2024 was a year of significant legal developments. Join us as we revisit some of the key insights that resonated most with our readers this year. We appreciate your continued engagement and look forward to keeping you informed. To stay up-to-date in 2025, subscribe to receive our insights on the latest legal developments that matter to you.
Employers Take Notice: Updates to the Employment Standards Act
Ontario’s Employment Standards Act, 2000 underwent a major overhaul in 2024 with the passing of Bill 149. This legislation introduced numerous changes aimed at enhancing worker protections and modernizing employment practices. These updates represent a notable shift in Ontario’s employment law landscape, requiring employers to adapt to ensure compliance and foster fair workplaces.
AUTHORS: Andrea M. Marsland, Stephen A. Bernofsky, Paul S. Schwartzman, Diana F. Saturno, Luisa L. D’Alessio
RELATED EXPERTISE: Employment and Labour
5 Things Canadian Businesses Should Know About The New EU Artificial Intelligence Act
The EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act, passed in March 2024, establishes a risk-based framework for AI systems, impacting Canadian businesses with EU connections. This legislation has the potential to influence global AI standards, making it essential for Canadian businesses to understand and comply with its requirements.
AUTHORS: Josh Rudolph, Valentina Galvis
RELATED EXPERTISE: Privacy, Data Governance and Cybersecurity, Technology, Corporate Commercial
Federal Guidance On Disclosure Obligations: Fighting Against Forced Labour And Child Labour In Supply Chains Act
The Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act took effect in 2024, requiring many Canadian businesses and federal institutions to disclose their efforts to address these issues. This legislation represents an important step towards ethical and responsible business practices in Canada.
AUTHORS: Karen Rosen, Eric Roblin, Cameron Holliday
RELATED EXPERTISE: Capital Markets and Securities, Corporate Commercial
A Win For Employers: Ontario Court Upholds Clear Termination Clause Language
The Ontario Superior Court’s decision in Bertsch v. Datastealth Inc. provided important clarity on the enforceability of termination clauses in employment agreements. The Court upheld a clause limiting employee entitlements to ESA minimums, finding it clear, unambiguous, and compliant with statutory requirements. This ruling offers employers valuable guidance on drafting enforceable termination provisions while reinforcing that properly constructed clauses can effectively limit termination obligations to statutory minimums.
AUTHORS: Paul S. Schwartzman, Luisa L. D’Alessio
RELATED EXPERTISE: Employment and Labour, Employment Litigation
Changes To The Capital Gains Inclusion Rate And To Alternative Minimum Tax (“Amt”): Potential Issues And Things To Consider
Federal Budget 2024 brought significant changes to the capital gains inclusion rate and the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), raising complex questions for taxpayers. While transitional rules are anticipated, navigating these complexities requires careful consideration and may warrant seeking expert tax advice.
AUTHORS: Julien Cohen, Ian V. MacInnis
RELATED EXPERTISE: Tax, Wills and Estates
This publication is intended for general information purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice.