Federal Court of Appeal Affirms Tribunal Decision on Discrimination on the Basis of Disability in the Hiring Process

In a decision delivered from the bench on November 8, 2016, the Federal Court of Appeal affirmed a decision of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal that Transport Canada discriminated against Chris Hughes in a job competition because he was a person with a mental health disability. After attending an oral interview, the hiring panel asked for oral references. Mr. Hughes told the chair of the hiring panel that it was... Read More

David Yazbeck Interviewed on Federal Human Rights Reform

David Yazbeck recently spoke with the Canadian Bar Association’s National magazine regarding reform of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal. In his interview, David recommended an end to the federal system’s current two-step screening process for dealing with human rights complaints and the creation of a direct access model, like the one used in Ontario. He also commented on the importance of appointing members to the Tribunal who have expertise in... Read More

Morgan Rowe to Present at Council of Canadians with Disabilities Conference

On November 30, 2016, Morgan Rowe will present at the 2nd Annual Council of Canadians with Disabilities Conference. This year’s topic is “Strategies for Competent and Ethical Disability Law Advocacy.” Morgan will be presenting on issues related to inclusive legal services and accommodating clients with disabilities. CCD is a national human rights organization of people with disabilities working for an inclusive and accessible Canada. More information regarding the conference can... Read More

Congratulations to Nick Continelli, recipient of the 2015-2016 Raven, Cameron, Ballantyne & Yazbeck Prize in Human Rights Law

RavenLaw is pleased to congratulate University of Ottawa student Nick Continelli on being awarded the 2015-2016 Raven, Cameron, Ballantyne & Yazbeck Prize in Human Rights Law. The prize is awarded to the student who achieves the highest standing in the Human Rights Law in Canada course in the Common Law section. We congratulate Nick for this significant achievement!   Read More

Recognizing invisible disabilities during Mental Illness Awareness Week

By: James Cameron and Morgan Rowe “You look fine!” “It’s all in your head.” For individuals with invisible disabilities, comments like these are a fundamental reality. As Pain Awareness Month draws to a close and we look ahead to the beginning of Mental Illness Awareness Week on October 2, it is important to take time to recognize the specific societal and attitudinal barriers that individuals with invisible disabilities experience in... Read More

Wilson v Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd: The victory for workers that almost wasn’t

Last month, the Supreme Court of Canada delivered the latest in a recent line of landmark victories for workers’ rights. In Wilson v Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd, the Court restored the decision of a Canada Labour Code adjudicator that non-unionized employees under federal jurisdiction cannot be dismissed from their employment without just cause. After the opposite conclusion was reached by both lower courts, and by a minority of the... Read More

Morgan Rowe Presented on Employment Rights at U of O

On October 12, 2016, Morgan Rowe spoke to University of Ottawa students as part of the "Introduction to the Study of Law" class. She presented on issues related to the life of an employment contract, from formation to termination, as well as workers’ rights during employment.   Read More

James Cameron to Present at Disability Insurance Conference

On September 14, 2016, James Cameron will present at the Canadian Institute’s Disability Insurance Conference. James will be discussing litigation strategies in LTD benefit claims, specifically addressing how to prove your case with medical evidence and best practices for settlement discussions. Read More

RavenLaw Supports Annual LEAF Persons Day Breakfast

RavenLaw was proud to support the Annual Ottawa Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund (“LEAF”) Persons Day Breakfast. This year’s breakfast focused on the Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women in Canada. LEAF is a charitable non-profit organization that works to advance the equality rights of women and girls in Canada. The annual fundraising breakfast commemorates the Persons Case – the October 18, 1929 decision of the Judicial Committee... Read More

David Yazbeck to Present at Labour Advocacy Program

On September 16, 2016, David Yazbeck will present at the Canadian Bar Association’s Critical Advocacy Strategies for Labour and Employment Lawyers program. The program will provide updates and practical strategies for advocating before labour boards, human rights tribunals, arbitrators and the courts. Read More