OBA.org - Voting

You are Valuable, You are Powerful, You are Deserving

November 17, 2016
Daniella Murynka

OBA Women Lawyers Forum member Daniella Murynka's op-ed on how prejudice played a part in the US presidential election.

Too Much, Too Fast, Too Soon: Stakeholders React to the Province's Coordinated Review of the Provincial Plans

November 16, 2016
Katarzyna Sliwa and Mark Piel

This article provides an overview of some of the proposed changes to Ontario’s four land use plans, draws preliminary conclusions regarding the implementation challenges facing regional and local municipalities, and reviews the development industry’s shared concerns regarding these challenges.

Legal Happenings Fall 2016

November 15, 2016

A quarterly summary of awards and appointments, legislation and cases, and upcoming events. Please send any of the above that you would like announced, to Justine Johnston at justine.johnston@blakes.com

Women’s Rights “Shallowly Entrenched” in Our Culture

November 15, 2016
Karen L. Dawson

By midnight, it was apparent that former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton would not be making history. As I wondered what went wrong, I was reminded of Margaret Atwood’s remarks at LEAF's Annual Persons Day Breakfast Gala. Atwood opined that the U.S. had not seen misogyny like that on display during the 2016 election campaign since the Salem witch trials and observed that women’s rights are shallowly entrenched in our culture, and thus susceptible to restriction or even revocation.

What’s Your Story? The Power of Personal Narrative

November 15, 2016
Natasha Grewal

Your narrative is the way you choose to tell your life’s story. It can be your thoughts or the way you tell your story to others. It is important to be mindful of your thoughts as they can become your truth. If you are wondering where to begin, the author gives you three steps to taking control of your narrative.

Juggling Life

November 15, 2016
Noam Uri

A recent call's personal experience and tips on how to attain a work-life balance.

Blaneys Court of Appeal Summaries (November 7 - 10, 2016)

November 15, 2016
John Polyzogopoulos

Topics covered this week included interlocutory vs final orders for the purpose of appeal in the context of summary judgment, the triggering of the duty to defend under a CGL insurance policy, MVA, re-opening an appeal on a new ground not previously raised, real and substantial connection, and exclusion clauses in equipment leases.

Rethinking Arbitration Clauses – Are They More of a Headache Than They Are Worth? – A Case Comment on Novatrax International Inc. v. Hägele Landtechnik GmbH

November 15, 2016
Varoujan Arman and John Polyzogopoulos

The recent decision of the Court of Appeal for Ontario in Novatrax International Inc. v. Hägele Landtechnik GmbH provides a prime example of how arbitration clauses can complicate, rather than simplify matters. The result in that case is that there may now be more than one proceeding to resolve the dispute – an arbitration, plus a court case.

All May Be Lost If Your Workplace Investigation Is Not Conducted with An Open Mind

November 11, 2016
Allison Buchanan

With workplace Investigations becoming a more common tool to address employee issues, the Federal Court makes it clear that they must be conducted with an open mind.

Employers’ Duty to Protect Employees on Social Media: Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 113 v Toronto Transit Commission (Use of Social Media Grievance)

November 11, 2016
Kassia Bonisteel is an associate at Ursel Phillips Fellows Hopkinson LLP. Kassia practices labour and employment law and civil litigation for trade unions, associations and individual employees and appears before labour arbitrators, administrative tribunals and the courts.

Do employers have a duty to protect employees from harassment arising from employer operated social media?