Environmental regulation: Municipalities v province, province v. federal government
What happens when municipal bylaws try to control energy or resource projects authorized by the federal or provincial governments? (They have some scope). How far will the Spraytech precedent take them? Can corporations use federal insolvency laws to cleanse themselves of irksome environment…
Continue reading the post titled Environmental regulation: Municipalities v province, province v. federal governmentControversial sewage sludge processing plant approved
Ontario has also approved a new facility to convert organic waste, such as sewage sludge, into uncontrolled compost that can be used on agricultural lands. The Lystek plant in Southgate has met pitched opposition from many local residents, The newly approved sewage sludge and organic waste p…
Continue reading the post titled Controversial sewage sludge processing plant approvedCourt Of Appeal Finds That Disrespectful, Insubordinate Communication Is Irreconcilable With Continuing Employment
Employers often tell me they feel like employees have ALL the rights in the employment relationship. While that isn’t entirely true, I certainly understand why it can seem that way. But here’s some good news – the British Columbia Court of Appeal recently came down solidly on the side of th…
Continue reading the post titled Court Of Appeal Finds That Disrespectful, Insubordinate Communication Is Irreconcilable With Continuing EmploymentCompost rules have been finalized
Three years after the initial consultation, Ontario now has new rules for composting and the use of compost.
Continue reading the post titled Compost rules have been finalizedSobering Thoughts: Hosting Social Functions with Alcohol and How to Reduce Your Liability
The days are getting shorter and the weather cooler. Fall is clearly here. For many employers, this means that plans for the office holiday party are in the works. It also means that many employees will be consuming alcohol at an employer-sponsored event. [Read More…] The days are g…
Continue reading the post titled Sobering Thoughts: Hosting Social Functions with Alcohol and How to Reduce Your LiabilityStrategic Considerations in Termination Cases – Part I
When giving advice to employers in cases in which an employee has been terminated without just cause, lawyers often start by assessing what a reasonable notice period might be (after first determining that there is no written employment agreement with a valid termination clause). Of course,…
Continue reading the post titled Strategic Considerations in Termination Cases – Part IEnviro West v Copper Mountain, everyone is liable
A long running lawsuit over liability for PCB wastes may finally be over. In Enviro West Inc v. Copper Mountain Mining Corp. a waste hauler, Enviro West, unknowingly picked up waste oil highly contaminated with PCBs and mixed it with uncontaminated oil, resulting in substantial damages. At …
Continue reading the post titled Enviro West v Copper Mountain, everyone is liableLosing our touch? Environmental Commissioner reports
Ontario’s Environmental Commissioner Gord Miller has issued another sobering report. “Losing our Touch” is Part 2 of the 2011/2012 Annual Report. He concludes: “We are no longer a jurisdiction that the world looks up to.” (I admit I thought that Mike Harris made…
Continue reading the post titled Losing our touch? Environmental Commissioner reportsPesticide crimes by Scotts, largest fine, 50 years after Silent Spring
In September, the Scotts Miracle-Gro pesticide company was sentenced to pay the largest ever criminal penalty, and the largest ever civil penalty, for deliberate violations of the US Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Scott’s sold 70 million pounds of bird foo…
Continue reading the post titled Pesticide crimes by Scotts, largest fine, 50 years after Silent Spring$125,000 penalty for dust out
A Mississauga company was fined $100,000 for discharging metal dust, causing an adverse effect, plus the victim fine surcharges of $25,000.
Continue reading the post titled $125,000 penalty for dust out