How does the employment environment in Quebec compare with the rest of Canada and the U.S.?
Bonhomme: We have various employment laws that make it more difficult for an employer to terminate an individual. These laws have no equivalent in other provinces. Quebec also has one of the highest percentages of unionization in North America – approximately 40% of public- and private-sector employees are unionized. That creates an environment where employees both know and exercise their rights. For employers located outside of Quebec, that creates a challenge as they face legislation – and an employment culture – that does not necessarily exist elsewhere in North America. I should also add that Quebec is predominantly French-speaking. Hence, employers may be legally compelled to provide a French work environment: write internal memos in French, provide French computer software, etc. Editor: Given that Quebec is a civil law – not common law – jurisdiction, what are the key differences employers should be aware of? Bonhomme: Most wrongful dismissal cases are heard by a specialized trib
