WHAT'S NEW WHAT'S NEW
Watson Wins Muskoka YWCA "Woman of Distinction" Award
Although she was too humble to mention it herself, Cindy's colleagues are delighted to announce that Cindy Watson was nominated for and won one of the 2006 Muskoka YWCA "Woman of Distinction" Awards. Recognized for her determination, persistence, and encouragement of other women, and her personal commitment to overcome obstacles in pursuit of her dreams, Cindy personifies everything for which this award stands.
Congratulations Cindy!
October 2006
LESS TALK, MORE ACTION: Watson Labour Lawyers Steps into the Fight to Eliminate the Sale of Misogynistic "Gangsta" Rap
To counter the misogynistic content of "gangsta" rap, Valerie Smith, a Toronto activist has filed a complaint with the Ontario Human Rights Commission against HMV Canada Inc ("HMV"). Represented by Cynthia Watson of Watson Labour Lawyers, Ms. Smith is seeking a ban on the sale of "gangsta" rap - which often glorifies the mistreatment of women - by HMV.
Ms. Watson argued that Ms Smith’s rights under s. 1 of the Ontario Human Rights Code have been violated. Section 1 requires equal treatment with respect to goods and services. The purpose of human rights legislation is to create a climate of "understanding and mutual respect for the dignity and worth of each person." Gangster rap, which promotes violence against women, is at complete odds with the purpose of the Code. Furthermore, by selecting and selling music that contains misogynist lyrics, HMV is condoning verbal abuse against women. This conduct contributes to gender based discrimination.
In a recent decision, an Investigator with the Commission agreed with Ms. Smith that "some of the lyrics [of gangsta rap] are violent, hateful and abusive towards women and are clearly contrary to the values of the Code." However, he decided not to refer the case further on the grounds that while the music is clearly offensive, HMV did not discriminate against Ms. Smith on the basis of sex in the provision of goods and services. Watson Labour Lawyers is currently appealing the decision.
October 2006
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Available year round! Call today to book your getaway.
Contact Cindy at 705-646-5595 or toll free at 1-877-646-5595 or via email: cindy@muskokadreamers.ca
Watson Labour Lawyers Triumphs in the New Brunswick Court of Appeal
Representing ATU 1182, Watson Labour Lawyers recently was successful in overturning the lower court’s decision regarding whether the Superintendent of Pensions had jurisdiction to determine whether or not the employees of St. John Transit were "employees" for city pension purposes. This was a landmark case as it was the first time that the courts had been called upon to evaluate whether or not the New Brunswick Labour and Employment Board possessed the necessary expertise to interpret a statute other than the Industrial Relations Act or the Public Service Labour Relations Act.
The Union now knows who has the authority to determine this question of whether or not they are entitled to be covered by the pension. It also has important ramifications for their brothers and sisters in the other New Brunswick ATU Locals as this decision also implies that the Superintendent may determine whether or not they are covered by other cities’ respective pension plans. This decision, however, will likely have broad labour relations ramifications beyond the ATU as the Court of Appeal has affirmed that the Board clearly has the authority to interpret employment related statutes other than the Industrial Relations Act or the Public Service Labour Relations Act.
A copy of the decision is available from our office.
July 2006
Another new face in time for summer
Aileen Daley has joined the firm for the summer as a research assistant. Aileen has just completed her second year of law studies at the University of Western Ontario and her sense of humour and excellent research skills have already proved her to be a great addition. She will be with the firm until classes begin again in the fall.
May 2006
Two New Faces at Watson Labour Lawyers
As of March 1, 2006, there are two new faces in our Toronto office.
Mel Rotman, an experienced union side labour relations and employment lawyer, is a welcome addition to Watson Labour Lawyers. His calm sense of humour is already and his engaging demeanor already make us wonder what we did without him. Honor McAdam is our articling student. A graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School, Honor expects to be admitted to the Ontario Bar in 2007.
Information about both new additions can be found on our "About Us" page.
March 2006
Bracebridge Office Now Open
In order to better serve our northern clients, we have opened a satellite office in Bracebridge. Capably staffed by Anna Chamberlain, our new office had its official opening in January 2006. You will likely find Cindy working out of our new Bracebridge office when she is not working in Toronto or appearing on behalf of our union clients at an arbitration or in court. The new contact information for the Bracebridge office is:
3 Manitoba Avenue, Suite 4, Bracebridge, ON P1L 1S4
Phone: 1 877 646 5595 (toll free) Fax: (705) 646 5586
Our main office in Toronto is, of course, still open and ready to serve all GTA clients. Come and see our new digs in Toronto or Bracebridge whenever it is convenient for you!
January 2006