Willis Business Law

09/17/2026

New research shows that employers replacing staff with AI may end up rehiring nearly a third of those workers later at higher costs. Beyond the operational and knowledge loss risks, rapid workforce restructuring can trigger complex legal challenges, including severance liabilities and wrongful dismissal claims.

Smart employers are focusing on using AI to enhance their teams rather than eliminate them, while keeping legal obligations top of mind.

Read the full report here: https://ow.ly/T4Ri50ZOJZg

‘Their greatest mistake was believing that work automation was the point'

09/14/2026

The shift in U.S. tariff policy on Canadian rock salt highlights just how critical Windsor-Ess*x supply chains remain to cross-border trade.

For regional manufacturers and commercial enterprises, changes to tariff exemptions affect supply contracts, operational costs, and cross-border workforce strategies. Staying proactive ensures your business remains protected amid evolving trade measures.

Read the full report here: https://ow.ly/7Ses50ZNpYj

Trump's newly targeted tariff products included rock salt, a large amount of which is mined in west Windsor.

09/10/2026

Fixed-term employment contracts can seem like a straightforward solution for project-based work, but early terminations, ambiguous language, or repeated renewals can expose employers to significant legal and financial liabilities. Without clear and enforceable early termination provisions, ending a fixed-term agreement early can result in paying out the remainder of the contract term.

Read our latest blog post to learn how Windsor-Ess*x employers can protect their operations and manage fixed-term contract risks: https://willisbusinesslaw.com/blog/employment-law-for-employers/fixed-term-open-ended-risk-what-windsor-ess*x-employers-should-know/

Learn about fixed-term employment contract risks for Windsor-Ess*x employers, including early termination, renewals and costly disputes.

09/08/2026

Given Windsor's position as Canada's primary cross-border manufacturing and logistics hub, the immediate fallout from escalating U.S. trade tariffs directly impacts local supply chains, automotive suppliers, and workforce operations across Southwestern Ontario.

For regional employers, managing these operational pressures involves complex legal considerations - from reviewing cross-border commercial contracts and supply obligations to navigating workforce adjustments, temporary layoffs, and constructive dismissal risks under Ontario employment law.

https://ow.ly/nsZg50ZKLcl

The economic pain that Mark Carney warned would come from a trade war is now harsh reality for some small businesses. Find out more here

09/04/2026

Wishing everyone a safe and relaxing Labour Day long weekend. Whether you are spending time at the cottage, enjoying local events, or simply taking a well-deserved break, we hope you have a wonderful weekend.

09/01/2026

The Ontario Court of Appeal’s recent ruling in Baker v. Van Dolder's Home Team Inc. brings welcome clarity to employment contract drafting across the province.

The Court rejected overly technical interpretations that invalidated termination provisions based on hypothetical statutory conflicts, confirming that standard phrases like "at any time" or "for any reason" remain enforceable when the contract as a whole preserves statutory minimums under the Employment Standards Act, 2000. This common-sense, contextual framework restores predictability for employers while ensuring statutory protections for employees remain fully intact.

Read our latest blog post to learn how this decision affects your current employment contracts, workplace policies, and severance liabilities in Ontario: https://ow.ly/mWez50ZHtNF

Ontario Court of Appeal clarifies termination clauses, ESA compliance and wrongful dismissal risks for employers in Baker v. Van Dolder.

08/27/2026

Today, the Willis Business Law team gathered for lunch to officially welcome our newest Senior Associate, Anthony Malandruccolo. It was a great opportunity to connect, celebrate, and kick off what we know will be an exciting next chapter for both Anthony and our firm. Welcome to the team, Anthony!

08/26/2026

As cross-border trade pressure mounts, a new report highlights that Ontario could see tens of thousands of job losses tied to upcoming U.S. tariffs - with manufacturing and supply chain sectors facing significant strain. For Windsor businesses and employees, navigating these economic shifts requires proactive planning, whether that means managing workforce adjustments, evaluating employment standards, or restructuring contracts to protect business operations.

https://ow.ly/BOu750ZFgMN

New analysis estimates nearly 90,000 Canadian jobs could be affected by 50 per cent U.S. tariffs, with Ontario, Quebec and B.C. facing the biggest potential losses.

08/24/2026

When a cross-border dispute arises with an American supplier or client, deciding whether an Ontario business should sue in Canada or the United States is a critical strategic choice. Key factors include evaluating forum selection and arbitration clauses, separating governing law from court jurisdiction, and considering practical realities such as witness availability and asset location.

Read our latest blog post to learn how to navigate cross-border litigation: https://ow.ly/vKhs50ZC48J

Should an Ontario business sue in Canada or the U.S.? Learn about jurisdiction, contract clauses and enforcement in Windsor-Ess*x.

08/18/2026

Retaining experienced talent requires modern, compliant workplace accommodation strategies.

As discussed in a recent news report, conversations are expanding around how employers accommodate workers experiencing significant menopause symptoms. For Ontario employers, failing to flexibly address health-related accommodation requests can lead to constructive dismissal claims or human rights disputes on s*x, age, or disability grounds.

Our Windsor employment law team assists both employers in establishing compliant accommodation frameworks and employees seeking to understand their workplace rights.

Read more: https://ow.ly/jiRt50ZAZGj

Rhode Island has become the first U.S. state to explicitly require employers to provide workplace accommodations for employees experiencing menopause. Canadian experts say the move is prompting an important conversation about whether workers in this country need more support.