Borden Ladner Gervais LLP is a well-established leading force in the labour and employment law market, with it fielding a sizeable team that handles the full gamut of matters. One area in which it particularly stands out is in its advice to public and private sector clients on collective bargaining. In addition, the group works with other departments to assist with pensions and benefits issues, as well as immigration matters. On the contentious side, the firm is prominent in disputes ranging from wrongful dismissal claims to employment suspensions. The team is notably active in the retail sector, as was recently evidenced by Matthew Certosimo acting for Loblaws in a judicial review of an arbitral reward. André Royer leads the national practice group from the Montréal office, which is also home to labour relations expert Robert Bonhomme. Danny Kaufer frequently acts for clients in high-profile certification matters. Another name to note is Maryse Tremblay, who has experience of acting for federally-regulated employers. Katherine Poirier has niche expertise in industrial accidents and occupational illness cases, as well as occupational health and safety. In Toronto, Clifford Hart has been particularly busy in some of the practice’s foremost cases. Marie-Pier Emery in Montréal is a standout lawyer at associate level.
Labour and employment in Canada
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Danny Kaufer ; Robert Bonhomme; Clifford Hart; Matthew Certosimo; Katherine Poirier ; Maryse Tremblay; Marie-Pier Emery
Work highlights
- Represented MSC and Medlog Canada in an application for the issuance of a safeguard order against a member of its management by a competitor, Axsun, its former employer.
- Advised Bell Canada on a judicial review application before the Federal Court, brought by a former employee challenging a decision from the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal that found that she was not discriminated against when her employment was terminated.
- Acted for Loblaws (as its subsidiary National Grocers) in an application for judicial review of a labour arbitrator’s grievance award.
Fasken
Fasken's federal labour and employment practice distinguishes itself acting for leading national employers in change management scenarios, such as reorganisations and privatisations. One of the firm's key clients is Air Canada, for whom Karen Sargeant in Toronto is one of the lead advisers; her work covers the full scope of labour and employment matters, with 2020 and 2021 being dominated by issues relating to Covid-19, such as layoffs and subsequent recalls. Sargeant co-heads the practice with Montréal-based partner Stéphane Fillion and David Wong in Vancouver. Also based in Vancouver is David McDonald, who is recommended for advice on labour relations and collective bargaining. Another key figure is counsel Douglas Gilbert who, along with Sargeant and Fillion, leads the firm’s advice to US corporates on their human resources strategies in Canada. Counsel Brian Burkett is also a key contact. Magali Cournoyer-Proulx and Christopher Pigott are among a group of partners representing the future of the practice.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
David McDonald; Douglas Gilbert; Brian Burkett; Magali Cournoyer-Proulx; Christopher Pigott; Stephanie Gutierrez; Valérie Gareau-Dalpé; Rachel Younan; Erin Porter
Testimonials
‘The people we work with make this practice unique in that they are down to earth, supportive and provide incredible customer service. They are extremely attentive to our needs and appreciate, as a public sector employer, the need to contain costs associated with our various files.’
‘Hands down, Karen Sargeant and Erin Porter are a joy to work with. Their patience, availability, knowledge and most especially their down to earth personalities, are most welcome and appreciated. No matter how ridiculous or simple a question, they readily provide knowledgeable and respectful responses. In addition, when faced with a particularly complex issue, they dig in and “get it” in no time at all.’
‘Everyone I have worked with in this practice is personable, knowledgeable, and organized. I can always rely on them to stay on top of the files they are working on. I am able to reach out to them for any inquiries and they are always willing and able to provide an answer.’
‘Every partner and associate I work with has provided me with excellent service. I know that when I reach out to any of the partners or associates I am going to get a professional and knowledgeable response. They are all very organized and ensure all information is gathered prior to advising.’
Key clients
Air Canada
Toronto-Dominion Bank
Canadian Olympic Committee (COC)
Canadian Pacific Railway Company (CP Rail)
Canadian Employers Council (CEC)
Ubisoft
First Team Transport
Rogers Communications
Sobeys
Work highlights
- Advising Air Canada on strategic matters and provides ongoing representation in collective agreement arbitrations, labour relations board proceedings and employment, human rights and health and safety claims.
- Assisting Ubisoft’s Montréal, Québec City, Toronto and Winnipeg’s offices with setting up procedures against workplace harassment after numerous claims of sexual harassment and abuse against employees of the company that led to major resignations.
- Acted for the Canadian Olympic Committee in navigating Covid-19 with regard to employment and human rights issues.
Mathews, Dinsdale & Clark LLP
Mathews, Dinsdale & Clark LLP is a boutique firm solely dedicated to workplace law, with over 60 lawyers across Canada assisting national and multinational companies with labour relations issues. Particular areas of strength include labour matters in the construction industry, as well as occupational health and safety issues, for which Cheryl Edwards is a noted expert. Keith Murray, who is described by a client as an ‘expert and leading thinker in this field‘, excels in litigation and arbitration. He co-heads the practice with David Defrancesco. John Craig, who joined from Fasken in January 2021, acts for numerous federally-regulated employers in a range of disputes.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Cheryl Edwards; John Craig; Tara Erskine QC; Sara Malkin; Kim Nusbaum
Testimonials
‘Our business is national and so is the employment law firm we have partnered with. No matter what area of Canada where we may be experiencing a concern, our partners at Mathews Dinsdale & Clark have an office close by with well-versed lawyers to provide advice and guidance.’
‘Keith Murray – He is an extremely experienced labour litigator and has represented us in many arbitrations and labour board hearings. He acts as chief spokesperson for collective bargaining. He is a determined and sound counsel, responsive and creative in resolving disputes.’
‘What I most value about this team is their availability and accessibility to respond to employment/labour related inquiries at any time – and with a significant degree of expertise and knowledge. Issues often manifest quite quickly in our business, which operates 7-24-365. I appreciate that this team makes themselves available to respond at a moment’s notice, and brings such a high degree of expertise that allows us to quickly develop a plan or strategy forward with a tremendous degree of confidence.’
‘Keith Murray is one of my primary contacts. He is without question an expert and leading thinker in this field. I tremendously value his depth and breadth of experience. He can provide feedback, support and advice, usually without any hesitation as he has so much experience in this field. He is plain-spoken, practical and focused on resolving problems or addressing issues.’
‘Sara Malkin also provides excellent advice and support based on her expert knowledge and experience. She is very skilled at translating our complex issues into readily understandable concepts, whether they be used at Human Rights Tribunals, mediations, etc.’
‘Kim Nusbaum also provides excellent advice and support based on her knowledge and experience. She is an excellent communicator and presenter, having worked with me on delivering workplace harassment training to employees in a very compelling and practical manner. Like her colleagues, she is skilled at translating complex issues into readily understandable concepts, and produces superior quality work reflecting an understanding of our business and priorities.’
‘Wide range of experience related to employment issues. Very knowledgeable, provides options to each situation that can be related to our organization. Communication is key and this law firm does this very well.’
‘Over the past 24 months we have had the pleasure of working with Tara Erskine on some very complex matters. Tara’s willingness to understand our company, the industry and her keen ability to learn and listen has created a great working relationship with out team.’
Key clients
Bruce Power
Porter Airlines
EllisDon
Shell Canada
PCL Constructors Canada
Bank of Nova Scotia
Goldcorp Canada
Sofina Foods
Petronas Energy Canada
McLennan Ross LLP
Based in Alberta and the Northwest Territories, McLennan Ross LLP has a considerable management-side labour and employment practice. It has a notably strong roster of clients in heavily regulated industries key to the north and west of the country, and it also acts for a number of government entities. Tim Mitchell, who is a key figure in Calgary, is experienced in handling notable labour, employment and workplace human rights cases in Alberta, and before federal boards and courts. Tom Ross QC is another senior figure in the team, as is Edmonton-based partner Maurice Dransfeld, who is a specialist in workers’ compensation cases. Michelle Thériault is the main contact in Yellowknife. Rebecca Silverberg is the standout associate.
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Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Perhaps the strongest team of labour lawyers in Alberta.’
‘Experienced, knowledgeable and hard working.’
‘Strong background by all partners and associates on labour and employment matters. This firms is quick to understand your business and provide advice which best suits the matter, your business type and situations.’
‘Tim Mitchell and his associates are bright, understand the public sector and easily communicate their knowledge to us.’
Key clients
Worley Industrial Services
Stuart Olson
Cessco Fabrication & Engineering
RMC Group
Government of Alberta
City of Calgary
The Board of Governors of Bow Valley College
Grand Prairie Regional College
Lethbridge College
Medicine Hat College
Olds College
Portage College
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
The Alberta University of the Arts
Construction Labour Relations
Edmonton Kenworth
Cargill
Work highlights
- Represented Cargill in a class action brought forward due to a covid-19 outbreak.
- Acted for the City of Calgary in an interest arbitration to determine wages and benefits over a three year term of a collective agreement.
- Represented Cessco Fabrication & Engineering in a legal strike/lockout.
Norton Rose Fulbright
Norton Rose Fulbright's footprint in Canada is reflected by the fact that it acts for public and private companies on labour and employment matters at both provincial and federal level. The workload covers a myriad of areas, including matters arising from M&A, restructurings and outsourcings. In addition, the firm has a notable strength in collective bargaining, as was evidenced when global practice head Richard Charney acted for Aurora Cannabis Enterprises on an application to the Agriculture, Food and Rule Affairs Appeal Tribunal by the United Food and Commercial Workers’ International Union under the Agricultural Employees Protection Act 2002. Employment disputes are another forté of the practice; John Mastoras in Toronto is a name to note in this space. Luc Beaulieu and François Côté in Montréal are other key contacts at the firm. Also recommended is Lindsay Mullen in Calgary, who frequently acts for clients in heavily regulated industries.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Luc Beaulieu; François Côté; John Mastoras ; Lindsay Mullen ; Patrick Galizia ; Daniel Leduc
Key clients
Royal Bank of Canada
Hydro One
Rio Tinto
Québecor (Vidéotron)
Candu Energy
Maritime Employers Association
CAE
Bombardier
Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)
GardaWorld
Pfizer
Via Rail
Le Groupe Jean Coutu
Black & McDonald
Ivanhoé Cambridge
Canadian National Railway Company
Work highlights
- Advising the Maritime Employers Association on a work conflict in the Port of Montreal involving a strike by the stevedores.
- Acted for Aurora Cannabis Enterprises in an application to the Agriculture, Food and Rule Affairs Appeal Tribunal brought by the United Food and Commercial Workers’ International under the Agricultural Employees Protection Act, 2002.
- Acting for PSP Investments in a case against a former executive regarding whether long-term incentive plans are covered by article 2092 of the Civil Code of Quebec.
Baker McKenzie
Baker McKenzie's employment and compensation department demonstrates strong capabilities in dispute resolution, which includes high-stakes claims involving allegations of discrimination, gender pay inequality and harassment. The practice is led by George Avraam, who is an expert in trial and appellate litigation. Anoter key individual is associate Jennifer Bernardo, who has experience of representing clients in proceedings before a variety of administrative tribunals, labour arbitrators, and all court levels in Ontario. While disputes are the team’s standout specialism, it also advises clients on labour relations and pensions matters, as well as employment, mobility and compensation issues arising from corporate transactions.
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Testimonials
‘The depth of expertise in this team is quite amazing. They are responsive, knowledgeable and give thoughtful, high-quality advice, which is always practical and helpful. They have taken the time to get to know our organisation really well and understand the nuances of organisational culture, which means that the advice is always relevant and practical. This team at BM are in a different league to other firms I have used in the past.’
‘The two key contacts I have are George Avraam and Jennifer Bernardo. Both are highly competent, responsive, and give focused, thoughtful, practical advice. They make themselves available at short notice and at all hours to support our organisation with difficult issues, advice and strategic discussions. I have huge faith both in their legal expertise and their ability to apply it to our organisation and culture.’
‘The characteristics that set Baker McKenzie apart from all other law firms I have interacted with are responsiveness, expertise, discernment and precision. The responses of team members are always exceptionally timely yet comprehensive, and they are always prepared to provide the background to support their positions and recommendations.‘
‘George Avraam is simply the most insightful lawyer I have ever worked with. He has an incredible capacity to retain and recall the specific details of multiple files, yet provide guidance and advice on the overarching legal framework and strategy in the most complex systems.’
Key clients
Russell Security Services
Etobicoke Ironworks
RSM Canada
KIK Holdco Company
Barclays Capital
AAR
McMaster University
Primary Response
Kiewit
Queen’s University
Dynata
ADP
Work highlights
- Acting for Russell Security Services, defending a class action proposal for alleged unpaid wages dating back to January 1, 2017.
- Represented Etobicoke Ironworks and its affiliates against a wrongful dismissal civil action by a former senior executive, who was also a shareholder.
- Acting for RSM Canada in a civil action brought by an income partner alleging breach of contract, negligent misrepresentation, bad faith conduct, gender-based discrimination, and sexual harassment.
Bennett Jones LLP
Bennett Jones LLP's employment team provides a comprehensive service to clients from the firm's offices in Toronto, Calgary and Edmonton. Its work ranges in scope from advice on standalone employment issues to corporate support. Clients include Telus, Canada Utilities and Riverstone Holdings. One of the key contacts at the firm is John Gilmore in Calgary, who advises clients on employment contracts and collective agreements, as well as employee terminations and downsizing. Another key figure is Carl Cunningham in Toronto, who frequently acts for federally and provincially-regulated employers. Also based in Toronto is Susan Seller, who is the go-to pensions and benefits expert. Christine Plante joined the Calgary office in September 2020 from Canadian Pacific Railway Company.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
Canadian Medical Association
Canadian Utilities Limited/ATCO Group
Dayco Products/Dayco Canada
De Havilland Company of Canada
Bird Construction
Kissner Group Holdings/Stone Canyon Industries Holdings
Dye & Durham
Riverstone Holdings
Thermo Fisher Scientific
TriWest Capital Partners
Cenovus
A Parent Media Co
Japan Canada Oil Sands
Seasons Retirement
Work highlights
- Advised Riverstone Holdings on employee benefit related aspects for its $2.685bn acquisition of International-Matex Tank Terminals from Macquarie Infrastructure.
- Advised Atco on union and employment issues in Canadian Utilities’ (an Atco company) $835m sale of its entire Canadian fossil fuel-based electricity generation portfolio.
- Acting for Kidoodle in a complex employment litigation involving issues relating to alleged employee share entitlement, wrongful dismissal, and quantum meruit claims.
Dentons
Dentons undertakes a mix of contentious and non-contentious work for clients in the public sector, as well as those operating in industries such as health services, entertainment, manufacturing and professional services. National practice head Christian Létourneau, who is based in Montréal, has in-depth expertise in psychological harassment cases. In Toronto, Andy Pushalik advises clients on a wide range of sensitive HR issues, such as those arising from corporate restructurings, as well as harassment complaints and workplace investigations. April Kosten in Calgary is another up-and-coming lawyer to note. Eleni Kassaris in Vancouver acts for clients in both an advisory capacity and as litigation counsel in relation to workplace disputes.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
April Kosten; Eleni Kassaris; Adrian Miedema; Arianne Bouchard; Pamela Chan Ebejer
Testimonials
‘I really appreciate the work they have done for us in Canada. The reach across the country has been fantastic. I like having a local contact who can connect us with other lawyers in our areas of Canada if needed, or that they will consult with their colleagues to get additional information.’
‘I have really enjoyed working with April Kosten. April has really been able to take the time to get to know our organization, our culture and our approach to things. This has allowed her to really customize advice to how it can work for our company.’
‘Competent and knowledgeable team of seasoned lawyers ready to provide all the required legal advises. Better ownership of the case by partner assigned when compared to other firms.’
‘Impressive knowledge of all issues at stake. Clear understanding of the client needs and objectives, and-excellent strategic advice. Partner impressive in pre-trial discovery: very well prepared and strong in examination of witnesses. Arianne Bouchard stands out as an excellent labour law lawyer and meets all expectations.’
‘The employment team who supports us – headed by Eleni Kassaris – is exceptional from all perspectives because they are practical, responsive and have the breadth and depth to deal with unusual situations as well as commonplace events. Further, the team’s experience has been critical in circumstances requiring a sensitivity and nuanced approach with their advice and interactions with people.’
‘Extremely responsive, highly competent, efficient, and creative problem-solvers. They are knowledgeable about our industry and have taken the time to thoroughly understand our specific business and how we operate. Our internal legal, human resources and business teams all enjoy working with the Dentons team.’
‘Andy Pushalik is a star partner whose practice reflects a commitment to common sense strategic advice and sound expertise in the employment and labour space. As a trusted adviser, he is someone I can put with comfort in front of my board and senior management team to help us navigate the most complex “people” and employment issue. Would unequivocally recommend Andy.‘
Key clients
Alberta Catholic School Trustees Association (ACSTA)
Aon Canada
Avis Budget Group
Canadian National Railway Company
Champion Petfoods
Comet Group
Fire & Flower Holdings Corp. (FFHC)
Fluor Constructors Canada
Husky Injection Molding
LifeLabs
Mead Johnson Nutrition (Canada)
Quest University Canada
Work highlights
- Advised Husky Injection Molding on matters relating to the pandemic, including stay-at-home orders; essential business designations and employee accommodations.
- Assisted Quest University Canada with employment and labour advice during restructuring proceedings under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act.
DLA Piper (Canada) LLP
DLA Piper (Canada) LLP has a significant presence in the Alberta employment market, which was further strengthened in August 2020 by the hiring of Correna Jones from Norton Rose Fulbright. She joins a practice in Calgary that acts for a number of energy companies in the province, in addition to covering sectors such as education, healthcare and entertainment. Also based in Calgary is Michael Ford QC, who has extensive experience of all aspects of collective bargaining, advising both unionized and non-unionized employers. The firm is also a major player in Toronto and Vancouver, with Richard Nixon and Allen Soltan being the respective contacts in those markets. They also jointly lead the national practice group. At associate level, Jonathon Ward is a name to note.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Michael Ford QC; Correna Jones; Ryan Campbell; Jonathon Ward
Testimonials
‘I like their prices and services for clients. There is portal with news and information, and the managing partner for our company organizes trainings for our HR personnel.’
‘Knowledge, experience, great personality and easy to work with.’
Key clients
Greyhound Canada Transportation
The Calgary Drop-In and Rehabilitation Centre
The Banff Centre
Alberta Health Services
Calgary Board of Education
Calgary Sports and Entertainment
Crescent Point Energy
Vermilion Energy
DXP Enterprises
Valard Construction
Louis Dreyfus Company Canada
CF Chemicals
YMCA Calgary
Wood Canada
Pandora
Lawson Lundell LLP
Lawson Lundell LLP has one of the leading employment and labour practices in British Columbia. Its team is adept at handling a full range of contentious and non-contentious matters at both a provincial and federal level; areas of expertise include collective bargaining and labour relations, employment equity, occupational health and safety, wrongful dismissals and discrimination complaints. Department head Robert Sider QC advises on day-to-day labour and employment issues, as well as the employment aspects of commercial transactions. Nicole Skuggedal is experienced in representing clients at all court levels in Canada, as well as advising on M&A-related employment issues. Deborah Cushing has a broad practice that includes labour relations and human rights issues, while Ryan Berger focuses on employment litigation.
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McCarthy Tétrault
‘Offering prompt, practical, business-focused advice,‘ McCarthy Tétrault‘s labour and employment group advises on a range of advisory matters, as well as frequently representing its clients in disputes across the provinces and at national level. The Montréal office saw two partner additions in November 2020, with Alexandre Buswell and Myriane Le François joining from Borden Ladner Gervais LLP. They join key litigator André Baril in Quebec. In Toronto, Trevor Lawson and Kate McNeill-Keller are praised for their ‘precise, on-point, practical advice‘. National practice head Tim Lawson has particular knowledge of the energy, financial services, transportation, retail and construction sectors. Shana Wolch is the lead partner in Calgary; her practice encompassing all areas of HR law. Donovan Plomp in Vancouver is recommended for his ‘prompt, practical, business-focused advice.‘
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Trevor Lawson; Kate McNeill-Keller; Sunil Kapur; Shana Wolch; Donovan Plomp; Alexandre Buswell
Testimonials
‘Strong national employment practice offering prompt, practical, business-focused advice. As a company with operations across Canada, working with a firm with offices to support provincial L&E matters has been an asset.’
‘Donovan Plomp – prompt, practical, business-focused advice.’
‘Trevor Lawson – experienced, practical, business-focused.’
‘The MT Employment team is very responsive, providing strategic and practical advice. Their knowledge of the relevant law is always up-to-date and they keep the client’s costs in mind, when staffing a request and responding to questions. They provide strong support for all transactional, individual employee, and day-to-day issues.’
‘Trevor Lawson and Kate McNeill-Keller are outstanding business partners. They are both extremely responsive and provide precise, on-point, practical advice.’
‘They have a highly talented human resource team that continues to assist with all HR matters in a timely and efficient manner. They have done a masterful job of allowing our organization to avoid unnecessary litigation fees and have helped us resolve many issues in positive and productive ways.’
‘1) The take the time to know the nuances of our organization. 2) They are very efficient in their thinking and decision-making. 3) They show deep care and compassion for the individuals we work with.’
Key clients
Government of Ontario Department of Education
Rolls-Royce Canada
Cirque du Soleil
Stifel
Enbridge
Hudson’s Bay Company
Fedex Freight Canada
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
Inter Pipeline
Work highlights
- Advised Cirque du Soleil on worldwide restructuring of the activities of the group of companies, including liaising and coordination with outside legal counsel in various other jurisdictions.
- Advised Government of Ontario on a high-profile bargaining matter worth more than $26bn, involving numerous unions representing all teachers and staff members in the province.
- Assisted Rolls-Royce Canada with various labour and employment matters in the context of the ongoing crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, including temporary layoffs, personnel reductions and various measures proposed in order to reduce operating costs.
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP's national employment and labour department supports employers through significant workplace change, seeking to minimize litigation and union disruption. The team is also a frequent presence in litigation in courts across Canada. Allan Wells chairs the group, whose work in 2020 included advice to clients on the employment-related implications of Covid-19. Jason Hanson, who was formerly chair of the practice, retired in December 2020. Brian Thiessen, who is the managing partner of the Calgary office, focuses on the managerial side of employment and labour issues.
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Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP's employment and labour practice provides support to the corporate and M&A department on all workforce-related aspects of transactions, in addition to providing ongoing advice to clients on a standalone basis. Its roster of clients includes names such as Wells Fargo, Suncor Energy and Westjet Airlines. Andrea York, who heads up the group from the firm's Toronto office, has 20 years of experience in all areas of employment and privacy law. Holly Reid is another Toronto-based employment specialist to note. Birch Miller is the name to note in Calgary.
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Gowling WLG
Gowling WLG's team provides employment law advice to a number of multinational corporates with operations in Canada, including Burberry and Starbucks. In addition to providing M&A and general advisory support, the group is also active in employment litigation. Andrew Bratt leads the national practice from the firm's Toronto office, while a number of the team's practitioners are based at its office in Kitchener, including employment and privacy law expert Bettina Burgess. Up-and-coming partner Khiam Nong often assists clients with issues relating to employee misconduct, workplace bullying and sexual harassment. Josée Gervais in Montréal and Maxwell Brunette (whose practice is split between Vancouver and Calgary) are other names to note.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Maxwell Brunette; Bettina Burgess; Josée Gervais; Tina Aswad; Khiam Nong
Testimonials
‘Andrew Bratt is one of our go-to lawyers in this field in Canada. His practical, results oriented approach, easy demeanor, and sensitivity to cost are always appreciated. Not afraid of a fight but will not start one just to impress clients.’
Key clients
MyHealth Partners
Terminix Canada
Starbucks
Régie des Installations Olympiques
Dicom Transportation Group
Government of Québec – Ministry of Family
Carters Osh Kosh
Burberry
Sonder Canada
Thales Canada
Work highlights
- Acting for MyHealth in its sale of all of its issued and outstanding shares to Well Health Technologies for a total value of up to $266.3m.
- Assists the régie des installations olympiques (RIO) with six collective bargaining agreements.
- Acting as employment law counsel to Thales Canada in British Columbia, Quebec, Nova Scotia and Ontario.
Stikeman Elliott LLP
Stikeman Elliott LLP's labour and employment group is spread between the firm's Montréal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver offices. Active in matters at both federal and provincial level, the team's work covers ongoing day-to-day employment and labour law advice, as well as representation in disputes and corporate support. Patrick Essiminy, who leads the Montréal team, is best known for representing clients before the Québec labour tribunals and at the civil courts. Gary Clarke, whose practice is split between Calgary and Vancouver, assists clients with various human resources and labour relations issues. Lorna Cuthbert heads up the Toronto offering and has a particular focus on the human resources aspects of commercial matters. Other key names to note include Hélène Bussières in Montréal and Kathleen Chevalier in Toronto.
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Torys
Torys' team is experienced in acting for clients in employment litigation and investigations, as well as in an advisory and transactional capacity. Practice head Lisa Talbot has broad experience advising management and boards of directors on employment strategy and contentious workplace matters. She has notable expertise in defending workplace harassment claims and has been instrumental in growing the firm's employment class actions defence practice. Mitch Frazer chairs the wider employment and pensions group. Darryl Hiscocks and Jennifer Lennon are other key contacts in the team.
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Key clients
Government of Canada
Norbord
Deloitte
BlackBerry
Loblaw Companies/George Westin/Choice Properties REIT
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
The Bank of Nova Scotia
Alamos Gold
Rogers Communications
Four Seasons Hotels
Work highlights
- Advised Canada Development Investment Corporation and its subsidiary Canada Enterprise Emergency Funding Corporation on the development of the Large Employer Emergency Funding Facility in connection with the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Acted for Norbord on its CA$4bn sale to West Fraser Timber Co.
- Representing Deloitte in a class action alleging the misclassification of employees and breach of contract.
Lenczner Slaght
Litigation boutique Lenczner Slaght handles a variety of complex employment law cases, including those concerning terminations of executives, employee fraud, confidentiality breaches, and employment law class actions. The team also advises clients on the planning and implementation of employment strategies, including recruitment and dismissals. Clients include Royal Bank of Canada, Ernst & Young and Cineflex. Matthew Sammon leads the department, with support coming from associates Aoife Quinn and David Salter.
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Key clients
Mackie Research Capital
Mackie Research Financial
Ernst & Young
Cineflix
BMO Nesbitt Burns/Bank of Montreal
Grant Edey, CEO of Canadian Mining Company
Xerox Canada
Robert Mann, formerly of Sun Life
Arthur J Gallagher
RBC Dominion Securities/Royal Bank of Canada
Work highlights
- Representing Cineflix in a proposed Ontario class action alleging that it misclassified a range of employees as independent contractors in order to deprive them of various compensation owing under the Employment Standards Act.
- Acting for Bank of Montreal in litigation brought by a managing director for wrongful dismissal.
- Advising Royal Bank of Canada as defendants in a complex wrongful dismissal case.