Is Obesity a “Disability” Under the Ontario Human Rights Code?

Is obesity a “disability” under the Ontario Human Rights Code? This question emerged as a result of an e-card image that was posted on Facebook earlier this week. As one can see from the image below, the perception of the woman portrayed is that she cannot become a stripper on account of the fact she perceives herself to be fat and unable to dance.

Employers Must Accommodate Parents - What It Means

On January 31st, 2013, a Federal Court judge affirmed a 2010 ruling of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal that said that employers have a duty to accommodate “childcare obligations” as a component of their duty to accommodate an employee’s “family status.” On May 2, 2014, the Federal Court of Appeal varied the Federal Court’s ruling slightly, but for reasons immaterial to this post. In all other respects the court upheld the decision in favour of Ms. Johnstone.

The facts of the case and the courts’ decisions have left many Canadians, both employees and employers, asking questions about what the decision means for them.

Being Reprimanded for Having a Disability Stinks

Can you be fired for farting? The question may sound childish and silly, but the answer can be serious.

Are New Parents Entitled to Accommodation?

Do employers owe a duty to accommodate parents returning from parental leave?

School District Learns Lesson in Accommodation

The duty to accommodate can be one of the most frustrating and confusing issues for employers. The Supreme Court of Canada’s recent decision, Moore v. British Columbia (Education), 2012 SCC 61 (CanLII) offers some guidance on scope of the duty to accommodate, particularly where that accommodation comes at a significant cost.