News + Notes — Progressive Barristers

Jan 12

Jan 12 My team all resigned from a toxic workplace without giving notice. Can our boss sue to make us return?

The law recognizes that workplaces come with their share of frustrations. That said, it is illegal for an employer to subject an employee to a toxic (or poisoned) work environment.

Apr 29

Apr 29 Wrongful Resignation: What happens if I give less than the expected one month’s notice before quitting my job?

Shibil Siddiqi

Employment Law

Quitting your job without giving proper notice is considered “wrongful resignation”. Employers can potentially sue employees who wrongfully resign. Whether they are likely to do so depends on several factors.

Mar 16

Mar 16 I’m pregnant and hesitant to go to work. What are my options?

Shibil Siddiqi

Employment Law, Human Rights Law

Physically going into the workplace during a global pandemic is understandably a scary experience, especially during pregnancy. Legal options for working from home or taking a leave of absence, however, depend on an assessment of the nature of the work and the health risks involved.

Feb 12

Feb 12 I believe I am being underpaid. What can I do?

Shibil Siddiqi

Employment Law

I believe I am being underpaid. What can I do? Unless stipulated by your employment agreement, there is no legal obligation for your employer to provide salary increases or promotions regardless of the work performed.

Sep 22

Sep 22 Can my employer force me to quit my second job?

Shibil Siddiqi

Employment Law

Can my employer force me to quit my second job? There is no general rule prohibiting someone from working a second job, but there are exceptions.

Jun 22

Jun 22 Can I use ‘constructive dismissal’ and still get Employment Insurance benefits?

Shibil Siddiqi

Employment Law

Constructive dismissal can occur when an employer fundamentally changes the terms of employment, including by significantly reducing an employee’s hours of work or wages.

Jun 2

Jun 2 COVID-19 Employment Standards Regulation: Are Constructive Dismissal Claims Still Allowed?

Shibil Siddiqi

Employment Law

Does O. Reg. 228/20 prohibit employees from claiming constructive dismissal where their hours of work or their wages are significantly reduced?

Mar 30

Mar 30 Rental Housing and COVID-19: Some FAQs

Shibil Siddiqi

Landlord & Tenant Law

Do I still have to pay my rent? Can I be evicted for not paying my rent? Can I be evicted for any other reason? What about Rent Strikes? What if I just can’t afford to pay the rent? What about Rental Housing and my Human Rights? Are there any government relief programs specifically for helping tenants?

Mar 20

Mar 20 COVID-19 and Domestic Abuse

Scott Byers

Family Law

If you are a person living with intimate partner violence or other forms of abuse, be very careful when accessing legal resources on computers, smartphones or other devices to which your partner may have access. Be mindful of your digital hygiene. If you fear for your safety or that of your children, dial 911.

Mar 15

Mar 15 COVID-19 and Your Rights At Work

Shibil Siddiqi

Employment Law

COVID-19 is already having widespread impact on workers across Ontario and Canada. This post provides some practical information about your rights in the workplace during this public health emergency.

Feb 17

Feb 17 The Law of Costs Post-Beaver - Paper Presented at the Ontario Bar Association's Institute 2020

Shibil Siddiqi

Family Law

The case of Beaver v. Hill has attracted the attention of the family law bar mostly as a result of the novel constitutional claim advanced by the Respondent. However, the case has also produced an important appellate decision on costs in family law matters. Scott Byers, partner and family law expert at Progressive Barristers, was co-counsel for Ms. Beaver in the litigation giving rise to this decision.