Canadian Employment Law Quiz

A provincial law in British Columbia that aims to promote fair wages by requiring employers to disclose pay ranges for positions and prohibiting them from asking potential employees about their previous salaries. It also prevents employers from enforcing salary secrecy agreements.

A statutory holiday in Canada that is observed on September 30th. The day recognizes and commemorates the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools in Canada.

The set of laws, regulations, and policies governing employment relationships in a specific jurisdiction. It encompasses various aspects such as minimum wages, working conditions, vacation time, statutory holidays, and termination procedures.

The minimum hourly wage that employers are legally required to pay their employees. It is typically set by provincial or federal governments.

The NDP (New Democratic Party) in British Columbia has implemented significant changes to the province's employment legislation. These changes aim to enhance employee rights and benefits, promote pay equity, and increase union protections.

The UCP (United Conservative Party) in Alberta has sought to roll back some of the changes implemented by the NDP in the province's employment laws. These changes tend to favor employers and aim to create a more business-friendly environment.

A process where a group of employees collectively negotiate their employment terms with their employer through a union.

The legal principle that requires a new employer to honor the terms of a collective agreement when taking over a business from a previous employer who had a unionized workforce.

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (Charter) is a set of fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in the Canadian Constitution. It guarantees basic individual rights and freedoms for all Canadians.

The Charter applies to government action and legislation, meaning it can affect employment law when the government is involved.

The Charter doesn't directly address employment law, but its guaranteed rights and freedoms can affect workplace practices and regulations.

In Toronto Electric Commissioners v. Snider, the court ruled that the provinces have jurisdiction over provincial and civil rights, including employment law, with limited federal authority.

Federal employment legislation applies to industries of national importance, like national transportation and communication.

All other employers outside of those deemed nationally important are subject to provincial employment laws.

In contrast to company location or incorporation, the source of employment law regulation depends on the industry.

Federal employment statutes apply to federally regulated industries, like banks, regardless of their location across provinces.

The legal principle that requires a court to interpret existing legislation in a way that aligns with the Charter's values, even if the legislation itself doesn't explicitly include those values.

The omission of sexual orientation as a prohibited ground of discrimination under Alberta's human rights legislation.

The idea that laws should treat everyone equally, regardless of their characteristics.

The notion that laws should consider the actual experiences and realities of different groups to ensure truly equal outcomes.

A legal argument that a law is discriminatory even if it doesn't explicitly mention a specific characteristic, if it has a disproportionate negative impact on a certain group.

The right to equal protection and equal benefit of the law, as guaranteed by section 15(1) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

A situation where a law or policy, even if intended to be neutral, has a negative impact on certain groups due to their actual experiences and circumstances.

The legal doctrine that allows courts to interpret legislation in a way that is consistent with the principles of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

A website operated by the Federation of Law Societies of Canada, offering access to federal and provincial statutes, regulations, and case law.

The official website of the Canadian Department of Justice, providing consolidated versions of federal statutes and regulations in bilingual PDF format.

The official website of the British Columbia government that provides access to the province's statutes and regulations, ensuring updates within 2-3 weeks.

The official website of the Alberta government providing access to the province's statutes and regulations.

Staying informed about changes in the law. Requires using reliable sources like law firm newsletters and industry publications.

A legal process where courts strike down parts of a law that violate section 15 of the Charter, meaning those parts become invalid and unenforceable.

The Canadian Supreme Court’s 1999 decision in M v H that ruled the definition of "spouse" in Ontario’s Family Law Act violated the Charter by excluding same-sex couples.

The right to equal protection and benefit under the law, enshrined in Section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The legal principle that protects employees who are fired or face negative consequences for seeking to join a union.

The legal principle that allows employees to collectively bargain with their employer, through a union, to negotiate wages, working conditions, and other benefits.

A legal standard of review applied to administrative tribunal decisions, where a court will overturn a decision only if it is unreasonable, meaning it falls outside a range of possible acceptable outcomes supported by the facts and law.

A higher standard of review applied to administrative tribunal decisions when dealing with legal questions outside the tribunal's expertise, such as constitutional law. In this case, a court can substitute its own view if it disagrees with the tribunal's decision.

Organizations empowered to investigate complaints, make rulings, and sometimes issue orders related to a specific area of law or regulation.

Lower levels of the administrative hierarchy, like the Employment Standards Branch, often play a crucial role in educating employers and employees about workplace issues.

Administrative tribunals like the Employment Standards Branch and Employment Standards Agency are responsible for administering and enforcing the law, ensuring compliance with the legal framework.

These agencies provide practical guidance and information to employers and employees, helping them understand and comply with employment standards and other regulations.

Specialized bodies like the Employment Standards Branch and Employment Standards Agency play a vital role in regulating workplace issues and ensuring fairness and compliance.

Administrative agencies are often responsible for educating employers and employees about new legislation and policies, promoting awareness and understanding.