Federal Public Sector

Our firm acts for a wide variety of federal public sector employers, including departments and agencies in the core federal public administration, separate agencies, as well as Crown corporations covered by the Canada Labour Code. As a result, we are intimately familiar with the statutes applicable to employment in the federal public sector, including the Parliamentary Employment and Staff Relations Act and the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations Act, as well as other legislation pertaining to wage restraint and public accountability.

We regularly advise and represent our federal public sector clients on matters relating to:

  • Employment contracts and workplace policies
  • Labour relations issues, including collective bargaining, interest arbitration and grievance arbitration
  • Human rights complaints
  • Occupational health and safety, as well as workplace safety and insurance matters
  • Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board proceedings
  • Applications for judicial review
  • Wrongful dismissal litigation
  • Unjust dismissal complaints under the Canada Labour Code
  • Performance management and terminations
  • Pay equity
  • Access to information and privacy issues
  • Management training

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Federal Government Proposes Significant Amendments to the Canada Labour Code

On September 21, 2026, the federal government introduced Bill C-39, the Building Canada Strong Act (“Bill C-39”), at first reading. Among other measures, the omnibus
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Emond Harnden Lawyers Recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada™ 2027 Editions

We’re pleased to announce that several Emond Harnden lawyers have been recognized in the 2027 editions of The Best Lawyers in Canada™ and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada™.
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Federal Government Introduces Proposed Ban on Non-Compete Clauses and Other Employment-Related Restrictions

Earlier this year, the Minister of Finance and National Revenue tabled Bill C-31, Budget 2025 Implementation Act, No. 2 (“Bill C-31”). While Bill C-31 introduces amendments to various pieces of legislation, it notably includes a proposed ban on most non-compete clauses and other employment-related restrictions under the Canada Labour Code (the “Code”).
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Context and Mutual Intentions Matter: Ontario Court of Appeal Provides Much-Needed Clarity on Termination Clause Enforceability

In a decision that will be welcomed by employers, the Ontario Court of Appeal has provided much-needed clarity on the interpretive framework for termination clauses in employment agreements.
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Federal Government Introduces Proposed Ban on Non-Compete Clauses and Other Employment-Related Restrictions

In Stribling v. Starbucks Coffee Canada Inc. (“Stribling”), the Ontario Superior Court of Justice confirmed that a settlement agreement can become legally binding through clear and unequivocal email correspondence, even where a formal release has not yet been signed.
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