The year 2017 is seeing significant changes in labour and employment matters across Canada. Several jurisdictions, including the federal government, are amending their labour and employment regimes. With the introduction of Bill C-44, the federal government has adopted significant reforms to the Employment Insurance Act and the Canada Labour Code.

While federally regulated employers will want to pay close attention, it is worth noting that these reforms are already trickling down to the provincial level. Indeed, […]

It is quite common for employment contracts, especially for senior employees or executives, to have provision for a bonus at the employer’s sole or absolute discretion.

However, the recent decision by the Supreme Court of Victoria in Crowe Horwath (Aust) Pty Ltd v Loone [2017] VSC 163 (Crowe Howarth) shows that such clauses might not mean that employers will have an unfettered discretion in deciding whether to pay bonuses.

It is a reminder that employers need to exercise […]