Workplace harassment and violence is a serious problem that can have a profound impact on both individual workers and the organizations they work for. EXAMPLE According to the Canada Labour Code, harassment and violence means “any action, conduct or comment, including of a sexual nature, that can reasonably be expected to cause offence, humiliation or … Read more

An employment contract is one of the most important documents you will ever sign. Yet so many employees do not fully understand the terms and conditions that their employment contract stipulates. Here is what you should know before signing your new employment contract. What Are Employment Contracts? Employment contracts are legally binding agreements that employers … Read more

Under the British Columbia (BC) Human Rights Code (the Code), an employer may not treat a worker differently on the basis of the prohibited grounds enumerated in the Code. In other words, the Code protects you from discrimination. In general terms, when a worker requests an accommodation on the basis of one of the enumerated … Read more

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, around 17% or 800,000 British Columbians experience mental issues, including depression. Yet, the stigma around depression is still distinctly prevalent – especially in the workplace. Unfortunately, depression can end up severely impacting how your employees perform at work. So what can employers do to better handle depression and … Read more

Allegations of bullying and harassment, human rights violations, or non-compliance with the Workers Compensation Act and its regulations, policies, and guidelines trigger the obligation on an employer to investigate. The investigation should be fair, proportionate, and completely address the issues raised by the complaint. Employers who fail to conduct proper investigations carry the risk of … Read more

Maternity leave is a time for new mothers to spend with their newborn and get out of the office. But it can also be stressful if you’re not aware of your rights as an employee while on maternity leave. The BC Employment Standards Act sets out a number of rights for employees in the province. … Read more

Generally, when you are hired you are aware of the position and role requirements in advance. As you continue working, the scope of your role may change. In some cases, this can be a good thing; in others, it may not be what you were expecting and may amount to constructive dismissal. Here’s what you … Read more

Planning to add a member to your family is an exciting time. Understanding whether and how this decision impacts your employment may help you feel more confident in your planning. Here’s what you need to know. Parental leave is protected under the BC Employment Standards Act. Pregnant folks should not be terminated, or treated unfairly/unequally, … Read more

The duty to mitigate is a common law principle requiring an employee to minimize their losses after being terminated. Practically speaking, this principle requires an employee to make reasonable attempts to find a new job. Do I have to apply for and accept any job that comes up? No. An employee does not have to … Read more