search warrant

Employee privacy update: Supreme Court of Canada releases decision in R v Cole

October 25, 2012 Alison J. Bird Employee Relations, HR Policies and Procedures, Human Resources, Privacy and Security

The Supreme Court of Canada released its much-awaited decision in R. v. Cole, 2012 SCC 53, on October 19. This criminal law case is notable for employers because it provides commentary on an employee’s right to privacy when using an employer-supplied laptop.

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Individual privacy in the workplace – a case precedent

March 31, 2011 Yosie Saint-Cyr, LL.B. Managing Editor Human Resources, Privacy and Security

On March 22, 2011, the Ontario Court of Appeal rendered a significant judgment concerning the protection of privacy in the workplace. Specifically, the Court determined that an employee had an expectation of privacy when using a laptop made available by the employer on which he was allowed to retain personal information.

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What’s an Anton Piller order? You’d better know before you face one

March 23, 2011 Andrew Taillon Human Resources, Privacy and Security

Picture the following situation: it’s a normal workday, when suddenly, a large group of people enter your premises. Many of them are wearing uniforms of the Sheriff’s Office. They are led by a lawyer who claims he has an order from the court that allows his party to search your premises and copy and remove any documents they wish. The order from the court he presents to you appears legitimate. What do you do?

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