In Focus: Quick Chats for the Canadian Workplace

Staying up to date on changes impacting the workplace is hard. Compliance and risk mitigation is a critical part of your job but how do you find the time to track legislation and determine what actions you need to take to be ready?

You need information that is short, digestible and actionable. That's why we have partnered with Baker McKenzie to provide you with the video series, In Focus: Quick Chats for the Canadian Workplace. In each on-demand episode, experienced lawyers provide insights and quick, practical tips on today's most pressing issues and legal developments impacting employers operating in Canada. 


Quebec's Bill 96 – Part 2: Employment and Commercial Contracting Requirements
Released March 21, 2024 | 13 minutes

Quebec's Bill 96 significantly expanded existing French language requirements under Quebec's Charter of the French language, including new translation requirements for a wide range of employment documents. Similarly, the treatment of commercial standard form contracts (or contracts of adhesion) must now be translated into French first, even if the parties agree to proceed in a language other than French, such as English. 

In Part 2 of our series on Bill 96, we outline obligations for organizations doing business in Quebec, and employers operating in Quebec (including federally-regulated employers), along with enforcement measures and trends since the implementation. 

Speakers: Jeremy HannSarah Mavula and Juliette Mestre


Quebec's Bill 96 – Part 1: Trademarks plus Advertising & Marketing
Released February 23, 2024 | 14 minutes

It is crucial for businesses operating in the Province of Quebec to gain a solid understanding of the province's new strengthened French language requirements introduced by Bill 96, as well as recently proposed draft regulations.

The introduction of the draft regulations is particularly important for brand owners and manufacturers selling into the province for a number of reasons, including with respect to the treatment of marketing copy and trademarks inscribed on products and product packaging. These new requirements are complex and failure to comply in a sufficient manner may lead to significant fines and enforcement actions.

In Part 1 of this two-part series on Bill 96, we discuss the specifics of these new requirements, including how copy must appear on products and product packaging, and what the rules mean for businesses' trademark portfolios. Watch this episode and learn what you need to know before the 1 June 2025 deadline.

Speakers: Jeremy HannSarah Mavula and Stephanie Vaccari


Tax Mandatory Disclosure Rules
Released January 2, 2024 | 16 minutes

Earlier this year, Canada's mandatory reporting rules were broadly expanded by lowering the thresholds to trigger a reporting obligation and increasing the information that must be reported to the Canada Revenue Agency. As a result, taxpayers may be required to flag certain mergers and acquisitions transactions in real time if it could be reasonably concluded that one of the main purposes of entering into the transaction was to obtain a tax benefit. 

In this video, we discuss how common contractual protection clauses could trigger an early reporting requirement and expose taxpayers to significant penalties if they fail to report

Speakers: Andrew BoydAndrew Morreale and Haran Viswanathan


ID&E Impact: Employer Strategies for Mitigating Risk from an ID&E Perspective 
Released April 18, 2023 | 18 minutes 

With a surge in layoffs taking place over the past year, many of those originally hired to diversify the workplace have been impacted, and studies show that inclusion, diversity and equity (ID&E) professionals have been affected by layoffs at a higher rate than others. The harm? Other than potentially hurting employee morale and sidelining efforts to improve ID&E in the workplace, employers risk exposing themselves to litigation.

In this video, we explore employer concerns including an uptick in discrimination and harassment claims, the proliferation of claims based on pay disparity, bias claims arising from the use of AI in recruitment and hiring, and practical tips to mitigate risk from an ID&E perspective.

Speakers: Krissy KatzensteinJennifer Bernardo and Kaitlin Thompson


New Competition Act Amendments Give Rise to Class Action Risk for Canadian Employers 
Released February 9, 2023 | 15 minutes

In June 2023, amendments to the Competition Act take effect that will allow Canadian employees to sue their employers for conspiratorial conduct.

In this video, we reflect on the new buy-side conspiracy causes of action through the lens of a recent Federal Court of Appeal case, consider the expected implications of the new amendments on employers' class action exposure, and discuss what employers can do to mitigate these new risks.

Speakers: David GadsdenArlan GatesBrendan O'Grady and Jing Xu


Employers: Comply or Face Criminal Liability on No Poach and Wage Fixing Agreements under the Competition Act 
Released November 19, 2022 | 14 minutes

Amendments to the Competition Act that come into force on June 23, 2023, will make it a criminal offense for employers to enter into no poach, wage fixing or other agreements related to the terms and conditions of employment in Canada.

In this video, we discuss the risks associated with non-compliance and what employers should consider as they prepare for the prohibition to come into effect. 

Speakers: Andrew ShawArlan GatesDave Bushuev and Justine Johnston


Implementing a Reduction in Force: Mitigating Risks Arising from Major Workforce Changes 
Released October 21, 2022 | 3-part series

Employers are being faced with difficult decisions about potentially reducing their headcount to eliminate redundant positions in light of a shift in the economic climate and an increased focus on business efficiency. With any termination comes liability.

In this 3-part series, we discuss how employers can navigate these significant workforce changes while limiting their liability and complying with legal requirements, as follows:

  • In Part 1 - Planning Your Workforce Redesign (11 minutes), we cover best practices for employers as they consider planning their workforce redesign, including conducting due diligence to understand exposure and potential liabilities.
  • In Part 2 - Undertaking Your Workforce Redesign (11 minutes), we explore the key steps in employment terminations such as preparing the termination letter, severance package offer, a full and final release and a meeting script, as well as outlining post-termination duties for the employer.
  • In Part 3 - The Outcome and Litigation Arising From Your Workforce Redesign (10 minutes), we look at the potential outcomes and employer obligations should the separation package offer be rejected, one-on-one employee negotiations fail, and litigation ensues.

Speakers: Andrew ShawJeremy HannAjanthana AnandarajahRono Khan and Juliette Mestre


Restrictions on Restrictive Covenants: The Secret to Protecting Trade Secrets 
Released August 10, 2022 | 15 minutes

Every business has sensitive components integral to its success, whether trade secrets, customer contacts, or other confidential information that would be appealing to competitors. In Canada, attempting to stop an employee from sharing confidential information, competing, or soliciting customers, suppliers or employees can be tricky.

In this video, we discuss the current state of the restrictive covenant landscape and what steps employers can take to protect their businesses.

Speakers: Jeremy HannAjanthana Anandarajah and Junaid Malik


Proactive Steps to Address Systemic Discrimination and Inequality in the Workplace
Released June 21, 2021 | 11 minutes

In light of recent social justice movements, businesses are increasingly aware of issues pertaining to diversity and inclusion, making it essential for employers to take proactive steps to address inequality in the workplace.

In this video, we explore how to set up special programs under human rights legislation, and discuss best practices for advancing substantive equality in Canada.

Speakers: Jennifer Bernardo, David Bushuev and Shyama Talukdar