Inspire Law

07/10/2026

Just because your contract says you are an independent contractor doesn't mean that will carry the day legally.

A physician whose contract described him as an independent contractor was awarded $388,582 after his contract was terminated amid fears relating to COVID-19.

This article explains more about this case. Physicians, and others working under an independent contractor agreement, should know that the legal reality of their working relationship may be very different from the label in the contract: https://inspirelaw.ca/when-independent-contractor-isnt-lessons-for-physicians-from-northern-health-authority-v-du-plessis/

A recent B.C. case involving a physician dismissed during the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the importance of contractor status and termination clauses in physician service agreements.

05/19/2026

The BC Court of Appeal has upheld a $600,000+ human rights tribunal award against the City of Nanaimo.

The Court confirmed that discrimination may still exist even where employee misconduct is alleged, if racial stereotyping or subconscious assumptions are a factor in workplace investigations and termination decisions.

Read more about this decision here: https://inspirelaw.ca/600000-human-rights-award-upheld-against-city-of-nanaimo-despite-alleged-misconduct/

BC Court of Appeal upholds $600,000+ human rights award after finding racial bias factored into a workplace suspension and dismissal

05/08/2026

Is a worker really an independent contractor, or only (incorrectly) labelled as one?
That distinction can have significant legal consequences for both businesses and workers. Canadian courts will look beyond the wording of an agreement and examine the reality of the relationship.
Our latest article explains:
• the Supreme Court of Canada’s legal test for worker classification;
• the difference between employees, dependent contractors, and independent contractors; and
• why misclassification can create serious financial exposure for employers.
Read more here: https://inspirelaw.ca/employee-independent-contractor-or-dependent-contractor/

04/17/2026

Laid off as part of a large workforce reduction in BC?

If you have worked for your employer for many years, your severance may be worth far more than what your employer has offered you.

In mass layoffs, employers must follow special rules. But that is the minimum. Many employees are entitled to significantly more under the law.

Before you sign anything, make sure you understand your rights.
Read our latest article here: https://inspirelaw.ca/mass-layoffs-in-british-columbia-what-long-serving-employees-need-to-know/

Laid off as part of a mass termination in BC? Learn your severance rights, ESA group termination rules, and why you should not accept a low offer.

04/16/2026

Class actions are becoming an increasingly important part of employment law in Canada.

In my latest article, I look at how class actions are being used to challenge workplace issues including unpaid overtime, employee classification, and compensation practices that impact groups of employees rather than individuals.

Recent cases, including Cheetham v. Bank of Montreal, show that courts are more willing to allow these claims to proceed as class actions where there are common issues across a workforce.
Class proceedings can be an important tool to help level the playing field and allow widespread workplace concerns to be challenged.

You can read the full article here: https://inspirelaw.ca/employee-class-actions-on-the-rise-in-canada/

Learn about Canadian employees bringing claims against employers through class actions, including vacation pay, holiday pay, and other workplace rights.