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

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…
CHRT paves the way for more efficient, adaptable Rules of Procedure in federal human rights sphere
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 …
Tribunal canadien des droits de la personne : Vers des Règles de pratique plus efficaces et plus souples
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…
Les droits religieux et le port des équipements de protection
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…
Religious rights and wearing protective equipment
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…
Easter & Passover 2020: Pandemic reminders for employers

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…
Pandemic Q&As: Walking off the job, limitation periods, symptomatic employees and human rights considerations
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
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Foire aux questions sur la pandémie : Quitter le travail, délais de prescription, employés symptomatiques et questions de droits de la personne
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
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Check-in for a Check-up – An Employer’s Duty to Make Inquiries

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…