Melanie is a member of the firm's Employment & Labour and Election & Political Law groups.
Prior to entering the legal field Melanie spent time working with the Government of Ontario, first as a Legislative Intern and eventually as a Press Assistant to a Minister. Melanie articled with Blaney McMurtry in 2009-2010 and returned to the firm as an associate after her call to the Bar in 2010.
Melanie obtained her L.L.B. from the University of Ottawa, graduating from its English Common Law program. While attending law school she worked as a Student Caseworker at the University's Community Legal Clinic and as a Teaching Assistant to first year law students. She also spent a semester studying abroad in the United Kingdom. Melanie earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University, where she was also a varsity athlete.
Memberships
· Member, Law Society of Upper Canada
· Member, Canadian Bar Association (Ontario)
Related Publications from Francis
Jail Term for BC Safety Violator: It's Not Quite What You Think...
Nearly eight years have passed since the Criminal Code of Canada (the "Criminal Code") was amended to create potential criminal liability on employers for health and safety violations in the workplace. Bill C-45 augmented existing provincial occupational health and safety laws by creating criminal negligence provisions under the Criminal Code. It established a duty on employers to protect health and safety in the workplace.
Cause...or No Cause? The Ins and Outs of Terminations for Cause [Powerpoint Slideshow]
Powerpoint slides from David E. Greenwood and Melanie I. Francis' presentation, "Cause...or No Cause? The Ins and Outs of Terminations for Cause," as part of the seminar Hiring & Firing: What You Need to Know in 2011, which took place November 10, 2011.
NOTE: The information and views expressed in this presentation are for information purposes only and are not intended to provide legal advice. For specific advice, please contact us.
Greater Toronto Airport Authority - Update
Last year we told you about the decision of Arbitrator Owen Shime in Greater Toronto Airports Authority v P.S.A.C., Local 0004. In this decision Arbitrator Shime awarded a grievor in excess of $500,000.00 in damages - including damages for future economic loss and mental distress and punitive damages. At that time we queried whether the Divisional Court would vary the damages awarded when it considered the Greater Toronto Airport Authority's ("GTAA") application for judicial review. The decision on that review application has since been released, and as expected, damages were a significant issue addressed by the Divisional Court.
Ontarians Back to the Polls October 6, 2011
It is hard to believe but September is now upon us. Not only does this mean it is back to school for Ontario students, but that Ontario voters will go back to polls shortly. Throughout the month of September candidates across Ontario will be busily campaigning in advance of the October 6, 2011 general provincial election. Individuals, who are 18 years of age or older, are Canadian citizens and reside in an electoral district in the province, will be entitled to cast their ballot. Below is some key information for employers to keep in mind in advance of election day.