Newsletter – November 2024

According to the 2024 Urban Work Index from Youthful Cities, Toronto has been named the best city for young Canadians to work in. The index ranks cities based on criteria important to youth, such as climate action, equity, diversity and inclusion, job availability, education, digital access, economic opportunity, entrepreneurial spirit, affordability, transportation, and health.
Toronto excelled in several categories, ranking first in the city economy, digital access, health, and education, boasting 100 library branches and international post-secondary exchange opportunities. It also ranked second for entrepreneurial spirit, highlighting its vibrant startup scene. However, the report points out that Toronto’s high cost of living remains a significant challenge, with many residents spending over 30% of their income on housing.

Vancouver came in second overall, Edmonton ranked fifth and Calgary ranked sixth overall.

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The Ontario Ministry of Labour is investigating an industrial accident that claimed the lives of two workers near Owen Sound on October 3, 2024. The workers died after a scaffold collapsed inside a silo at the Sharedon Farms grain elevators in Georgian Bluffs.

Ministry inspectors returned to the site on October 4 to further assess the situation, issuing an additional requirement to the constructor, Sharedon Farms. In total, two requirements have been issued to Sharedon Farms, and eight to Wilhelm Concrete, the employer.

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The Ontario government is investing $5 million into the Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) program for 2024-25, offering free business coaching, training, and grants to over 400 Indigenous, Black, and other racialized entrepreneurs. This initiative is part of a $15 million, three-year commitment to support more than 1,200 entrepreneurs in overcoming systemic barriers to starting and growing small businesses.

Eligible participants will receive business development training, culturally responsive coaching, and a $10,000 grant. Applications are open until October 30, 2024.

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Ontario added 43,200 jobs in September, according to Statistics Canada’s latest report, reinforcing the province’s position as a national leader in job creation. Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade, attributed this success to Ontario’s efforts to keep costs low and attract investment.

So far in 2024, Ontario has created nearly 200,000 jobs. Site Selection Magazine recently named Ontario the most competitive province for investment for the third consecutive year. Key industries continue to benefit from investments, including a recent $200 million expansion by Jungbunzlauer in Port Colborne, supported by the Invest Ontario Fund, which will create 50 new jobs.

Fedeli emphasized the importance of maintaining strong trade relationships, particularly with the U.S., amid global economic uncertainty and an upcoming U.S. election.

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Deborah Skerry, a former employee of Pacific National Exhibition (PNE), filed a discrimination complaint against PNE, its employees, and two union representatives, alleging discrimination based on political belief, religion, gender identity, sexual harassment, disability, and her 2019 employment termination. The BC Human Rights Tribunal dismissed her complaint, citing a lack of evidence to support her claims.

The Decision:
The Tribunal initially rejected Skerry’s complaint under section 27(1)(b) of the Human Rights Code, which allows for the dismissal of complaints that do not present arguable cases of discrimination. Skerry’s appeal to the BC Supreme Court was denied, and her subsequent appeal to the Court of Appeal was also dismissed. The courts found that the Tribunal had acted reasonably and within its discretion, as Skerry failed to present specific facts that linked her protected characteristics to adverse treatment.

Key Takeaway for Employers:
This case underscores the importance of concrete evidence in discrimination complaints. Employers should ensure their policies and practices are well-documented and aligned with human rights standards, especially in termination cases. While allegations of discrimination must be taken seriously, this ruling highlights that complaints lacking factual support may not proceed. Employers are reminded to maintain clear records of employee performance, terminations, and accommodation efforts to safeguard against potential disputes.

For more information, see 2024 BCCA 345 (CanLII) | Skerry v. British Columbia (Human Rights Tribunal) | CanLII

The Nova Scotia government is launching a new retirement benefits program for doctors, offering up to $15,000 a year in contributions, aiming to retain physicians in the province. Premier Tim Houston announced the program, which could cost up to $22 million for 2024, with costs expected to grow as more doctors participate. Doctors with under five years of practice can receive $5,000 annually without matching contributions, while more experienced doctors can receive up to $15,000 with matching contributions. The program is part of broader efforts to address doctor shortages, but opposition parties have raised concerns about the program’s financial details and its potential effectiveness in retaining doctors.

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We’re thrilled to share a video testimonial from Parkway Garden Centre, a valued client for the past 2 years! Parkway Garden Centre has been a trusted name in the nursery and landscaping industry for an impressive 55 years.

We’re proud to have supported them, by navigating the complexities of labour laws and HR challenges in their sector. A huge thank you to the Parkway team for trusting and recommending HR Covered.