Employment & Labour
Canada Guide 2025 : Ontario
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+1 416 362 2111About
Provided by Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
Osler’s Employment and Labour Department delivers clear, business-practical and results-oriented legal advice on all aspects of employment and labour law. They offer strong, effective representation where workplace disputes arise and valuable insight into the best way to establish and implement realistic and reliable employment and labour practices. The team understands the important connection between employment law and other areas of practice, such as privacy, M&A, technology and cross-border trade, which means clients receive the full complement of services they require when engaging Osler.
Chambers Review
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt's employment department advises a range of regional, national and international clients from various sectors, including software, manufacturing, retail and food and drink. Lawyers from its Toronto and Ottawa offices regularly assist employers with workplace investigations, severance and compensation arrangements and employment-related litigation. The team is noted for its experience advising on employment and labour issues stemming from corporate transactions and internal restructurings, including workforce reductions.
Work Highlights
- Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt advised Levi Strauss & Co. on all issues relating to unionised employees and the interpretation and administration of its collective agreement.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They have a very strong team that handle different aspects of law. Their support team provide their findings on a timely basis as we always get a prompt response from our lawyer."
"Oslers are able to turn around letters or communications quickly as they understand the pace of our business."
"They have demonstrated that they are qualified and capable of handling complex and sophisticated matters in a thoughtful, practical and clear manner."
"Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt are extremely experienced and understand the markets."
"They have a very strong team that handle different aspects of law. Their support team provide their findings on a timely basis as we always get a prompt response from our lawyer."
"Oslers are able to turn around letters or communications quickly as they understand the pace of our business."
"They have demonstrated that they are qualified and capable of handling complex and sophisticated matters in a thoughtful, practical and clear manner."
"Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt are extremely experienced and understand the markets."
Notable Practitioners
Allan Wells sits in Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt's Toronto office and is chair of its employment and labour department. He often acts for clients on the employment aspects of corporate restructurings, and also regularly represents employers before the Ontario Labour Relations Board. His experience also includes advising on wrongful dismissal claims and executive terminations.
"We always have good service from Allan. He is very responsive, knowledgeable and professional."
"Allan is a great partner to work with. He is responsive, knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with."
"Allan is my go-to employment lawyer. He always provides practical and timely advice"
Sven Poysa is recognised for his work on the labour and employment aspects of company restructurings, having advised on several high-profile insolvency matters in Ontario. He has further capabilities in grievance arbitrations and executive terminations and also demonstrates strength in health and safety and employee benefits disputes.
"Sven is my go-to advisor for all things employment."
"Exceptional."
"Sven is a trusted partner and advisor on all matters related to strategic HR issues, employment and labour law. In addition to executive compensation and disclosure and governance requirements."
"An extremely practical, business savvy employment lawyer. Sven is great."
Kelly O'Ferrall splits her time between Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt's Toronto and Ottawa offices. She assists clients with employment matters arising from transactions as well as executive employment contracts and remuneration and dismissal issues.
"We have full confidence in Kelly's advice, which is always very balanced and commercial."
"Kelly is very responsive, prompt and thoughtful. She does all our complicated work and engages her team to give good advice."
"Kelly has a wealth of knowledge and experience and I appreciate her thoughtful and practical advice."
"Kelly always responds quickly to our questions and gives guidance that is practical and applicable, very much taking account of our business and commercial context."
Steven Dickie is based in Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt's Toronto office and assists with employment disputes, including in collective bargaining as well as mass dismissal matters.
"Steve's expertise and knowledge of the law as well as his ability to problem-solve through various scenarios is invaluable, but what makes him extra special is the genuine care he demonstrates."
"With Steve's guidance, I feel that I continually understand a wide range of options, and have a clear grasp on all risks and tradeoffs. Steve is most definitely a strategic partner for us."
"Steven provides excellent, timely, business-minded advice."
"Steven is always thinking of clients first, offering real-world, practical solutions and helps me manage my costs."
Diana Holloway is an associate in Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt's Toronto office, who frequently assists with a wide range of employment mandates.
"Diana is an excellent drafter. Fantastic attention to detail. She is a strategic thinker and provides options and good advice."
Ranked Lawyers at
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
Ontario
Members
Provided by Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP