#WorkLawWednesday: A brief introduction – Issues facing trans people in the workplace, and the human rights obligations of employers

Workplaces must be inclusive, respectful, and welcoming to trans people. Trans people are employees, employers, clients, and customers, and for many people working to create trans-inclusive workplaces, they are also our friends, partners, and family members. In the dominant culture, sex and gender…

#WorkLawWednesday: Halifax, We Need to Talk about Sexual Harassment and Violence

A close family friend was walking by a group of teenage boys in a sports facility when he heard them talking about a female classmate who was not present. The boys were commenting on her appearance and began to “joke” about gang-raping her….

#WorkLawWednesday: Is there a New Test for Family Status Discrimination?

In Misetich v. Value Village Stores Inc., [2016] HRTO 1229, the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal (“Tribunal”) considered a complaint of discrimination on the basis of family status.  The Complainant in that case required an accommodation for an injury to her arm, and the…

What does a “Professional” Look Like? Thoughts from a Queer Almost-Lawyer

Pictured: Balraj Dosanjh, Mary Burnet and Nicola Watson (Photo by: Diane Slaunwhite)   I am a queer woman with tattoos, piercings, and a half-shaved head that have been part of my style for the past ten years. As an articled clerk and soon-to-be…

Sexual Harassment in the Workplace & Trump

On October 8, 2016, video surfaced of U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump making sexually vulgar and demeaning comments about a particular woman and about women in general in a 2005 conversation with Billy Bush, then of Access Hollywood: see The Washington Post article….

Young People Asked Us These Questions about Employment and Human Rights Law

Last week, I had the pleasure of facilitating an employment law workshop with a group of young people who are preparing to enter the workforce. I showed a PowerPoint presentation that provided a general overview of Nova Scotia’s Labour Standards Code and the…