About
Wes focuses exclusively on workplace and disability law, both in court and outside of court. Wes proudly represents workers and employers in Hamilton, Ontario and surrounding areas, where there is rich labour history.
Wes is passionate about helping individuals and organizations handle workplace-related challenges and find practical legal solutions to resolve them.
Wes holds Certificates in Labour Law and Human Resources Law, both from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University. Wes is a Qualified Arbitrator (Q.Arb) certified with the ADR Institute of Canada. Wes is highly skilled in all aspects of workplace law, including advising clients on workplace investigations, in which he has extensive training.
Wes advocates for access to justice and the reasonable resolution of disputes. He is adept at handling complex motions, trials and hearings and has appeared frequently before the Superior Court of Justice, Ontario Labour Relations Board, Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, Federal Courts, Financial Services Tribunal, Small Claims Court, Ministry of Labour, Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, Canadian Industrial Relations Board, and the Ontario Court of Justice.
From 2015 to 2020, Wes was a lead municipal prosecutor for Norfolk County. He has extensive defence-side experience in the field of provincial offences as well, including defending employers charged with occupational safety infractions or who have had accidents at work leading to workplace injuries or deaths.
With his background in economics, Wes easily navigates the socio-economic dimensions that are part and parcel of many workplace issues. An understanding of the people behind legal cases – for instance, while doing pro bono work – has also fostered tact and problem-solving in Wes’ work. Before articling and then joining Ross & McBride LLP in his hometown of Hamilton, Wes worked at a boutique law firm specializing in environmental law in Toronto, Ontario.
A proud resident of Hamilton, Wes is committed to serving the community through variety of channels. When not working Wes enjoys his espresso machine, music, the outdoors, gathering with family and friends, learning languages, the list goes on.
Areas of Law
Wes provides extensive legal advice on topics such as:
- Terminations
- Wrongful Dismissals
- Collective Bargaining & Grievances
- Workplace Investigations & Harassment Complaints
- Executive Compensation
- Employment Contracts
- In/Dependent Contractors
- Human Rights Law & Disabilities
- Employment Law Class Actions
- Employment Standards
- Copyright Law
- Onboarding
- Sale of Business/Planning
- Non-Profit Law
- Non-Solicitation
- Professional misconduct
- Workplace Policies
- Reprisal complaints
- Statutory complaints
- Pay Equity
Education
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McGill University
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Economics and International Development -
Berlin University of Applied Sciences (HTW Berlin), Germany
Master of Arts (M.A.), International and Development Economics -
University of New Brunswick
Bachelor of Laws - LL.B., Ludlow Hall Law School -
York University - Osgood Hall Law School
Certificate in Labour Law, Osgoode Law School -
York University - Osgood Hall Law School
Certificate in Human Resources Law, Osgoode Law School -
ADR Institute of Canada
Qualified Arbitrator -
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI), Empower Strategy Group
-
Mediator Training with Kathryn Munn Dispute Resolution Services
-
Workplace Investigation Course, Rubin Thomlinson LLP
News & Insights
Ross & McBride receives 18 nominations in the 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards!
Ross & McBride is honoured to be nominated in four categories this year, along with 14 of our legal professionals in the...
Can My Boss Pressure Me to Retire?
I’m not ready to retire but my boss keeps asking me when I am going to. Is this allowed?
Do American Companies Have to Follow Canadian Employment Law?
Attempts by American companies to invoke state laws are void and unenforceable.
What Employees in Ontario Need to Know About AI Use at Work
In Ontario, employers can set policies on AI use. Workers should comply but can discuss with HR for exceptions. Legal advice recommended.
How do temporary Employment Insurance changes help if I lose my job?
The federal government has introduced temporary EI changes to support workers across Canada.
Dismissed without cause, but not paid the severance owed
A recent Ontario case illustrates the consequences of an employer dismissing a worker without cause and then failing to pay them the...
What is a constructive dismissal in Ontario?
If your employer has changed fundamental terms of your job, without reasonable notice and without your agreement, you may have a claim...
How many sick days are employees entitled to in Ontario?
Under the ESA, workers with at least two weeks of service are entitled to a minimum of three days of sick leave....
What are some of the recent changes to Ontario’s Employment Standards Act in 2024?
Temporary help agencies in Ontario now require licences to ensure fair treatment of workers.
How does EI work for expectant parents?
In Ontario, expectant parents have the right to unpaid leave under the ESA and can apply for EI benefits with specific eligibility...
Calculating compensation in labour and employment law cases
Workers can claim various compensation sources for severance, including wages, benefits, commissions and bonuses. Consult a lawyer experienced in employment law for...
How to prepare for litigation in wrongful dismissal cases
Collecting documents that show the terms of your employment, why and how you were dismissed, or your losses or damages post-dismissal is...
How do I calculate severance pay owing?
Calculating how much notice or severance pay a worker is entitled to can be straightforward, particularly if the facts relating to the...
Is my job protected while I am on a parental leave?
In general, the parental leave protections are quite strong for employees (and other workers) under Ontario’s ESA and the Human Rights Code,...
Negotiating a letter of reference in a severance agreement
If your employment is being terminated, it is advisable to negotiate a positive letter of reference as part of your severance package,...
Sick days and leaves of absence in Ontario
Employees in Ontario have rights regarding sick days and leaves under the ESA, including unpaid sick days and various types of unpaid...
Can I fire an employee for their conduct outside of work?
Workers can be terminated for conduct, statements or opinions they engaged in while off duty, which may also impact their severance entitlements
Do Employment Laws Apply to Full-Time Consultants in Ontario? Key Considerations
Several laws have bearing on the issue of employment-status in Ontario and the answer will always depend on the context of the...
Are managers entitled to overtime pay?
Being paid a salary does not automatically disentitle a worker from overtime pay, but the industry and the type of job you...
Am I Entitled to Overtime Pay if I’m a Salaried Manager with Minimal Supervisory Duties?
First off, being paid a salary does not disentitle a worker from overtime pay at all.
Can my boss pressure me to retire?
Businesses are allowed to ask, neutrally, if a worker plans on retiring in the near future but they can’t put pressure on...
Do I still need to worry about a non-competition agreement?
Do I still need to worry about a non-competition or a non-solicitation agreement that I signed with a former employer?
How long do I have to review my severance package when I have been terminated?
I’ve been terminated and offered a package with a deadline. I don’t think the package is right for me, but I am...
What is the legal definition of sexual harassment?
If we are talking strictly about civil law (as distinct from criminal law, which may also apply) then it’s best to start...
OHSA Legal Matters
When do Ontario employers need a written workplace harassment policy and what should employers worry about when it comes workplace harassment?
Understanding Ontario’s Requirements for Workplace Harassment Policies: What Employers Need to Know
When do Ontario employers need a written workplace harassment policy and what should employers worry about when it comes workplace harassment?
Employment Benefit subsidies during COVID-19
I have been let go from my job during the pandemic, do I apply for EI or CERB?
COVID-19 and employment law Issues in Ontario arising from the pandemic
New changes to the Employment Standards Act - most employees temporarily laid off due to COVID-19 now deemed to be on Emergency...
What Happens if You Get Sick or Need a COVID-19 Test at Work?
What constitutes “closely” will depend on the workplace and the nature of interactions between employees
Employer is reducing wages
My employer is reducing my wages by 10%: do I have to accept? (Hint: the answer below may also apply to layoffs)
Income assistance during COVID-19
Is the Canadian government providing a universal basic income during the pandemic?
Contingency fee arrangement
I have a claim against my employer or my disability insurance provider. Would you consider working on “contingency” (i.e. where legal fees...
Organizations & Activities
Current Affiliations
- Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, Board of Directors & Member of Governance Committee
- Hamilton Law Association, Member
- Ontario Bar Association, Member of Employment & Labour Law Section
- Employment Lawyers Association of Ontario, Member
- Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of Canada, Member
- Law Society of Ontario, Called to the Bar
Prior Affiliations
- Human Resources Professionals Association, Affiliate member
- Durand Neighbourhood Association, Board of Directors
- Workers Arts and Heritage Centre, Supporter
- Pro Bono Law Ontario, Volunteer
- Environment Hamilton, Supporter
- Ecojustice, Supporter
- Bruce Trail Association, Member