Matthew E. McCarthy

Matthew has a broad labour and employment practice, advising employers in all areas of workplace law. Drawing on years of experience in operations and human resources, Matthew provides invaluable advice and support to clients, combining an in-depth understanding of the law with a pragmatic approach to meeting client’s needs in a cost-effective and timely manner.

Matthew has represented employers from various industries before courts and tribunals on matters relating to issues such as employment terminations, human rights, and labour grievances. He’s also advised large private employers on collective bargaining and unionization, managing unionized environments, and mass layoffs/plant closures.

Matthew maintains a significant solicitor practice including advising on the employment issues arising in the purchase or sale of a business, preparation of employment-related contracts and policies, and providing day-to-day advice on workplace best practices.

Matthew maintains an active practice in both British Columbia and Ontario, and is able to advise employers on workplace issues in either jurisdiction. He has also developed a particular expertise in advising US- and internationally-based firms on the perils and challenges of Canadian employment and labour laws.

Matthew attended law school at the University of Windsor, where he was awarded the Torkin Manes LLP award for academic excellence and service to the community. He was called to the Ontario Bar in 2015 and the BC Bar in 2021, and has practiced with a number of well-respected national and regional firms prior to joining Boughton Law.

Outside the office, Matthew actively participates in community theatre productions as an actor and singer. Most recently, he played the role of Agent Carl Hanratty in a musical production of the hit film “Catch Me If You Can” with Theatre in the Country in Langley.

Professional Activities

• Member, Canadian Bar Association
• Member, Canadian Association of Counsel of Employers
• Member, Advocates’ Society
• Director, Museum of Ontario Archaeology

Publications

• “A Case Law Update Regarding Restrictive Covenants”, co-author, May 2022.
• “BC Government Seeking Additional Stakeholder Feedback on Paid Sick Leave”, author, October 2021.
• “A Case Law Update Regarding Restrictive Covenants”, co-author, May 2022.
• “Your employees have been publicly accused of discrimination. Now what?”, co-author, HRD Canada, December 2019.
• “Substitution of public holidays: An unusual option for unusual times”, author, April 2020.
• “Employees with COVID-19: Are they eligible for Workers’ Compensation?”, author, March 2020.
• “Ontario makes changes for small claims court and the rules of simplified procedure: What could this mean for employers?”, author, December 2019.
• “Canadian Collective Bargaining Law”, 3rd edition, contributor.
• “Happy Canada Day for Employers: Ontario to Reverse Changes to Public Holiday Pay Legislation”, author, May 2018.
• “Critical Canada Update: What You Need to Know About Changes to Ontario’s Labor and Employment Laws”, author, December 2017.
• “No Relief in Sight: Amendments to Bill 148 Provide Little Good News for Ontario Employers”, author, August 2017.
• “The Impact of Bill 132: Understanding and Applying Ontario’s Recent Sexual Harassment and Violence Legislation”, author, June 2017.
• “Ontario Government Announces Sweeping Employment and Labour Law Changes”, author, May 2017.

Speaking Engagements

• “Update on Restrictive Covenants: Drafting & Enforcement”, 2022 CLEBC Employment Law Conference.
• “Termination Provisions: Will They Hold Up?”, 2021 First Reference BC Employment Law Conference.
• “Evolving Investigation Practices – Leveraging open source and social media”, 2018 HR & Security Forum.\
• “Mental Health and Accommodation in the Workplace”, 2017 Developmental Services Human Resources Strategy Forum.