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ARTICLE · 04 NOVEMBER 2024

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"Much Ado About Group Benefits:" Interpreting Benefit Plan Terms Continues To Create Issues For Employers

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Soave vs. Stahle Construction Inc. (2023 ONCA 265) highlights that benefit plan interpretation continues to be an issue that impacts employers.

CanadaEmployment and HR
Allyson Marta
Allyson Marta
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Soave vs. Stahle Construction Inc. (2023 ONCA 265) highlights that benefit plan interpretation continues to be an issue that impacts employers.

Facts and Trial Court Decision

The Plaintiff was required to participate in the employer's group benefits plan, including a fully insured long-term disability (LTD) benefits plan. Upon completing a construction site supervising job, the employer asked the Plaintiff to supervise at another site. However, the Plaintiff notified the employer that he required surgery for a hernia. The Plaintiff stopped working in January 2014, and the employer issued Record of Employment indicating that the Plaintiff was on a temporary leave due to illness.

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