b'LEGAL COLUMNEMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS BENEFIT BY CATHERINE E. WILLSON, EMPLOYERSB.A., LL.B.T he termination of a long-term employee can cost aBecause of the substantial restrictions placed on employees through business up to two years of salary, benefits and pensionthese contracts, the Courts review them carefully before enforcing payments for that employee. With the removal ofthem. In particular, Courts will examine the specific wording of mandatory retirement ages, that liability has increased for everyone. a termination provision to ensure its validity. Make sure your One way to reduce the risk is by using employment contracts. Acontracts are approved by a lawyer.well-drafted employment contract can limit the amount of moneyEmployment contracts work well for employers when utilized to be paid to a departing employee to a maximum of eight weeks ofproperly. They limit risk and reduce obligations to pay terminated salary and benefits. employees following their departure. Caution must be exercised to Employment contracts can be used to protect businesses againstensure that the employment contract is property drafted, and it must the theft of corporate opportunities, employees, customers andbe reviewed periodically to ensure that it is still valid and enforceable.confidential company information. Catherine E. Willson is counsel in the law firm, Goldman Sloan Nash & Haber LLP, (willson@gsnh.com) a full-service law firm in Toronto, COURTS WILL EXAMINE THE SPECIFIC WORDING OF AOntario (gsnh.com). This information deals with complex matters and may not apply to particular facts and circumstances. The information TERMINATION PROVISION TO ENSURE ITS VALIDITY. MAKEreflects laws and practices that are subject to change. For these reasons, this information should not be relied on as a substitute for specialized SURE YOUR CONTRACTS ARE APPROVED BY A LAWYER. professional advice in connection with any particular matter.12THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SCAFFOLD INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF CANADA'