Walter Law Group
Real Life Law

Stress is an everyday part of life, but what happens when it affects your ability to perform your job. Poor mental health, left unchecked can cause undue hardship and impact your well-being. If you are suffering from a mental health issue and contemplating taking stress leave, it’s important to understand your employment rights. Eligibility Criteria […]

Downsizing is an unfortunate fact of employment life, as witnessed by the many layoffs documented last year. And executives are not immune from this reality. Being terminated can be traumatic and the steps you take when it happens can have a long-lasting impact on your life. A World Economic Forum survey released in May 2023 […]

No job lasts forever. In today’s employment landscape, it is rare for someone to start at a company and remain until retirement. Some research suggests that Canadians may hold about 15 different jobs in their lifetime, with the average employee staying at one company for about four years before moving on. There are multiple reasons […]

As an employment law expert, Michael Walter of Walter Law Group spoke to the Canadian Press about Power Dynamics in the Workplace. Walter spoke about the importance of being careful when discussing personal lives in the workplace. Even if you have a good intention of cultivating a positive work environment, you must exercise caution. Soon […]

Being terminated from your job can be a traumatic and confusing experience. Technically, your employer can dismiss you at any time and for any reason. Or for no reason. However, just because an employer has the right to make hiring and firing decisions to suit its organizational needs does not mean it can simply ignore […]

When you are hired for any job, you enter into an employment agreement with your employer. It might be a comprehensive written agreement or merely an oral understanding covering such things as your intended duties, hours of work and compensation. In a constructive dismissal, your employer has not directly fired you. Rather, it has unilaterally […]

In recent news, NHL coach Mike Babcock’s actions have sparked discussions about the delicate balance of power within workplaces. While Babcock may have believed he was fostering camaraderie with his players, experts argue that he may have unintentionally crossed ethical boundaries. Upon joining the Columbus Blue Jackets, Babcock faced scrutiny for allegedly requesting that players […]

If you have ever been in an accident, you understand how complicated the automobile insurance compensation system is. It can be challenging to determine and access the applicable accident benefits. Accident benefits are a crucial part of the automobile compensation system. However, understanding what you are entitled to and how to access the benefits can […]

After years of work and a lengthy interview process, you have been offered an Executive position, congratulations! Executive-level compensation is often complex.  Even if your employer’s initial compensation seems generous, you should not ignore the fine print. Don’t be fearful of negotiating executive compensation because you might end up missing out significantly. Read on to […]

What happens after two years of long-term disability? If your disability claim is approaching the 2-year mark, it is normal to wonder how your policy will change. Does LTD end after 2 years? Many insurance policies have a provision indicating that after two years, you will only continue receiving the benefits if you are totally […]

Every year, thousands of people suffer personal injuries in Ontario as a result of vehicle accidents, bike and boats accidents, dangerous premises, slip and falls and other causes. Accidents can leave you with traumatizing and life-changing injuries. Unfortunately, many victims do not fully understand Ontario personal injury laws or their right to seek personal injury […]

Can an employer lower your pay? Can your boss give you a pay decrease? Yes, your employer can reduce your salary in Ontario. The law allows employers to make minor changes to your terms of employment, including slightly reducing your salary. Your employer can also make changes to your hours, job duties, and other terms. […]

In 2023, many large tech companies have announced mass terminations and layoffs in Canada due to what they term a slowdown in the sector. For example, Salesforce announced that it would cut 10% of its employees and even close some of its offices. In a letter sent to employees, Salesforce stated that the rapid pandemic […]

Are you worried about what would happen if your LTD policy ends? Are you wondering what to do when you recover from the medical condition you are suffering from or after you reach a certain age? Long-term disability benefits are designed to support those who have disabling medical conditions for a lengthy period. What happens […]

If you are terminated without cause, your employer may owe you termination and severance pay, under the Employee Standards Act, 2000 (ESA).  So, does it mean that termination pay is the same as severance pay? While these two payments are often perceived as the same, they are distinct. Technically, these concepts are used together or […]

In the aftermath of a severe car crash, you can be struggling with unanswered questions, pain and property damage. In these situations, accident victims often rely on their insurance company to tell them what to do. However, insurance companies do not necessarily have your best interests at heart; they are businesses. And as such, it […]

A severe accident can leave a person struggling with immense pain and mobility issues. These physical damages can prove to be devastating when they compromise a person’s independence and lifestyle. But too often, people focus on treating and recovering from physical injuries and fail to recognize the extent of emotional damages and distress victims experience. […]

If you are seriously sick or hurt and cannot work because of your condition, you can file a claim seeking long-term disability benefits. While they cannot completely fix the situation, these benefits can help you support yourself and your family during a difficult time. Because of this, it can be incredibly upsetting if your insurance […]

After being on short- or long-term disability, people returning to work can face obstacles they might not have experienced before their leave. One significant challenge can be returning to a job with conditions that make it difficult or impossible to participate in the workplace fully. Under these circumstances, an employee can request accommodations that allow […]

Welcoming a baby into your family through adoption or birth can be an extraordinary and overwhelming experience. Thus, federal and provincial laws entitle new mothers and fathers to take leave from their job. During this leave, which could last up to 61 or 63 weeks, parents continue to have rights. Parties who violate these rights can […]

No one wants to get in a car accident. Unfortunately, most drivers do something every time they get behind the wheel that puts them at an increased risk of getting into this very situation, even if they do not realize it. Statistics from Transport Canada’s National Collision Database reveal the various factors that can put one […]

Losing a job is devastating. It means loss of income and having to try to find a new job; it can also place incredible stress on individuals and their families. Dismissed employees can also experience a tarnished reputation and loss of professional relationships. Perhaps the only thing that can make this situation more upsetting is […]

Experiencing a disabling injury or illness can turn a person’s life upside down. Relationships can change; a person may require assistance in caring for themselves; everyday tasks like driving or going to work can become impossible. Under these circumstances, finding a sense of stability and normalcy can be a welcome experience. For some, returning to […]

Workers across Ontario are facing employment challenges that most would have never expected. And as stressful as the job market already is, it can be even more overwhelming to navigate if you suffer from a severe and long-term disability. In some cases, extended periods of physical and mental anxiety due to work actually cause or […]

After any car accident, victims can experience a wide range of injuries. And these injuries can change a person’s life in the blink of an eye. For example, brain injuries are not uncommon in a crash, and they can be particularly catastrophic. However, too many people think that a brain injury has to be severe […]

The answer to this question is complex. The reason is because the officials who evaluate unemployment claims need to investigate the nature of the dismissal. If the findings reveal that you are at fault, then it’s possible you may not receive employment insurance benefits. So how does the government figure out if you are entitled […]

If you have been suddenly dismissed by an employer, it can come as a shock. What can be even more shocking is realizing that you could have received more time or notice for the termination, especially when you are working in a position within middle to senior level management. It can be even more shocking […]

Suffering a serious injury or illness can be upsetting for numerous reasons. This includes the toll it can take on your ability to work and earn an income. However, there may be benefits available that can make the situation a little easier, like long-term disability. Below, we explain a few basic aspects of long-term disability […]

Slip-and-falls are a common cause of personal injury accidents in Canada. If you are injured in a slip and fall, you may want to consider bringing an action to compensate you for your suffering. An injured person would start a personal injury lawsuit against the owner or tenant (occupiers) of the premises where they were […]

Losing a job can be one of the worst things to happen to anyone in Ontario who is fighting to recover from an illness that caused a disability. If this happened to you, it could bring about financial hardship for you and your family. The lack of income along with mounting medical bills can cause […]

If you have suffered a traumatic brain injury in an Ontario car accident, the consequences might be overwhelming. TBI can be life-changing, and it can affect every aspect of your being. It not only can significantly impact your immediate financial picture with medical expenses and lost income, but it can also have a long-term impact […]

Losing your job unexpectedly can be a financial and personal shock. You may be surprised if your employer fails to give you a valid reason for terminating your employment. Although an employer can fire an employee without providing a reason, some reasons are against the law. Also, in most cases, an employer in Ontario must […]

If you are a nurse or healthcare worker in Ontario, you likely face many safety and health hazards in your occupation. Unfortunately, some of these cause healthcare workers to be unable to continue performing their duties for a significant period of time. In these cases, receiving long-term disability benefits can be imperative to their financial […]