Biography
Dylan obtained his LL.B. in 2009 and joined Carbert Waite in 2016 after practicing with a major national law firm. Dylan joined the firm as a partner in 2019, and as a member of the firm’s Executive Committee in 2022. Dylan served as co-chair of the firm’s employment law group from 2018 to 2023.
Dylan is an accomplished advocate with experience assisting individuals and corporations at all levels of court in Alberta, before the Federal Court of Canada, at the Alberta Humans Rights Commission Tribunal, and before the Information and Privacy Commissioner. Dylan frequently resolves disputes on behalf of his clients through mediations, arbitrations, and informal settlement processes.
As an experienced employment lawyer, Dylan advises employers and employees on a range of human resources issues, including employment contracts, workplace policies, terminations of employment, human rights and privacy matters. Dylan works with businesses to address the tough legal challenges that arise in today’s workplace, including employee discipline, labour relations, employee disability, union certification drives, policy development, group dismissals, employment issues in mergers and acquisitions, and all manner of lawsuits and legal proceedings. He also advises on methods of reducing employer liability and risk related to employment standards, occupational health and safety, and other statutory compliance issues. Dylan’s practice also includes conducting and overseeing workplace investigations in situations involving allegations of harassment, violence, and discrimination.
Dylan also advises and represents clients in respect to professional liability claims and has represented lawyers, accountants, and medical professionals. He represents plaintiffs and defendants in general commercial and civil litigation matters including the representation of business people and organizations in commercial and partnership disputes, including fraud and breach of contract claims.
He received his bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the Alberta College of Art and Design, his LL.B. from the University of Alberta, and his Certificate in Pension Law from Osgoode Hall Law School.
Dylan was appointed to the Faculty of Law at the University of Calgary in 2022; where he teaches Law 561: Employment Law. Since 2013, Dylan has also been a regular guest lecturer at the University of Calgary and Mount Royal University on the topics of employment law and human resources. He regularly speaks at conferences and seminars and has provided training on a variety of employment matters, including wrongful dismissals, privacy, disability management, drug and alcohol issues, and employment standards. He has worked for the Alberta Municipal Government Board and volunteered as Vice-Chair of the City of Calgary Licence and Community Standards Appeal Board from 2010 to 2022 where he adjudicated City Bylaws matters.
Education
- Osgoode Hall Law School
(Certificate in Pension Law 2015) - University of Alberta
(L.L.B. 2009) - Alberta College of Art and Design
(Bachelor of Fine Arts 2004)
Professional Memberships
- Law Society of Alberta (2010)
- Canadian Bar Association
- Calgary Bar Association
- Canadian Association of Counsel to Employers
Presentations
- Navigating Complex Terminations, Employment Breakfast Seminar, Carbert Waite LLP, May 2024
Blog Posts
Wrongful Dismissal Action Results in Employee Liability of Over $500,000
October 20, 2023
Dylan Snowdon shares his thought on a matter where an employer was awarded over $500,000 in damages for wrongful dismissal. Read on to learn more about the implications for fiduciary obligations and just cause terminations.
Continue ReadingSecret Recordings Upheld as Just Cause for Dismissal
October 11, 2023
Dylan Snowdon shares his insights on a recent matter where the BC Court of Appeal has confirmed that surreptitious recordings of conversations with supervisors and others at work can create just cause for termination of employment.
Continue ReadingThe Dangers of Self-Represented Employers
November 7, 2022
This blog post is an example of everything that can go wrong when an employer is unaware of their human rights obligations and they attempt to self-represent.
Continue ReadingTax Implications of Employment Settlements
September 27, 2022
This blog post examines how the Canada Revenue Agency has interpreted settlement payments through their issuance of Interpretation Bulletins and Income Tax Folios.
Continue ReadingNo Aggravated Damages for Independent Contractor
June 28, 2022
Employers must be cautious in agreeing to an Independent Contractor relationship with workers.
Continue ReadingEmployee Dismissal During Medical Leave
May 11, 2022
Dylan Snowdon offers his opinion on the recent decision of the Human Rights Tribunal of Alberta, where they addressed the issue of an employee dismissal during a medical disability leave.
Continue ReadingEmployment Law Webinar – The Return to Work
October 29, 2021
Carbert Waite LLP is pleased to share this virtual presentation and discussion. Mandatory vaccinations, requiring a return to the office, and managing employee requests for flexible work arrangements will be covered as we discuss rights and requirements for employers seeing to return employees to work.
Continue ReadingReligious Accommodation Requests to Employer Vaccination Policies
October 19, 2021
This blog discusses the religious exceptions people think that could avoid vaccine mandates put in place by companies and what employers should know.
Continue ReadingSimple Termination Clause Upheld in Problematic Decision
May 26, 2021
Employment contract termination clauses often face challenges by employees seeking to increase the payment made on termination of employment, and courts have found a variety of reasons not to enforce termination clauses.
Continue ReadingCan Employment Termination Meetings be Done Remotely?
May 13, 2021
Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, in-person termination meetings have become anywhere from inconvenient for people working predominantly from home to potentially impossible in some cases.
Continue ReadingA New Way Employers Can Deal With Online Harassment
March 15, 2021
Employers have a new tool available to them for dealing with online harassment. But, what is legally seen as internet harassment?
Continue ReadingCarbert Waite January 28, 2021 Employment Law Webinar
February 3, 2021
On January 28, 2021 team members from Carbert Waite’s Employment Law group hosted a webinar on current employment law issues, focusing on: Top Employment Cases from 2020 Mandatory Vaccinations in the Workplace Bill 47: Ensuring Safety and Cutting Red Tape Act The webinar was moderated by Dylan Snowdon, who was…
Continue ReadingTemperature Screening at Work
May 1, 2020
For workplaces that remain open, or those considering how to resume operations, the possibility of screening employee temperature is being explored with greater frequency. With major corporations around the world announcing screening programs to both increase worker safety and consumer confidence, many others are asking if they should follow such…
Continue ReadingCanada Emergency Wage Subsidy Calculator
April 24, 2020
The federal government recently launched a new Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (“CEWS”) calculator on the Canada Revenue Agency website. This calculator is intended to help eligible employers estimate the amount of their subsidy claim in advance of applying for the CEWS.
Continue ReadingAlberta Occupational Health and Safety Updates – January 2020
January 21, 2020
The Supreme Court of Canada rules employers are not required to inspect locations where the employer does not control the work place. On December 20, 2019 the Supreme Court of Canada rendered their decision in Canada Post Corp. v. Canadian Union of Postal Workers, 2019 SCC 67. The appeal considered…
Continue ReadingCanada vs. US Employment Law
January 6, 2020
Employers coming to Canada from the US, or employers with operations in both jurisdictions, need to be aware of local employment laws. While there can be some exceptions, for the most part, where the work is being performed will determine the laws applicable to a worker. There is no end…
Continue ReadingAre you Ready for Your Holiday Party?
December 10, 2019
As we approach the holiday season, it is important that employers reflect on what can be done to ensure their holiday party is fun, safe, and enjoyable. Employers should be aware of all safety-related liabilities that can exist and host holiday events with the prioritization of employees’ safety in mind.…
Continue ReadingReview of Recent Changes to the Canada Labour Code
September 25, 2019
Many changes to the Canada Labour Code came into effect September 1, 2019 that will impact federally regulated employers.
Continue ReadingAlberta’s 2019 Changes to Employment Legislation
July 9, 2019
Alberta introduced Bill 2 on May 27th, 2019, repealing much of the 2017 overhaul of the Employment Standards Code and Labour Relations Code. Changes amending the Employment Standards Code will come into force on September 1st, 2019. Changes amending the Employment Standards Regulation relating to “youth minimum wage” came into…
Continue ReadingWhat to Do If You Receive an Employment Cease and Desist Letter
February 28, 2019
Shortly after hiring a new employee, your company might receive a Cease and Desist letter telling you that the employee you’ve hired is subject to a non-competition or non-solicitation agreement with their former employer. The letter might demand that you terminate the employee or take steps to ensure the employee…
Continue ReadingIs there a Script for Terminating Employees?
February 2, 2019
Ending someone’s employment is a serious moment in their life, and should be addressed thoughtfully and with sensitivity. Most people assign a large amount of their identity to their job.
Continue ReadingWhat to Do If You Are Being Investigated at Work
January 22, 2019
Becoming the subject of a workplace investigation is extremely stressful, so it is important to take the time to respond to and participate in an investigation carefully and calmly.
Continue ReadingLimits of Accommodating Marijuana Use in the Workplace
December 4, 2018
In February 2018, Canadian Family Physician, a peer-reviewed medical journal and the official publication of the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) issued new simplified guidelines for when primary care physicians should grant a licence for medical marijuana.
Continue ReadingChanges to Employment Law Summary Judgment in Alberta
November 22, 2018
On November 2, 2018 the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta issued a decision that may impact how many employment disputes are heard by the Court.
Continue ReadingTerminating Part-time, Casual, or Irregular Hour Employees
November 19, 2018
We are frequently asked by employers how to end the employment of employees who are part time or work irregular schedules. Most Canadian employers understand the need to provide notice of termination of employment, as set out in the employee’s contract or under the common law.
Continue ReadingWhen Are Employees Fit to Work?
November 2, 2018
Assessing fitness to work is important in all workplaces, not just safety sensitive workplaces. Assessing fitness for work is also about more than testing employees for intoxication.
Continue ReadingAlberta’s New Workplace Laws
October 2, 2017
On January 1, 2018, major changes to Alberta’s Employment Standards Code will come into force. Employers should be aware of the changes and examine policies and payroll practices to determine what updates are required.
Continue ReadingThe 2017 Federal Budget’s Impact on Workers
April 11, 2017
On March 22, 2017, the federal government released its 2017 budget. The new budget includes proposed changes to the Canada Labour Code, the Employment Insurance Act, and other legislation that will affect Canadian workers and employers.
Continue ReadingShould I Accept This Severance Package?
March 19, 2017
When your employment is terminated, and you are considering whether or not to accept a payment being offered in lieu of notice, there are some key elements you should think about.
Continue Reading