Executive Summary
Melanie D. McNaught is a partner in the firm. She joined the firm as an associate in 2003. Prior to joining the firm, Melanie clerked at the Court of Appeal for Ontario.
Melanie practises in all areas of labour and employment law. She has a particular interest in civil litigation, education law, privacy and human rights. She has represented clients before all levels of court, at labour arbitration and numerous administrative tribunals, including the Ontario Labour Relations Board and the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. Melanie negotiates practical and cost-effective settlements for her clients, often without the need to expend time and money on litigation.
Melanie regularly advises union and non-union employers on the duty to accommodate and responding to human rights issues in the workplace.
Melanie frequently advises employers regarding the termination of non-union employees, including appropriate severance packages. She regularly represents employers in wrongful dismissal litigation, including attending court and mediations.
Melanie represents and advises school boards on labour and employment matters, human rights (including student accommodation issues) and education law issues. She knows and understands the requirements of the Education Act and other legislation applicable to school boards. She is one of the executives of the Ontario Bar Association’s Education Law section.
Selected Publications, Presentations and Media Mentions
Co-Author, Canada Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act: Quick Reference, Carswell (2005 to present)
Co-Author, Ontario Human Rights Code: Quick Reference, Carswell (2009 to present)
Speaker, “Protecting Educators from Violence in Schools”, CAPSLE Conference 2024 (April 2024)
Speaker, “Providing Inclusive and Safe Learning/Working Environments”, Ontario Public School Boards’ Association Education Labour Relations and Human Resources Symposium (April 2023)
Panel Chair, “Basics of Adjudicative Reasoning”, Ontario Bar Association (June 2022)
Panel Chair, “Anti Black and Anti Indigenous Racism in the Education System”, Ontario Bar Association (May 2022)
Speaker, “An Equity and Human Rights Overview for School Board Leaders”, Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association 2022 AGM and Conference (April 2022)
Author, “Child and Youth Privacy in the Education System”, Ontario Bar Association (February 2022)
