B.C. Employers Can No Longer Require Sick Notes for Short-Term Absences

On April 15, 2025, the British Columbia government introduced Bill 11, amending the Employment Standards Act [RSBC 1996] CHAPTER 113 to prohibit employers from requiring medical notes for short-term absences due to illness or injury. This legislative change aims to lessen the administrative burden on already an overworked healthcare … Continue reading

How to Deal with Job Abandonment

In British Columbia, employment law is designed to protect both employers and employees, ensuring fair treatment and clear understanding of the obligations of both parties with respect to work-related issues. One issue that employers have to deal with which arises rarely, but does occur, is job abandonment.

It is crucial … Continue reading

Workplace Investigations: Ensuring Fairness and Compliance

Workplace investigations have grown in popularity in recent years as a way for employers to maintain a fair and safe work environment and manage risk in the workplace. Workplace investigations let employees know that their concerns are being addressed and that company standards and policies are worth more than simply … Continue reading

Probation Periods – More Trouble Than They Are Worth?

Many employers have as part of their employment agreements a probationary period for all new hires for the first three months of employment.  Often employee benefits and other employment perks like accruing vacation time or being entitled to participate in a bonus program don’t crystallize until after this probationary period … Continue reading