whose owners strict religious beliefs include opposition to gay marriage. They were asked to provide a customised cake with a photograph and wording stating “Support Gay Marriage”. They cancelled the order due to their religious belief and provided a refund to the customer.

The individual brought a discrimination … Continue Reading

Dismissal for misconduct cannot be based (solely) on anonymous reports

By Elodie Grangier on September 26, 2018 Posted in Contracts, Discrimination and harassment, Europe, France, Whistleblowing

Anonymous reports have been mistrusted for a number of years in France, for historical reasons. While anonymity enables individuals to raise their voice more openly, without being the targets of retaliation measures, it can also drift into slander.

This explains a specificity of French law under which whistleblowers using ethicals lines are strongly encouraged to disclose their identity since generally speaking, , anonymous reports are not acceptable (although a limited number of exceptions are available).

It is only very recently that the French Supreme Court had to resolve a case involving an employee dismissed on the basis of anonymous reports.… Continue Reading

Employees’ freedom of speech on the Internet is not without boundaries

By Elodie Grangier on May 28, 2018 Posted in Europe, France

Books, hotels, restaurants, products: you can find reviews and rating websites for just about everything on the internet – even employers. However, employees posting internet reviews of their employer should be careful and measured in what they say, or risk being subjected to disciplinary measures – or even dismissal – if they abuse their freedom of speech.

A recent decision of the French Supreme Court provides an illustration justifying such a warning.

A communication agency was warned by one of its clients that a very negative review had been posted (anonymously) on a website specializing in publishing reviews and rating … Continue Reading

Employeurs sous réglementation fédérale : préparez-vous, l’équité salariale proactive s’en vient

By Stéphane Erickson on April 18, 2018 Posted in Canada

Plus tôt cette année, nous avons appris que le gouvernement fédéral allait de l’avant avec sa promesse de renouveler le régime fédéral d’équité salariale À ce jour, le gouvernement fédéral n’a pas présenté de loi. Cependant, dans le Budget de 2018, le gouvernement a promis un régime fédéral d’équité salariale proactif concordant avec celui de l’Ontario et du Québec : l’équité salariale proactive. Selon le Budget de 2018, la nouvelle loi fédérale sur l’équité salariale :

s’appliquerait aux employeurs fédéraux comptant au moins 10 employés et les exigences sur l’équité salariale seraient intégrées, dans la mesure du possible, aux

Will Artificial Intelligence Need Human Rights Training ?

By John Mastoras on March 5, 2018 Posted in Canada, Discrimination and harassment

The Financial Post interviews Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP’s patent and trademark lawyer Maya Medeiros on Artificial Intelligence’s discriminatory biases.

Despite all of the advances in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), experts reveal that these technologies are not immune from some of the less-than-admirable tendencies which afflict humans.

As recently reported by the Financial Post, experts have noted increasing biases that plague the decisions made by AI software. Specifically, AI outputs have been found to discriminate on the bases of race, ethnicity, gender and disability.

This phenomenon presents novel challenges to precisely the areas that have historically been susceptible … Continue Reading

La présomption d’innocence peut-elle s’opposer au licenciement d’un salarié fondé sur des faits visés par une procédure pénale ?

By Elodie Grangier on December 29, 2017 Posted in Europe, France

La Cour de cassation a été saisie d’un dossier concernant un salarié de la société Euro Disney, qui avait été licencié à la suite de la découverte, par son employeur, et dans le cadre d’une enquête pénale, du fait que celui-ci avait acheté à l’un de ses collègues des stupéfiants.

En effet, au printemps 2012, une procédure d’instruction avait été ouverte pour rechercher des faits d’infraction à la législation sur les stupéfiants au sein du parc d’attraction. Plusieurs salariés avaient alors été mis en cause. Dans le cadre de cette procédure pénale, la société Euro Disney s’était constituée partie civile, … Continue Reading