Business & Human Rights Law
Canada Guide 2025 : Nationwide - Canada
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+1 416 366 8381About
Provided by Fasken
With the ever increasing attention on discrimination and human rights issues, it is critical for organizations to be vigilant and proactive in reassessing and reviewing their operations in the context of human rights law. Whether your organization is developing a diversity policy, assessing how to reasonably accommodate an individual’s disability or defending against a human rights complaint, Fasken human rights lawyers can help.
We work with organizations to help them address human rights issues in all areas including employment, private and public services, tenancy and publication. We have extensive experience before tribunals and courts defending organizations facing human rights complaints.
From a proactive perspective, we assist our clients in considering their human rights obligations and developing policies related to human rights such as diversity, anti-harassment, anti-bullying and accommodation of disabilities. In addition, we train managers and supervisors on their human rights obligations and providing guidance on how to avoid and respond to internal complaints. Where necessary, we carry out thorough investigations for organizations into human rights allegations, respecting the rules of procedural fairness.
Chambers Review
Fasken is a national law firm that is acknowledged for its representation of the resource and extractive sector in human rights issues, particularly regarding new anti-slavery legislation in global supply chains. The Canada-based business and human rights team advises clients on the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles and also benefits from Fasken's international presences in the UK and South Africa. Its work further includes advising on frameworks and policies for responsible business, and assisting with dispute resolution.
Work Highlights
- Fasken acted as one of the lead counsel to the Assembly of First Nations in a class action against Canada to compensate First Nations survivors of its discriminatory child welfare system.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Fasken is really top league; a fantastic firm with exceptional individuals."
"Fasken is responsive and understands cross-border matters. It is also aware of the relevant issues and anticipates potential challenges as well as commercial opportunities."
"Fasken is a very strong law firm and its competitiveness is reliable as it strives to keep on assisting destitute people on the ground and across the board."
"Fasken is really top league; a fantastic firm with exceptional individuals."
"Fasken is responsive and understands cross-border matters. It is also aware of the relevant issues and anticipates potential challenges as well as commercial opportunities."
"Fasken is a very strong law firm and its competitiveness is reliable as it strives to keep on assisting destitute people on the ground and across the board."
Notable Practitioners
Toronto-based Brian Burkett is a highly respected lawyer whose practice encompasses litigation pertaining to labour rights as well as advisory work regarding new anti-slavery legislation. He is a member of the Editorial Board of the Advisory Board to the Human Rights Centerat the American Bar Association.
"Brian Burkett is a powerhouse."
"Brian provides excellent counsel, particularly regarding international labour issues."
"They do not get much better than Brian. He has wisdom, extraordinary customer-focus, and his advice is always spot-on."
Claudia Feldkamp has extensive expertise in corporate responsibility. She frequently advises businesses on international compliance.
Jackie VanDerMeulen is a highly experienced labour, employment and human rights lawyer who excels in pay equity issues.
"Jackie VanDerMeulen is so easy to work with. Of all the people, she is an absolute delight, practical, responsive, and thinks about what we really need as a company."
"Jackie is a really good listener and collaborator. I would trust her with my eyes closed. On pay equity advisory matters she is great too and really proactive. She thinks in advance."
"Jackie is an excellent counsel; she is thorough, careful, knowledgeable, experienced, and finds the ideal solution for her client."
Kevin O'Callaghan is based in the firm's Vancouver office and serves as leader of the firm's Indigenous Law group and regional lead for its corporate social responsibility practice. He advises clients on ESG policy and compliance, including regarding new anti-slavery legislation.
"Kevin O'Callaghan is an excellent lawyer in the business human rights field."
"Kevin is an outstanding lawyer, a very effective communicator and a thoroughly nice person, making it always a pleasure to work alongside him."
Ranked Lawyers at
Fasken
Nationwide - Canada