Department profile
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP

Employment & Labour

Canada Guide 2027 : Ontario

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Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP

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About

Provided by Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP

Osler’s Employment and Labour Department delivers clear, business-practical and results-oriented legal advice on all aspects of employment and labour law. They offer strong, effective representation where workplace disputes arise and valuable insight into the best way to establish and implement realistic and reliable employment and labour practices. The team understands the important connection between employment law and other areas of practice, such as privacy, M&A, technology and cross-border trade, which means clients receive the full complement of services they require when engaging Osler.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Employment & Labour - Ontario

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt's employment department advises a range of regional, national and international clients from various sectors, including software, manufacturing, retail, and food and drink. Lawyers from its Toronto and Ottawa offices regularly assist employers with workplace investigations, severance and compensation arrangements and employment-related litigation. The team is noted for its experience advising on employment and labour issues stemming from corporate transactions and internal restructurings, including workforce reductions.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt acted as employment counsel to Shopify, including advising on sensitive workplace departures, wrongful dismissal litigation and legislative compliance strategies.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Osler is quick with responses and able to manage deadlines with more complex projects. We trust the knowledge Osler has built regarding our company and the overall market we are operating in.

    Employment & Labour respondentCanada

  • Osler approaches each engagement with a clear view of the broader strategic context and delivers practical, legally sound advice that extends beyond the immediate issue. Osler's performance continues to meet and exceed expectations.

    Employment & Labour respondentCanada

  • The team demonstrates deep technical expertise combined with strong strategic judgment. They are thoughtful in calibrating advice to our industry realities and provide commercially pragmatic recommendations that balance legal risk with business objectives.

    Employment & Labour respondentCanada

  • The Osler lawyers are experts in their field and have a good sense of market practice. They provide high-quality work and it is a top-tier firm with experts in many areas.

    Employment & Labour respondentCanada

  • Osler stands apart with respect to its ability to provide practical advice tailored to the client. They cut to the chase and provide viable solutions to the very particular needs of our business.

    Employment & Labour respondentCanada

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Allan C Wells
    Allan C Wells

    Allan C Wells

    Allan Wells sits in Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt's Toronto office and is the former chair of its employment and labour department. He often acts for clients on the employment aspects of corporate restructurings, and also regularly represents employers before the Ontario Labour Relations Board. His experience also includes advising on wrongful dismissal claims and executive terminations.

    • Allan is exceptionally practical and consistent in his guidance. He communicates in a clear, straightforward manner that is easy to apply in real workplace situations. His expertise and reliability make him an invaluable partner to our organisation.

      Employment & Labour respondentCanada
    • Allan Wells has the unprecedented ability to provide clear and concise legal advice on complex issues, giving the business a clear idea of how much risk it is taking on a potential decision.
      Employment & Labour respondentCanada

    • Allan is a steadfast, reliable partner.

      Employment & Labour respondentCanada
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  • Sven Poysa
    Sven Poysa

    Sven Poysa

    Sven Poysa is recognised for his work on the labour and employment aspects of company restructurings, having advised on several high-profile insolvency matters in Ontario. He has further capabilities in grievance arbitrations and executive terminations, and also demonstrates strength in health and safety and employee benefits disputes.

    • Sven is an outstanding lawyer who always provides efficient and high-value advice.

      Employment & Labour respondentCanada

    • Sven has incredible knowledge, is highly responsive and leads the way in providing pragmatic solutions to complex issues and challenges.

      Employment & Labour respondentCanada

    • He is a very talented and smart lawyer.

      Employment & Labour respondentCanada
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  • Kelly O'Ferrall
    Kelly O'Ferrall

    Kelly O'Ferrall

    Kelly O'Ferrall splits her time between Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt's Toronto and Ottawa offices. She assists clients with employment matters arising from transactions as well as executive employment contracts and remuneration and dismissal issues.

    • Kelly is very knowledgeable and responsive. We can always count on her for timely and practical advice that is clear on what our risks are, what options are available and what decisions we need to make.
      Employment & Labour respondentCanada

    • Kelly is wonderful to work with. She is very client-oriented and provides practical advice and solutions that consider both business and legal risks.

      Employment & Labour respondentCanada
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  • Steven Dickie
    Steven Dickie

    Steven Dickie

    Steven Dickie is based in Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt's Toronto office and assists with employment disputes, including in collective bargaining as well as mass dismissal matters.

    • Steven distinguishes himself through responsiveness, sophistication and commercial acuity. His client service is consistently attentive and solutions-oriented.

      Employment & Labour respondentCanada

    • Steve has a great depth of experience and is always available to talk through different scenarios and all angles of whatever matter we are dealing with.

      Employment & Labour respondentCanada

    • Steven Dickie is an exceptional lawyer whose combination of deep expertise and practical judgement sets him apart. He brings a wealth of knowledge to every matter, yet his approach is consistently pragmatic, ensuring advice is actionable and aligned with business realities.

      Employment & Labour respondentCanada

    • He is an amazing partner to work with.

      Employment & Labour respondentCanada
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  • Diana Holloway
    Diana Holloway

    Diana Holloway

    Diana Holloway is an associate in Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt's Toronto office, who frequently assists with a wide range of employment mandates.

    • Diana is always able to answer questions and provides solutions quickly and concisely.

      Employment & Labour respondentCanada
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  • Summer Danakas
    Summer Danakas

    Summer Danakas

    Summer Danakas is an associate based in Osler's Toronto office. She advises employers on matters including executive compensation and wrongful dismissal claims.

    • Summer is a very sharp associate with a passion for litigation.

      Employment & Labour respondentCanada

    • Summer is an outstanding associate and operates at a very high level. She offers insightful strategic advice that demonstrates her sophistication and growing experience.

      Employment & Labour respondentCanada
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Ranked Individuals at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP (6)

Ontario

Members

Provided by Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP

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