Brian Johnston

Brian Johnston

Brian Johnston, Q.C., is a partner at Stewart McKelvey in Halifax. He specializes in labour and employment law, human rights, pensions and benefits, and education law.

He can be reached at [email protected].

Can job applicants be required to be citizens or permanent residents?

Job ads expressing preferences carry risk of discrimination for employers

Discretionary bonus conditional on signing of termination agreement

Can an employer require a dismissed employee to sign the termination agreement/waiver before providing the bonus?

Medical marijuana found to be undue hardship in safety sensitive positions

The inability to test for residual impairment hours after consuming marijuana made employer unable to determine if it was safe for worker to perform safety sensitive job duties

Buying out entitlement to benefits

If an employee is fired without cause, entitlement rules vary by jurisdiction

Allowing for changes in employee duties

How much leeway is necessary before constructive dismissal becomes a concern?

Figuring out employee co-operation during accommodation process

What happens when a worker refuses to supply needed medical information?

Dealing with personal days, religious holidays

Does an employer have to grant additional days to non-Christian employees?

A look at notices of resignation

Can an employer demand a certain amount of notice from a departing employee?

What are the rules for video surveillance?

Several factors come into play when individual offices, workstations are involved

Transitioning from employee to contractor

A look at steps an employer can take to ensure a proper working relationship (Toughest HR Question)