Labour and employment in Canada
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP’s formidable national practice leans on sizeable platforms throughout the country, with particularly dominant teams in Toronto and Montreal. The group routinely advises on labour relations, human rights, occupational health and safety, and privacy-related matters, with strengths in both non-contentious and litigious issues. In Montreal, Robert Bonhomme is highly sought after for labour relations and Danny Kaufer enjoys a prominent reputation for his bargaining and arbitration expertise. Matthew Certosimo in Toronto is an experienced litigator, who represents employers and employees in complex contentious cases. Other key contacts in Montreal include national department head André Royer and occupational health and safety specialist Katherine Poirier.
Practice head(s):
André Royer
Other key lawyers:
Robert Bonhomme; Matthew Certosimo; Danny Kaufer; Katherine Poirier
Key clients
JTI-Macdonald
Groupe Cirque du Soleil
Loblaws
McCann Worldgroup Canada
Birchcliff Energy
Work highlights
- Represented Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Bell Canada, Bell Technical Solutions and Bell Media, as interveners, before the Supreme Court of Canada in the Canada Post Corporation v. Canadian Union of Postal Workers case, which discusses the concept of ‘workplaces’ for inspection by workplace health and safety committees under Part II of the Canada Labour Code.
- Represented Air Canada before the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal in a matter concerning the constitutionality of the Canadian Human Rights Benefits Regulations.
- Successfully represented BMO in an employee dismissal case.
- Advised the Government of Canada on the labour and employment aspects of its C$4.5bn purchase of Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain Pipeline.
Fasken
Fasken’s impressively broad practice stands out across all the key pillars of labour, employment and human rights law, with strong skill sets in strategy, transactions and contentious issues. The firm’s extensive national footprint marks it as a top choice for federal employment and labour matters, particularly in the airline, TMT, banking and energy sectors, and it also has leading cross-border practice. In terms of the latter, Toronto-based sector specialist Brian Burkett was invited by the Canadian Government to serve on the NAFTA Labour Consultation Group to assist in the formulation of the labour and dispute resolution provisions of the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Seasoned litigator Douglas Gilbert, also based in Toronto, is another key figure in the practice group.
Practice head(s):
Stéphane Fillion; Simon Laberge; David McDonald; Karen Sargeant; Claire Vachon
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The Fasken team includes Canada’s foremost specialists in federal labour law. Their bench strength in labour law generally is impressive and they regularly draw on that strength from coast to coast.’
‘A strong team that is well equipped for litigation even on short notice but also, very good for advice on best practice in labour relations.’
‘We originally chose Faskens based on the specific and relevant expertise of their labour law team and have chosen to remain with them because of this continued expertise and because of the strong relationship that has developed between the individuals within our respective organizations.’
‘What I admire most about this team is its commitment to excellence both in the specific expertise of the work and in its dedication to providing timely, responsive and relevant insights to clients. Their practical, hands-on approach to our relationship adds great value.’
‘The team provides timely and practical counsel. Its depth of knowledge and breadth of experience ensures we do not waste valuable time and resources. The partners we use really take the time to understand our business and us as people; we always feel that they regard themselves as members of our corporate team.’
‘Doug Gilbert and Brian Burkett are a formidable duo when it comes to federal labour law, among the other areas they practice in. Few practitioners have the deep knowledge of the law and their clients’ businesses, the seasoned judgement, and truly long term strategic view that these two bring to every file.’
‘Stéphane Fillion is fast, always well prepared and can advise on a broad spectrum of questions pertaining to labour relations. A dedicated lawyer, above else.’
Key clients
Tim Hortons
L’Oréal
NBC Universal
Air Canada
Toronto-Dominion Bank
Enbridge inc.
Aviva Canada Inc.
Fortis BC
Rogers Communications
Cummins Canada ULC
Work highlights
- Represented several interveners in the high-profile Canada Post v. Canadian Union of Postal Employers case, including the Maritime Employer Association, Rogers Communications and Federally-Regulated Employers in Transportation.
- Advised Air Canada on several strategic matters, including on the distinction between collective agreement rights and statutory standards.
- Advised TD Bank on the development of its first-ever pay equity plan, as required by newly introduced federal pay equity legislation.
- Advised CP Rail on labour strategy, labour arbitration files and employment litigation matters.
- Represented Imperial Metals Corporation – Mount Polley on a labour dispute involving its copper and gold mine.
Norton Rose Fulbright
On the employment front, Norton Rose Fulbright provides strategic advice on restructuring, outsourcing and organization design, and also handles transactional support issues and litigation. The group brings to bear deep experience in construction-related issues, among other specialist industry matters, and also benefits from strong complementary expertise in health and safety, human rights and corporate immigration. Global practice head Richard Charney in Toronto is widely considered an authority in labour and employment matters. In Montreal, Michel Carle is highly regarded for his specialist experience in the manufacturing, retail and food industries, and Luc Beaulieu is rated for his impressive track record in complex labour relations cases.
Practice head(s):
Richard Charney; Karen Jensen
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Norton Rose Fulbright has a deep and experienced bench in labour and employment law. Lawyers are responsive, well prepared and great to deal with.’
‘Karen Jensen a top-notch labour lawyer, who stands apart for her expertise combined with a personal touch.’
‘One of Herb Isherwood’s most admirable qualities is that he is not quick to make a decision on tough issues; he will think about it overnight or get more information if needed. He is prepared to make quick decisions, however, when the matter is straightforward.’
Key clients
Royal Bank of Canada
Rio Tinto
Bombardier Aerospace
Aluminerie de Becancour Inc. (Alcoa)
Hydro One
Technical Safety of BC
Lafarge Holcim
Aéroports de Montreal
Hunting Energy Services (Canada) Ltd.
ATI Telecom International
Work highlights
- Represented MedReleaf before the Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Appeal Tribunal in respect of charges brought under the Agricultural Employees Protection Act, 2002.
- Successfully represented Canada Post in a high-profile termination case.
- Advised Metro Richelieu on the acquisition of Groupe Jean Coutu and on issues arising out of the closing of its pharmaceutical division, McMahon, because of the merger of its activities with Jean Coutu’s distribution centre.
- Advised Bombardier Aerospace in a union jurisdiction dispute between Unifor and International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
- Retained by AerRianta International (North America) to act as the spokesperson and negotiate a first collective agreement covering 180 employees of the duty free shops in the Montréal-Trudeau Airport affiliated with the United Steelworkers of America.
Filion Wakely Thorup Angeletti LLP
From its three offices across Ontario, Filion Wakely Thorup Angeletti LLP focuses exclusively on labour and employment law, and has strong expertise across a wide range of policy, labour relations and contentious issues. The firm regularly represents employers in provincial and federal matters and, as the single Canadian member of L&E Global (an alliance of employers’ counsel worldwide), it is also well versed in multi-jurisdictional cases. Toronto-based senior partner Roy Filion QC enjoys a prominent reputation for his broad expertise in employment and labour relations law. James Knight, who splits his time between Toronto and Hamilton, is also recommended for his experience in labour relations, human rights, employment standards, and health and safety matters.
Practice head(s):
Roy Filion QC
Other key lawyers:
Harris & Company
A leader in Western Canada, Vancouver-based Harris & Company is routinely engaged by public and private sector clients across the region’s key industries, including financial services, retail, technology, film and television and marine services. In addition, the firm operates at a national level through several close referral relationships, including a formal affiliation with Ontario’s Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP. Firm co-founder Eric Harris QC is widely acknowledged as a leader in labour and employment matters, with his experience in complex labour law issues being of particular note.
Practice head(s):
Eric Harris QC
Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP
Among the largest of Canada’s management-side labour and employment boutiques, Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP fields over 120 lawyers split between its bases in Toronto, Waterloo, London, Kingston and Ottawa. Leveraging strengths in human rights, health and safety, privacy, and pensions and employee benefits, the firm acts for more than 1000 employers, nearly of which are in the public sector. Managing partner Stephen Shamie is widely respected for his strong focus on collective bargaining and complex litigation cases. Up-and-coming partner Daniel Michaluk is recommended for his strong niche practice in data security and privacy matters.
Practice head(s):
Stephen Shamie
Other key lawyers:
Mathews, Dinsdale & Clark LLP
National employment and labour boutique Mathews, Dinsdale & Clark LLP has a wide national footprint comprising six offices across Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta and Nova Scotia. In addition to its national scope, the firm sets itself apart through its dominant labour relations practice, which is active across all industries but particularly strong in construction-related matters. The exclusive Canadian member of the Ius Laboris alliance of global HR law firms, the practice group also has expertise in occupational health and safety matters. In Vancouver, Keith Murray is recommended for complex labour relations concerns and human rights complaints, while managing partner Mark Contini is a name to note in Toronto.
Practice head(s):
Mark Contini; Keith Murray
Testimonials
‘The firm is nimble and practical. I have the feeling of dealing with a boutique firm with national reach.’
‘What makes this practice unique is its levels of responsiveness and professionalism. Lawyers are always engaged and available whenever we need them.’
‘Keith Murray and Gradin Tyler consistently provide sound legal advice and opinions. They’re both extremely personable and dedicated and go above and beyond when I need quick responses and insight.’
Key clients
Bruce Power LP
Honda of Canada MFG
Porter Airlines
EllisDon Corporation
Ontario Power Generation Inc.
PCL Constructors Canada Inc.
Labatt Brewing Company
Goldcorp Canada Ltd.
Sofina Foods Inc.
Progress Energy Canada Ltd.
Work highlights
- Successfully defended Brewers’ Distributor in a grievance brought by the union alleging the operation of automated machines by non-bargaining unit personnel was a breach of the collective agreement.
- Represented the City of Vernon in a case concerning the admissibility of video evidence.
- Successfully defended the Town of Coaldale on its right to hold a lockout vote in accordance with Alberta’s labour relations legislation.
McLennan Ross LLP
McLennan Ross LLP fields a very capable labour and employment group, split among its three offices across Alberta and the Northwest Territories. The team stands out as the largest management-side practice in Alberta and routinely advises on the full gamut of labour relations, human rights, occupational health and safety and contentious matters. The firm’s regional platform also leads to a significant amount of construction, and oil and gas-related engagements. In Calgary, Tim Mitchell enjoys a strong reputation for his expertise in advising both public and private sector employers on provincial and federal matters.
Practice head(s):
Hugh McPhail QC
Other key lawyers:
Roper Greyell LLP
With strengths in both labour and employment matters, Vancouver-based Roper Greyell LLP is widely recognized as one of Canada’s leading boutiques. The firm is a dominant force in the British Columbia market, and also works alongside several key partners to provide advice on national and international cases. In terms of the former, it maintains a strategic alliance with Toronto law firm, Sherrard Kuzz LLP, while on the global front it stands as the exclusive BC representative of the Employment Law Alliance (a network of labour and employment lawyers spanning over 100 countries). Key figures include founding partner Thomas Roper QC, who focuses on strategic planning and counsel work, and Jennifer Devins, whose broad labour practice reaches into human rights and privacy law.
Practice head(s):
Thomas Roper QC
Other key lawyers:
Baker McKenzie
Baker McKenzie’s labour and employment practice has a solid reputation in contentious cases, both domestic and, through its ability to link up with its wider global network, cross-border disputes. The team also routinely advises on employment counselling, labour relations, transactional support matters and global mobility issues. George Avraam, who chairs the North America employment and compensation group, is noted for his broad trial and appellate litigation practice. Also recommended is associate Jennifer Bernardo, whom clients have hailed as ‘exceptionally bright’.
Practice head(s):
George Avraam
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘An ultra responsive team, which is comprised of strong litigators.’
‘I would describe the performance of this team as consistently excellent: timely, thoughtful, accurate and practical. I particularly value their responsiveness and the overall consistent quality and reliability of their advice.’
‘I appreciate the team’s understanding of our particular institutional culture and approach, and their ability to tailor their advice accordingly. The group’s cross-border experience and coordination is also something that sets them apart from other firms.’
‘George Avraam is an excellent litigator who makes a significant effort to really understand his client’s business and risk tolerance, providing counselling and litigation advice accordingly.’
‘George Avraam is truly outstanding lawyer; he is business-like, practical and prompt and has enormous expertise across all aspects of employment law and civil litigation.’
‘Jennifer Bernardo is exceptionally bright, and very thoughtful and measured in her approach. Her advice is of a consistently high standard.’
Key clients
McMaster University, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Queen’s University
Primary Response Inc.
RSM Canada LLP
General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada
Acciona Infrastructures Canada Inc.
Olympus Canada Inc.
Colliers Macaulay Nicolls Inc. (Colliers International)
Brookfield Business Partners L.P.
Shire Plc
Motorola Solutions, Inc.
Nuance Communications, Inc.
Sika AG
Work highlights
- Successfully represented a University over the implementation of a smoking ban on its entire campus.
- Represented Primary Responses in a proposed class action lawsuit filed on behalf of current and former security guards against it and its new parent corporation, Garda Canada Security.
- Represented General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada in a civil action brought by a bargaining unit employee alleging breach of contract, wrongful break in seniority and bad faith conduct.
Bennett Jones LLP
Bennett Jones LLP houses a robust labour and employment practice, which is well balanced between standalone advisory and contentious matters, and transactional support work. In line with the firm-wide strength, the practice group, which has solid footholds in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, is particularly active in the energy and natural resources industries. Calgary-based John Gilmore, who had a strong recent run in M&A-related matters, and Toronto-based Carl Cunningham jointly head the department. The group was recently boosted by the arrival of new Ottawa-based senior counsel Lori Sterling, who was formerly federal Deputy Minister of Labour and Associate Deputy Minister of Employment and Skills Development.
Practice head(s):
Carl Cunningham; John Gilmore
Key clients
Argonaut Gold
ATCO Ltd/ Canadian Utilities Ltd. (and all subsidiaries)
Core-Mark International Inc.
Deluxe Corporation
Direct Cash Payments Inc.
Edge Natural Resources LLC
EOG Resources, Inc.
Extendicare Inc.
Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Limited
Invis Inc.
Macquarie North America
McCain Foods Limited
McEwen Mining
NES Global Talent
Newalta Corporation
Plains Midstream Canada ULC
Repsol, S.A
S.I. Systems
Secure Energy Services
Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation
TriWest Capital Partners
Westlake Chemical
Work highlights
- Advised Klondex Mines on the employment aspects of its acquisition by Hecla Mining.
- Advised Canadian Pacific Railway Corporation on a complete revision of its human resources policies and procedures.
- Advised the Coca-Cola Company on the labour and employment aspects of its sale of Coca-Cola Refreshments Canada to Coca-Cola Canada Bottling.
Dentons
Dentons’ increasingly prominent labour and employment practice covers all the key pillars, with strong skill sets in litigation, investigations and health and safety law. The team also sets itself apart through its ability to lean on its global network for support in multi-jurisdictional mandates. Barbara B Johnston QC heads the Calgary labour and employment group and is recommended for her deep expertise in matters relating to drug and alcohol testing. Andy Pushalik heads the group in Toronto and advises a range of companies, charities and public sector organizations on contentious and non-contentious issues.
Practice head(s):
Christian Létourneau
Other key lawyers:
Barbara Johnston QC; Andy Pushalik
Testimonials
‘The team is practical and results-oriented; it is a true gem within the legal landscape of Ontario.’
‘Dentons has strong industry knowledge and provide intelligent and highly practical solutions to our legal problems.’
‘Dentons is extremely client-focused. The team spends a considerable amount of time understanding our business and risk tolerance and has developed strong relationships across our business (not just our legal department).’
‘Andy Pushalik and Craig Lawrence are practical and solutions-oriented lawyers who provide timely and best-in-class advice to our company; they take the time to understand our business and are responsive to our needs.’
‘Andy Pushalik is very adaptable, agile and able to provide practical advice across the labour and employment spectrum. He is also extremely personable and able to provide advice that is effective for our team.’
Key clients
Servus Credit Union Ltd.
Suncor Energy Inc.
Syncrude
Weatherford International Inc.
Air Liquide Canada Inc.
Aon Canada
Capital Power Corporation
Champion Petfoods
Schlumberger Canada Limited
Bond Brand Loyalty
Work highlights
- Successfully represented Suncor in a judicial review of a grievance arbitration ruling in the Court of Appeal of Alberta that Suncor infringed unionized workers’ privacy rights in 2012 by implementing random drug and alcohol testing for workers in safety-sensitive positions at some of its sites.
- Represented the Canadian arm of Air Liquide in labour arbitration matters.
- Advised the Canadian arm of Schlumberger on a number of wrongful dismissal claims in Alberta.
DLA Piper (Canada) LLP
DLA Piper (Canada) LLP’s labour and employment offering combines strong private sector expertise spanning the oil and gas, mining and transportation spheres, with a thriving public sector practice that is particularly active in the education sector. The national group, which routinely advises on consultancy, transactional support and contentious matters, is also distinguished by its ability to join up with the wider firm’s 300-lawyer strong global employment team for support on multi-jurisdictional matters. Toronto-based Richard Nixon and Vancouver-based Allen Soltan co-lead the department, which also includes the ‘solutions-oriented’ Michael Ford QC in Calgary.
Practice head(s):
Allen Soltan; Richard Nixon
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team demonstrates a strong understanding of the particular industry we operate in and provides intelligent and highly practical solutions to our legal problems.’
‘Mike Ford is a practical and solutions-oriented lawyer who provide timely and best-in-class advice. He takes the time to understand our business and is responsive to our needs.’
Key clients
The University of Calgary
The Calgary Board of Education
Mount Royal University
FIRST Canada ULC
Fairmont Hotels
Alberta Health Services
Municipal Employees Benefits Association of Calgary
Canada Malting Corp.
Trane Canada ULC
Calgary Drop-In Centre
Canadian Media Producer’s Association
Work highlights
- Advised Greyhound Canada Transportation on the closure of its Western Canada operations, which resulted in 500 job losses.
- Represented First Canada ULC in a labour arbitration discussing how school bus drivers are paid.
- Advised The Calgary Drop-In and Rehabilitation Centre on allegations from current and former employees alleging workplace abuse and management acquiescence.
Lawson Lundell LLP
The group at Lawson Lundell LLP leverages the firm’s strong presence in Western Canada to specialize in advising employers from across the region’s key industry sectors, including mining, manufacturing, transportation, forestry and construction. Vancouver-based Robert Sider heads the practice and is highly regarded for his strength in transactional support matters and employment litigation. The team also benefits from its ability to team-up with the firm’s pensions and employee benefits practice, and occupational health and safety team.
Practice head(s):
Robert Sider
McCarthy Tétrault
Boasting an impressive national footprint, McCarthy Tétrault provides on-the-ground employment and labour law advice from its Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, Calgary and Vancouver offices. The full-service heavyweight is best known for its ability to pair up with its corporate team to advise on major transaction-related matters, but it also packs a punch in labour relations, human rights, health and safety, and litigation. In Montreal, André Baril is highly regarded for his record in labour relations and labour disputes. Key names in Toronto include national group lead Tim Lawson and talented up-and-coming partner Trevor Lawson.
Practice head(s):
Tim Lawson
Other key lawyers:
Key clients
BMW Canada
Enbridge Inc.
FedEx Ground Package Systems, Ltd.
Kellogg Canada Inc.
lululemon athletica
PepsiCo Beverages
Suncor
Uber
VIA Rail Canada Inc.
Work highlights
- Represented The Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation in several matters, including successfully acting as its chief spokesperson on the negotiation of collective agreements, affecting more than 1500 employees.
- Advised Nestlé on the employment aspects of its acquisition of Atrium Innovations.
- Advised Ontario Hospital Association on wages and benefits for nurses during an interest arbitration.
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP has a solid record of handling the employment and labour aspects of corporate transactions and major restructurings, with notable expertise in multi-jurisdictional matters. In addition, the group routinely advises on employment policies, compensation matters, and employment and labour relations litigation. Toronto-based group chair Jason Hanson is experienced in all areas of labour and employment law, including collective bargaining and outsourcing. and Brian Thiessen, who splits his time between Calgary and Vancouver, is noted for his privacy expertise. Also recommended is Sven Poysa, a talented up-and-coming partner, who practices across the firm's Toronto and Montreal offices.
Practice head(s):
Jason Hanson
Work highlights
- Advised Honeywell International on the spin-off of its Home Systems division.
- Acted as Canadian counsel to BC Partners on its $5.1bn agreement to recapitalize GFL Environmental, including all employment and labour-related matters.
- Advised Royal Mail Group on its C$360m acquisition of Dicom Transportation Group, which involved drafting executive and general employment agreements, reviewing retention agreements and revising the purchase agreement in respect of employee transfer considerations.
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP’s labour and employment practice primarily supports the firm’s prolific corporate practice, advising on the labour and employment aspects of major transactional mandates. Spread across the firm’s Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver and Montreal offices, the team also advises on standalone matters, including workplace policies and employment litigation. Andrea York, who focuses on employment, labour and privacy matters, heads the group from Toronto.
Practice head(s):
Andrea York
Key clients
Nestle Canada Inc./Nestle Waters Canada
The Boeing Company
Agrium Inc.
Suncor Energy
The Washington Companies
Omnicom Canada Corp.
IMCD Group/ L.V. Lomas
Lavazza Group
Instacart
Scotiabank
Work highlights
- Advised TD Bank on the employment aspects of its acquisition of Greystone Capital Management.
- Advised Kinder Morgan on the employment, labour, and pensions and benefits aspects of its C$4.5bn sale of the Trans Mountain Pipeline system and the Trans Mountain Expansion Project to the Government of Canada.
- Advised Gypsum Management Supply on the labour and employment aspects of its acquisition of WSB Titan.
Gowling WLG
Gowling WLG’s sizeable international platform marks it as a popular choice for cross-border matters, particularly for inbound companies looking to establish a presence in Canada. The firm also handles a steady stream of employment litigation cases. Practicing across the firm's Vancouver and Calgary offices, Maxwell Brunette heads the group in Western Canada and focuses on labour relations, employment matters, human rights and privacy law. Kitchener-based Bettina Burgess leads the national group.
Practice head(s):
Bettina Burgess
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The firm demonstrates deep knowledge of employment laws across Canadian provinces, with the ability to efficiently educate both basics and complexities to non-Canadian attorneys, and practical approaches to risk and benefit scenarios.’
‘Bettina Burgess has invested the time needed to really understand our company and its peculiarities. This has enabled cost and time efficiencies on both sides of our partnership.’
Key clients
Sun Life Financial
Geosoft Inc.
Saint Elizabeth
CPC Logistics Canada Ltd.
Magnet Forensics
The Riverside Company
Carters Osh Kosh
Starbucks
Burberry
WPP
Work highlights
- Represented Sun Life Financial in two trials involving claims brought by one of its financial advisors.
- Advised multiple employee shareholders in the sale of their interest in Canada-based Geosoft to New Zealand-based Seequent.
- Advised CPC Logistics Canada on the closure of three distribution centres located in Ontario, Alberta and Quebec which affected over 40 employees.
Miller Thomson
Spread across 12 offices in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Saskatchewan and Quebec, Miller Thomson is able to provide seamless national coverage of labour and employment matters. The firm also supports its core offering with supplementary expertise in human rights, occupational health and safety and pension and employee benefits. Toronto-based Hugh Dyer is noted for his experience in the transportation, manufacturing and health care industries.
Stikeman Elliott LLP
From its platforms in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver, Stikeman Elliott LLP advises employers on all aspects of individual and collective employment matters. The firm’s full-service offering spans advisory, contentious and transactional issues, with its ability to provide seamless service on national cases standing out as a big draw for clients. Montreal-based Hélène Bussières is a popular choice for both contentious and non-contentious matters, and also has significant expertise in privacy and data protection law.
Practice head(s):
Gary Clarke; Lorna Cuthbert; Patrick Essiminy
Other key lawyers:
Torys
Torys LLP’s group has a strong emphasis on contentious matters and benefits its ability to link up with its formidable class action defence practice. The firm has handled some of the most high-profile employment class actions brought in Canada, including its recent work for the Canadian Hockey League and Uber. Moreover, the team also has significant experience in labour relations, human rights and occupational health and safety. Names to note include counsel Darryl Hiscocks and employment litigation head Lisa Talbot, both of whom are based in Toronto.
Practice head(s):
Mitch Frazer; Lisa Talbot
Testimonials
‘The firm provides specialized employer HR support as well as the ability to draw from other areas of the practice when needed.’
‘Darryl Hiscocks demonstrates high-level employment knowledge and experience; he is our go-to lawyer for all of our HR issues.’
Key clients
Uber Technologies Inc., Uber Canada Inc., Uber B.V.
BlackBerry Limited
Loblaw Companies Limited/George Weston/Choice Properties REIT
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
The Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank)
Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)
Four Seasons Hotels Limited
Alamos Gold Inc.
Rogers Communications Inc.
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Work highlights
- Represented the Canadian Hockey League, Québec Major Junior Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League, Western Hockey League and their respective teams in class actions concerning the status of major junior hockey players.
- Represented Deloitte in a proposed employment class action alleging the misclassification of employees and breach of contract.
- Represented Uber in the defence of a proposed class action in Ontario concerning the status of Uber drivers.
Aird & Berlis LLP
Aird & Berlis LLP’s workplace law practice spans labour, employment and occupational health and safety matters. Best known for its strength in corporate support issues, the group also advises on policy development, investigations and contentious matters. Department head Lorenzo Lisi has experience in representing employers in both provincial and federal matters.
Practice head(s):
Lorenzo Lisi
Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP
Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP's labour and employment practice is well weighted between transactional support matters, consultancy advice and litigation. Toronto-based Kristin Taylor, who handles both contentious and non-contentious work, has strong recent experience in the mining, energy, cannabis and technology sectors.
Lenczner Slaght LLP
Litigation firm Lenczner Slaght LLP focuses on complex labour and employment disputes, including termination cases, employee fraud, confidentiality issues, and employment class actions. Key contacts include Matthew Sammon, who specializes in employment litigation and workplace investigations, and Matthew Lerner, who represents both employers and employees in high-stakes litigation.
Practice head(s):
Matthew Lerner; Matthew Sammon
Key clients
Canadian National Railway
York University
Mackie Research Capital Corporation
Bank of Montreal
Coinamatic Canada Inc.
Ernst & Young LLP
Fiera Foods Company
Kruger Products
Sears Canada
Jones Collombin Investment Counsel Inc.
AGF Management Limited
Cineflix
Dan Andersson/Leo Canada
Marsh Canada Limited
Pace Savings and Credit Union Limited
Vinmar International Ltd.
Work highlights
- Represented the CEO and the Chairman of AGF Management in defending a defamation and conspiracy claim.
- Acted for Ernst & Young in an action against Bruce Picton, Robert Picton and another accounting firm for alleged breaches of restrictive covenants, fiduciary duties, and duties of confidentiality.
- Represented Cineflix and its various affiliates in a proposed Ontario class action alleging that Cineflix misclassified a range of employees as independent contractors in order to deprive them of various compensation owing under the Employment Standards Act.
Sherrard Kuzz LLP
Toronto-based labour and employment boutique Sherrard Kuzz LLP has particular strength in labour relations. Michael Sherrard is highly regarded for his specialist expertise in collective bargaining and grievance arbitration, and Erin Kuzz is also recommended.