Posts by William Parker
Short-Term Disability Insurance: What should you do when a claim is denied?
Question: I have been off work since May 2016 and have been trying to obtain short-term disability insurance since then. My doctor has provided me with three sick notes since then and at our last appointment she told me not to work. However, my application for short-term disability insurance has been denied. I’ve given the…
Read MoreTermination of Employment and Reasonable Notice
Question: I’ve worked as a bookkeeper for 9 years. I started as a part-time employee but for the last couple of years I’ve worked almost 40 hours a week. My employer is retiring and selling the business. I’ve heard through the grapevine that the buyer is a competing business and likely won’t require my services so I probably…
Read MoreEmployees, Managing and Overtime Pay
Question: I recently changed roles at work. My new title is “Accounts Manager” and I am responsible for all the company’s accounts payable and receivable. I also help other staff price our products and develop new accounts. I am very happy about my new role but my job used to be “9 to 5” and now I have…
Read MoreInternships and Employment Law
I own a small events and promotions business. Every so often I get emails from students asking if they could volunteer to learn about the business. I’ve never hired a student because they’re inexperienced but I’m considering hiring one as an intern this summer. I don’t have the budget for a full time employee but…
Read MoreAn Evolution In Cycling Law
BY: WILLIAM PARKER Our clients sometimes ask about how the law evolves over time. As summer approaches, a recent case demonstrates how new legal cases may affect a pastime enjoyed by many in the Ottawa area: cycling. The case of Kempf v. Nguyen was recently heard at the Ontario Court of Appeal. Unfortunately, the lawsuit was the…
Read MoreSwitching Jobs: Can I Work For a Competitor?
BY: WILLIAM PARKER This week’s Reader asks: I’ve worked for the same small software company for 10 years and unfortunately my relationship with my boss has gotten worse over time. A friend of mine told me that his employer is hiring and that he could get me a job with them doing the same work. I really want…
Read MoreWhen Can My Insurer Review My Entitlements to Disability Benefits?
BY: WILLIAM PARKER This week’s Reader asks: I have a chronic medical condition which unfortunately has become worse over time. For the last two years I have been receiving benefits through my employer’s disability insurance plan. Recently, the insurer wrote to advise me that the terms of the policy have changed and that they now require additional medical…
Read MoreWill I Lose My LTD Benefits if I Refuse My Doctor's Treatment Recommendations?
BY: WILLIAM PARKER Reader: I know a 33 old male who has been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and receiving long term disability benefits. The terms of the disability policy require that he follow his doctor’s treatment recommendations or he does not receive benefits. Recently, the doctor has prescribed costly medications which also have serious side…
Read MoreWorkplace Travel: Must I go if I'm worried about my safety?
By: William Parker Reader: My employer has again asked that I work in a foreign country. I am concerned that this posting is unsafe. Last time I worked abroad multiple bombings took place and several governments closed their embassies. I also had my personal belongings stolen while I was in what was supposed to be…
Read MoreUpdate on Constructive Dismissal
In March the Ontario Court of Appeal released a brief decision on an employee’s obligations when they have been constructively dismissed by their employer. In the case of Farwell v. Citair, Inc. (General Coach Canada), 2014 ONCA 177 it was established that an employee was constructively dismissed when his position was modified during a restructuring. The…
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