Employee permanent residency, our AI Insights Series and more: September Timely Topics
Timely Topics with McCarthy Tétrault curates the latest market trends on a monthly basis to help you stay informed of developments that can affect your business. This content is current as of September 4, but please connect with us if you have any questions on any of the topics below.
Here are this month’s trending topics:
1) Pensions and Benefits
Pensions & Benefits Edition: Province of Employment According to the Canada Revenue Agency
The Canada Revenue Agency’s new administrative policy for determining an employee’s province of employment for CPP/QPP, EI, QPIP and income tax deductions came into effect this year. It provides employers with guidance on how to classify employees in the post-COVID era, when many people now work from home.
Read our analysis of the policy to better understand how to classify your employees.
| These changes reflect the lingering effects of COVID-19 on how we live and work. Speak to the article’s author, Julia Miller, to find out how the CRA’s new policy will affect your business. |
2) Employment
MT❯iplus Edition: Guiding Employees Towards Permanent Residency: Employer Strategies for Work Permit Holders
The interaction of permanent residency applications with work permit renewals among foreign workers in Canada can sometimes create challenges for timely applications. Employers can play a pivotal role in helping employees navigate the transition from temporary workers to permanent residents.
Our guide helps employers play a fair and supportive role when helping their employees settle in Canada.
| For a more effective and personal approach with business immigration matters, speak to a member of MT❯iplus, a division of McCarthy Tétrault, that addresses the legal and personal nature of immigration. |
3) Environmental, Regulatory & Aboriginal (ERA)
Victory in $130 Million Wildfire Act Case
As British Columbia brings more claims under the BC Wildfire Act, cases on due diligence and causation are important for companies and individuals operating in areas prone to wildfires.
McCarthy Tétrault recently secured a full victory on behalf of a respondent company and one of its directors in a high-stakes BC Wildfire Act case. Our succinct write-up of the decision provides a useful entry point for understanding how such claims can be prosecuted and successfully defended.
| With wildfires posing an ongoing threat across Canada, these decisions will become increasingly important. Speak to the article’s authors, Nicholas Hughes, Patrick Williams and Connor Bildfell, who represented the respondents in this case. |
4) Technology & Cyber/Data
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Risks and Opportunities: AI Insights Series from McCarthy Tétrault’s AI Group
AI technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, creating novel legal opportunity and risks. Our AI Insights Series helps business leaders understand the most important trends in AI and how the technology is shaping the Canadian economy. Subscribers to the series can expect regular, up-to-date content focused on the latest and most significant AI developments.
| McCarthy Tétrault’s AI Group are your ideal partners for navigating this dynamic and complex space. Read and subscribe to the series here. |
5) Labour & Employment
Ongoing Obligations: How Failure to Comply with Termination Provisions Can Lead to Common Law and Punitive Damages
The recent BC Supreme Court decision in Klyn v. Pentax Canada reminds employers of their obligations to honour contractual termination provisions after employment has ended.
Our analysis of the case provides context and key takeaways to help employers avoid costly litigation once an employee has left their company.
| McCarthy Tétrault’s Labour & Employment Group provides sophisticated solutions from a national team. Speak to the Group Leader, Tim Lawson, for advice on your most challenging labour and employment matters. |
This newsletter is designed to provide general information only. This newsletter does not provide legal advice on specific issues. You are encouraged to consult with legal counsel should you require assistance in addressing a particular issue or concern.
Tell us what you think! Do you have feedback for the Timely Topics newsletter or topics you’d like for us to explore? Let us know at [email protected].