Introduction
In Canada, the power to make laws is divided between the federal and provincial governments. Generally, for historic, constitutional reasons, provinces have jurisdiction over most employment matters, while the federal government has jurisdiction over employment only in respect of specific industries, such as airways, shipping and banks. Employment law in Canada is quite similar from province to province and is governed by both federal and provincial legislation as well as by the common law (judge-made law). Quebec is the notable exception to this rule, as Quebec operates under a civil law system based on a written “civil code” founded on France’s Napoleonic Code.
Legal framework
Canadian labour and employment law requires an understanding of the constitutional division of power between the federal government of Canada and the governments of Canada’s ten provinces and three territories. Labour and employment matters are principally within provincial and territorial jurisdiction; however, the federal government has jurisdiction over certain industries that are thought to have a national, international, or inter-provincial character. Examples of employment falling within federal jurisdiction include navigation and shipping, air transportation, railways and other inter-provincial connections, road transportation, banks, specified products such as grain and uranium, telecommunications, federal employees, and First Nations (aboriginal) activity. As a result, most employers that operate in multiple Canadian provinces are required to comply with a range of legislation in each of these provinces. For the most part, despite some significant differences, there is reasonable consistency in the legal principles that apply to employment and labour law in all Canadian jurisdictions, including Québec.
New Developments
Recently, changes in provincial governments have resulted in an increase in employee entitlements. The country’s largest provinces, Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia, have all increased their minimum wage rates and extended leave of absence entitlements..
Social issues such as the “#MeToo movement” and “Black Lives Matter (BLM)” also continue to change the landscape of employment law in Canada, with an increased emphasis on issues of discrimination and harassment (including sexual harassment). Although Canadian jurisdictions have long had laws pertaining to discrimination and harassment, the number of claims now being made has increased significantly. This trend has led to a number of legal proceedings, including large class action lawsuits. Further, the continued trend toward workplace harassment legislation has dramatically increased the number of claims and investigations. Given that these claims are based on relatively new, untested legislation, the standards of conduct are still being developed by the litigation process, resulting in not only meritorious claims coming forward, but also a distinct trend of employees claiming harassment over what have traditionally been seen as normal management techniques and disciplinary measures, or simply in response to any critique of their work performance.
Finally, like many other developed countries, a large portion of Canada’s workforce is reaching the age where people have traditionally chosen to retire. For a variety of reasons, many Canadians are opting to continue to work longer, creating new and complex issues for employers. These issues include structuring retirement packages, as well as terminating the employment of someone who is older, and consequently may have decades of tenure. Not only are the costs of terminating long service employees much higher, it often becomes a delicate balancing act when an employee’s age begins to affect their work, and the statutory prohibitions against age discrimination may then trigger accommodation requirements akin to those for employees with disabilities.
