Limiting your liability: Considerations for auto care businesses in the age of tariffs
With new United States tariffs looming, many auto care businesses across Canada are facing uncertainty and financial strain. Business owners are grappling with tough decisions as they navigate rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and shifting market conditions. However, successfully adapting to these changes requires more than just strategic planning—it demands a deep understanding of the legal and operational complexities at play.
In this period of significant change, staying informed is essential. Join Joel Smith, partner at Williams HR Law in this webinar as he explores the impact of these tariffs, key employment law considerations across Canada, and how businesses can stay compliant while managing risk and making informed decisions.
Throughout this webinar, Joel will explore what options businesses have to successfully navigate this new landscape, including planning for long-term stability, understanding the legal implications of employment decisions, and how businesses can stay compliant by understanding the Employment Standards Act (ESA). The ESA is province-dependent, and business owners must follow it to remain complaint if tough business decisions, such as temporary layoffs and employee termination are required.
Beyond employment decisions, this webinar will also address other important considerations for employers dealing with tariffs. From ensuring transparency and setting clear expectations with employees to maintaining open communication, business owners must be proactive in managing uncertainty.
Disclaimer: Employment laws vary across the country and differ from province to province. If you are a business owner and employ people in your province, or in different provinces, we recommend you consult an employment lawyer located in your province to ensure compliance due to differing legal systems, like Quebec, and regulations.
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About Joel Smith
Joel is a partner with Williams HR Law, where he practices management side labour, employment and human rights law. He provides legal and strategic advice and representation to both unionized and non-unionized employers in all areas of labour and employment law, including wrongful dismissal litigation, human rights proceedings, attendance and disability management, accommodation, labour and employment law implications of mergers and acquisitions, employment agreements and policies, employment standards, grievance arbitrations, workplace investigations, labour board proceedings, collective bargaining, occupational health and safety, privacy and workplace safety and insurance matters.
Joel has represented employers before various courts, boards and tribunals, including the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Ontario Court of Justice, Ontario Labour Relations Board, labour arbitrators, Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, Ministry of Labour, College of Early Childhood Educators, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board and Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal.
Joel regularly presents before employers and human resources professionals. Joel has presented to the Human Resources Professionals Association, including at the HRPA’s Annual Conference, Annual HR Summit and Annual HR Law Conference, as well as the Toronto Entrepreneurs Conference, the CPA Ontario Association, various chambers of commerce across Ontario and other industry associations. Joel also provides training to Williams HR Law’s clients on various labour and employment law topics. Joel’s writing is frequently published in labour & employment law and human resources publications, including Canadian Employment Law Today, HR Reporter and HR Professional magazine.
Joel obtained his J.D. degree from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. Prior to law school, he obtained a Bachelor of Commerce degree from McGill University.