Getz Collins and Associates

04/22/2026

Happy Administrative Professionals Day! We have the best team ⭐

04/21/2026

In Alberta, companies in high-risk industries, such as construction or oil and gas, must ensure their workers are fit for duty. While drug and alcohol testing is a common safety tool, it must be balanced against an employee’s right to privacy.

Recent court cases show that these testing policies must be fair and reasonable. If a safety policy is clearly necessary for the job, an employee who refuses to follow it or seek required treatment could face termination.

Our latest blog post explains the legal rules for workplace testing and how employers can create policies that respect both safety and human rights: https://ow.ly/OSCb50YNJ2p

Drug testing in Alberta workplaces must balance safety and rights. Learn legal limits and best practices for employers.

04/17/2026

"Quiet hiring" is increasingly used as a strategy to manage labour shortages and economic uncertainty by redistributing responsibilities internally. While this approach offers operational flexibility, it also carries significant legal risks for Alberta employers.

Expanding an employee’s role without clear adjustments to compensation or contracts can lead to claims for constructive dismissal and disputes over overtime or classification. Ensuring compliance with the Employment Standards Code is essential when shifting internal duties.

Our latest blog post examines the legal boundaries of quiet hiring and how to implement changes while protecting your organization from liability: https://ow.ly/PyW850YLfKO

Quiet hiring in Alberta can trigger legal risks. Learn how employers can expand roles while avoiding constructive dismissal claims.

04/05/2026

Warmest wishes for a bright and happy Easter! We are grateful for the opportunity to serve our Alberta clients and community. We hope you enjoy the festivities and the company of loved ones today.

04/02/2026

Employers managing terminations often deal with multiple legal risks, including wrongful dismissal claims and human rights complaints. A recent case from the Alberta Human Rights Tribunal, Werhun v. IG Enterprise Ltd., helps clarify where human rights protections end once an employee has been let go.

In this case, the Tribunal dismissed a complaint about offensive messages sent after the employment relationship had already ended. This decision reminds employers that while conduct may be inappropriate, it does not always create a human rights violation. This is especially true if the behaviour is not linked to a protected ground like race or gender, or if the person is no longer an employee.

Knowing these legal boundaries helps businesses handle terminations more effectively and avoid unnecessary legal trouble: https://ow.ly/QR1j50YBkff

Alberta decision clarifies limits of human rights claims after termination. Key insights for employers on risk and liability.

03/30/2026

Employee handbooks in Alberta are far more than just administrative guides. They serve as a foundational element of the employment relationship and are frequently reviewed by courts and tribunals during workplace disputes.

Rather than viewing these documents as a source of risk, proactive employers should see them as an opportunity to define rights and support defensible decision-making. A regularly updated handbook reduces ambiguity and reinforces organizational standards, placing your business in a stronger legal position when challenges arise.

Read more in our latest blog: https://ow.ly/hitw50YAI6H

Learn how employee handbooks and workplace policies can protect Alberta employers and support strong, defensible workplace decisions.

03/26/2026

The team at Getz Collins & Associates is deeply saddened by the passing of Randal Jarvis, a true pillar of the Strathmore legal community.

Randy practiced law for 41 years, and in that time became someone many of us looked up to not just for his skill, but for the way he carried himself. He was steady, thoughtful, and deeply committed to both his clients and the profession. His reputation for integrity and professionalism was well-earned and widely recognized.

We had the privilege of working closely with Randy over the years. Whether sitting across from him or working alongside him, you always knew you were dealing with someone who valued respect, fairness, and doing things the right way. Those kinds of people leave a lasting impression, and Randy certainly did.

Beyond the work, he will be remembered for the relationships he built and the quiet example he set for others in our legal community.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.

He will be deeply missed.

03/20/2026

For many Alberta families, a farm or ranch is more than a business; it is a multi-generational legacy. However, without a clear succession plan, these operations face risks like family conflict, costly legal battles, or even a forced sale.

Succession planning involves more than just passing down land or equipment. It requires a coordinated strategy for taxes, estate planning, and family communication to ensure the transition is smooth. Addressing these challenges early protects both the livelihood of the family and the future of the farm.

Read our latest blog to learn how to proactively manage farm succession and protect your family's heritage:

Farm and ranch succession planning in Alberta requires careful legal and tax planning. Avoid family disputes and protect your legacy.

03/11/2026

Managing employee absences is a legally sensitive area of workplace administration in Alberta. Statutory protections under the Employment Standards Code operate alongside human rights legislation and disability insurance frameworks, creating complex obligations for employers.

Missteps in managing long-term illness leave can lead to wrongful dismissal claims and human rights proceedings. Navigating these requirements strategically is essential to mitigating risk and ensuring compliance.

Our latest blog outlines ten key considerations to help Alberta businesses manage employee absences effectively.

Read more: https://ow.ly/re7m50YrUcW

Alberta employers: understand job-protected sick leave rules, reinstatement duties, and accommodation risks under current law.