ADMISSIONS & AFFILIATIONS
- Called to the Bar of Ontario, 2002
- Member, Law Society of Upper Canada
- Member, Canadian Bar Association
EDUCATION
- Certificate of Completion, Intensive Trial Advocacy Workshop, Osgoode Hall Law School Professional Development, 2011
- LL.B., University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario (2001)
- B.A. Criminology, Sociology and Women’s Studies, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario (1997) (Graduated with High Distinction)
Biography
Carita Wong obtained her undergraduate degree and Bachelor of Laws from the University of Toronto. She has practiced in employment and labour law almost exclusively since her call to the bar in 2002.
Carita is a frequent presenter on employment law topics and has spoken at various HRPA (Human Resources Professionals Association) events and LSO (Law Society of Ontario) programs. Last year she was named by Post City Magazine as one of Toronto’s Top Lawyers for 2023, and Israel Foulon Wong LLP was named by the Globe and Mail as one of Canada’s Best Law Firms for 2024.
Carita has appeared as counsel before the Ontario Court of Appeal, the Superior Court of Justice, the Ontario Court of Justice, the Ontario Labour Relations Board, and the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. She has also represented both employers and employees in arbitrations, and in Ontario Ministry of Labour (Employment Standards Branch) claims. She acts in relation to matters involving wrongful and constructive dismissals, employment agreement reviews, mass terminations and lay-offs, human rights applications, harassment claims, employment standards claims, and workplace health and safety.
Carita is an experienced workplace investigator, who has acted as an independent, third party investigator on behalf of numerous organizations spanning various industries and sectors of business. Carita also regularly assists employers in responding to union organization campaigns, applications for certifications, and union grievances. Carita conducts collective bargaining negotiations, and arbitrations in unionized environments.
Carita believes in a proactive approach to dealing with employment and labour law issues. She tackles problems on behalf of her clients in a strategic and pragmatic way designed to maximize the results and outcomes for her clients. Carita believes in looking for creative and effective solutions while always considering the financial impact at every stage. Carita is a zealous advocate for her clients, while at the same time applying a nuanced and measured style and methodology. She is upfront with her clients about what is achievable, yet always seeks to over-achieve where possible.
When she is not practising law, Carita is an avid Crossfitter, who also practices yoga. She loves to travel and seek out adventures, but also enjoys movies, reading, and catching up on her favourite T.V. shows.
RECENT PAPERS AND PRESENTATIONS
Presenter, Navigating the Employment Standards Act, Human Resources Law for HR Professionals (Module 1), Osgoode Hall Program, March 21, 2024
Speaker, An International Women’s Day Panel, University of Toronto, Women & Gender Studies Institute Alumni Event, March 6, 2024
Co-Chair, “The Employment Standards Act – A Primer 2024” – Law Society of Ontario CLE, March 1, 2024
Speaker, “Update on Family Status Accommodation”, The Eight-Minute Employment Lawyer 2023Law Society of Ontario, June 22, 2023
Panelist, “Legal Issues Facing Today’s HR Professional”, Feldman Daxon Partners Inc., 9th Annual HR Breakfast , November 23, 2023
Quoted in Canadian HR Reporter September 13, 2022 article “Employment Contract invalid after 2 clauses violate ESA” highlighting the uncertainty with termination clauses following the decision in Henderson v. Slavkin et al.
Speaker, “Update on the Enforceability of Termination Clauses”, The Six-Minute Employment Lawyer 2020, Law Society of Ontario, June 29, 2020
Speaker, “Employment Issues in a Post-COVID-19 World”, 2020 Legalease, Human Resources Professionals Association Toronto Chapter, May 11, 2020
SELECTED DECISIONS
Labourers' International Union of North America, Ontario Provincial District
Council, Applicant v. Percon Construction Inc., Construction Workers Local 52
affiliated with the Christian Labour Association of Canada, December 29, 2014 (OLRB)
Slepenkova v. Ivanov, (2009), OJ No 2680 (QL), 74 CCEL (3d) 163, 2009 ONCA 526 (CanLII) (Ont. C.A.)
Slepenkova v. Ivanov (2007), 60 C.C.E.L. (3d) 303 (Ont. S.C.J.)
Nikolova v. Ivanov, July 26, 2007 (unreported decision of Forestell J., Ont. S.C.J.),
Daley v. Depco International Inc. (2004), 37 C.C.E.L. (3d) 255 (Ont. S.C.J.) – successfully proved just cause for dismissal based on cumulative acts of misconduct
International Clothiers Inc. v. Fuad Abdullahi and Director of Employment Standards, 2004 Can LII 11305 (O.L.R.B.)