Willis Business Law

10/14/2026

It is inspiring to see leaders from across our business and community sectors come together for the Build a Dream International Day of the Girl Breakfast!

Our partner, J.P. Karam, and lawyer Brandon Beck were proud to attend this year's event at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts. Exploring important conversations around women leading Canada's future, navigating a changing global economy, and shaping vital industries reinforces the importance of community mentorship and creating opportunities where the next generation can thrive.

10/13/2026

The Canadian economy shed 68,300 jobs, bringing the unemployment rate up to 6.5 per cent following a sharp decline in August. These consecutive monthly losses have effectively erased earlier job gains and created new pressures for both employers and employees across various sectors.

As businesses navigate these evolving economic conditions, changing market demands, and potential corporate restructuring, having clear guidance on employment and business law is essential.

Canada's unemployment rate ticked up to 6.5% in September from 6.4% in August after the economy shed 68,000 jobs. Read more

10/11/2026

Grateful heart, full plate. Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with the people who matter most. Happy Thanksgiving!

10/06/2026

Canada's $443-billion pipeline of major economic projects presents a massive growth opportunity for small and medium-sized businesses. As large-scale industrial and infrastructure investments advance, local suppliers and contractors are well-positioned to secure lucrative supply chain contracts and commercial partnerships.

For businesses in Windsor and Southwestern Ontario, positioning your company to win and execute major project contracts requires a solid legal foundation - from joint ventures and commercial agreements to risk management and regulatory compliance.

https://ow.ly/4ngh50ZV3Cs

Small and mid-sized businesses are poised to become the backbone of supply chains as Canada revs up investments in major projects. Read more

10/02/2026

Willis Business Law was proud to be part of the inaugural Windsor Police Service Chief’s Gala. Partner J.P. Karam and Associate Tyler Donnelly attended the event to support local community initiatives and celebrate the meaningful work being done across Windsor. We remain committed to investing in the strength and well-being of our community.

10/01/2026

Unexpected tariff increases can instantly disrupt the profit margins of a commercial agreement. For Ontario businesses importing components or cross-border goods, relying on fixed pricing or purchase order boilerplate fine print leaves significant financial risk unmanaged.

Protecting your commercial relationships starts with the contract. Clear tariff allocation mechanisms, price adjustment clauses, and formal Master Supply Agreements help ensure your business avoids absorbing sudden government-imposed import costs.

Read more in our latest blog to learn how to allocate tariff costs effectively in your commercial contracts: https://ow.ly/B5jU50ZTa5C

Learn how Ontario businesses can allocate tariff costs through pricing, Incoterms, change-in-law clauses and commercial contracts.

09/29/2026

Starbucks' plans to close additional store locations across North America highlight the ongoing operational shifts in the retail and food service sectors and the widespread impact on local workforces.

For employees facing store closures, corporate restructuring often brings immediate concerns regarding severance rights, working notice, group termination rules, and potential duty-to-accommodate obligations under Ontario employment standards.

https://ow.ly/kuM950ZSP1O

Starbucks will close 250 underperforming coffeehouses in North America, the company said in a regulatory filing on Thursday, as CEO Brian Niccol deepens his turnaround push to revive sales.

09/24/2026

Our team at Willis Business Law attended DisruptHR at Augustus 27 in Windsor. Lawyers J.P. Karam, Tyler Donnelly, and Brandon Beck, along with law student Sierra Slikboer, joined local business leaders and HR professionals for an engaging evening of high-energy presentations.

Thank you to the event organizers and fellow attendees for a great night of conversation and insight.

09/23/2026

As discussions around four-day workweeks gain traction across Canada, shifting to a 32-hour schedule introduces key considerations for both employers and employees.

From employment contract adjustments and overtime obligations under Ontario's Employment Standards Act to workplace policy updates, restructuring traditional hours requires careful legal navigation.

Read the article below to see how Canadian workplaces are weighing the potential benefits and practical challenges of a shortened workweek:
https://ow.ly/b4Q050ZQJjx

A bill recently introduced in the U.S. is proposing a 32-hour workweek, without a reduction in pay or benefits. As for whether that would work in Canada, some experts say it’s unlikely.

09/17/2026

New research shows that employers replacing staff with AI may end up rehiring nearly a third of those workers later at higher costs. Beyond the operational and knowledge loss risks, rapid workforce restructuring can trigger complex legal challenges, including severance liabilities and wrongful dismissal claims.

Smart employers are focusing on using AI to enhance their teams rather than eliminate them, while keeping legal obligations top of mind.

Read the full report here: https://ow.ly/T4Ri50ZOJZg

‘Their greatest mistake was believing that work automation was the point'