In June 2023, the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta recognized a new harassment tort that allows those experiencing harassment to sue for damages in civil court. When I say “torts”, you probably think of a delicious dessert. In law though, the word has a slightly different meaning! Tort … [Read more...]
Working Interviews in Alberta: What employers and job seekers need to know
Sometimes employers ask job applicants to perform tasks without payment as part of the hiring process. But are these working interviews legal in Alberta? There’s a growing trend in Canada for employers to conduct “working interviews” as part of their hiring process. This involves an employer … [Read more...]
Workplace Sexual Harassment: Reporting options
The Workers' Resource Centre's Workplace Sexual Harassment Advisory Program aims to educate survivors on options for reporting sexual harassment in the workplace. Sexual harassment occurs at work, often without acknowledgement, and leaves workers with lasting impacts. It creates unsafe and … [Read more...]
Hot Legal Topics of 2022
You asked and we answered - questions about interest rates, rent increases, layoffs and terminations of employment, grants of probate and conversion therapy. As another year ends, it’s a time to reflect back on the year that was and look forward to the year that will be. I think many of us are … [Read more...]
2022 Employment Law Alberta Year in Review
This past year, the courts have left us with important decisions about employment contracts, constructive dismissal, severance, just cause and the oppression remedy. This article is a short summary of some important employment law decisions in Alberta in 2022, separated roughly into subcategories … [Read more...]
OHS: A Safety Coordinator’s Perspective
Eight things workers should (and hopefully already) know about occupational health and safety laws in Alberta. It’s one thing to read the laws in Alberta about occupational health and safety (OHS). But how does it actually work day-to-day? Say you work in construction or IT or a school. The reality … [Read more...]
What happens when someone does not comply with Alberta’s OHS laws?
Jail? Fines? Nothing? What are the real consequences of not following occupational health and safety (OHS) laws in Alberta? Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Act is the primary legislation governing OHS in Alberta. It also includes several regulations, each with its own role in regulating … [Read more...]
Your Top 4 Questions About WCB Answered
The Workers' Resource Centre provides practical tips for getting help with WCB claims, what to do if you disagree with a decision, and returns to work in Alberta. The Workers’ Resource Centre (WRC) is a FREE agency that assists Albertans with filing claims, complaints and certain appeals … [Read more...]
Defending Your Workplace Rights in Alberta Can Be More Difficult Than It Should Be
The Workers' Resource Centre sees common scenarios where workers do not understand their rights and options, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. For someone experiencing legal issues in the workplace for the first time, navigating the system for information and help can be a dauting task. … [Read more...]
The (Sometimes Complicated) Rules that Apply to Farm Workers in Alberta
In January 2020, the rules changed to exempt farm and ranch employees on small farms from employment standards laws. Alberta’s Employment Standards Code (and the Employment Standards Regulation) applies to most workers in Alberta. But it creates all kinds of exceptions for farm workers, including … [Read more...]
