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...]
The Charter of Rights and Freedoms and Migrant Farm Workers
Each year, between 50K and 60K migrant farm workers come to Canada. But are their working conditions in violation of the Charter? “The fight is never about grapes or lettuce. It is always about people.”- Cesar Chavez, civil rights and farm labour activist Chavez uttered those words in 1970 in the … [Read more...]
Small Business Essentials: An employment lawyer’s perspective
Three essentials all small business owners should have in place are employment agreements, policies, and termination letters and releases. One of the most common mistakes small business owners make is assuming a small number of employees means proper employment documents are less important. On the … [Read more...]
#WFH: Considerations from an employment lawyer
Remote work or hybrid work arrangements have become the norm for many office workers due to COVID-19, but what are the legal considerations? I started this article perched on a kitchen chair watching snow fall outside of my in-laws’ house in Calgary. And I am finishing it relaxing on a couch in … [Read more...]
2021 Employment Law Alberta Year in Review
The courts released several important employment law decisions in Alberta in 2021, including about bonuses, just cause, defamation and constructive dismissal. This article summarizes several important employment law decisions in Alberta in 2021. This article does not focus on cases from other … [Read more...]
Bad Behaviour 7.0: Sexual Harassment & Wrongful Dismissal
Usually, the person claiming to have been harassed sues the employer. In a 2004 B.C. case, the harasser sued the employer for wrongful dismissal. This is the bad behaviour story of a spurned co-worker in a union office. His romantic desires were unreciprocated. He was then accused of revenge. … [Read more...]
