Legislation Update: The Pay Transparency Act

On , In Employment Law

An additional piece of the B.C. Government’s new legislation regarding pay transparency takes effect today, November 1, 2023. Starting today, all B.C. employers must include the expected pay, or the expected pay range, for publicly advertised job opportunities. The Pay Transparency Act was passed on May 11, 2023, and is intended to assist in closing…


Paid Sick Leave For BC Employees

On , In Employment Law

As of January 1, 2022, employers in British Columbia are required to provide a minimum of five paid sick days each year to all employees covered by the BC Employment Standards Act (the “Act”). This announcement has been anticipated by many employers in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has placed a spotlight on the…


Employee Vaccine Mandates

On , In Employment Law

By order of the Provincial Health Officer, as of September 13, 2021, British Columbians are required to demonstrate proof of vaccination to access several events and services. In the wake of this announcement, many employers and employees are left wondering whether their workplace will be able to implement similar requirements for employees to have had…


Welcome Kara Ellison!

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We are delighted that Kara Ellison has joined the Pihl Law team! Kara was called to the bar in May after completing her Articles with our firm. Kara completed her Juris Doctor at the University of Victoria and is looking forward to building a litigation practice here in Kelowna. When she’s not practicing law, Kara…


You’re Fired! Now What?

On , In Employment Law

There are some people out there that can proudly boast “I have never been fired.” Unfortunately for many people this is not the case. Termination of employment is a great cause of stress in many peoples’ lives. The fear of being terminated often weighs in the back of employees’ minds. We spend the majority of…


Legal Guidance for Startups and Small Business Owners

On , In Business Law

With a full-service Solicitor team in place, Pihl Law Corporation is well equipped to assist startups and small business owners with their legal needs. Before your business is off and running, take the time to consult with your advisors to ensure you have the right corporate structure. Often, spending time and money on an initial…


Supreme Court of Canada: RCMP Has The Right to Collective Bargaining

On , In Employment Law

In a 6 to 1 decision the Supreme Court of Canada struck down provisions preventing the RCMP from unionizing. The decision was released January 16th. The Court determined the exclusion of the RCMP from federal labour relations legislation was unconstitutional. The Court also determined that former regulations imposing an alternate labour relations regime on RCMP…


The Office Christmas Party: What Employers Need to Know

On , In Employment Law

It’s just about Christmas time and there are plenty of festivities. If you are a business or corporation and are hosting a Christmas party for your employees there are potential liability issues which could dampen your Christmas spirit. The first case in Canada to apply host liability within the context of the work environment was…


Sexual Harassment at Work: What You Need to Know?

On , In Employment Law

These last couple of weeks and the events that have unfolded at the CBC and in Canada’s Parliament have brought sexual harassment in the work place to the forefront of conversation, politics and public awareness. Jian Ghomeshi was fired on October 26th after CBC managers were shown video, photos, texts and e-mails, some of which…


The Duty to Mitigate in Employment Law

On , In Employment Law

Mitigation is a basic principle of contract law.  In the context of an employment relationship, a dismissed employee has to take all reasonable steps to minimize any losses that she has suffered as a result of her termination of employment.  Generally, this means that an employee who has been dismissed must take reasonable measures to…