Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - LBST 313 B100

Introduction to Canadian Labour Law (3)

Class Number: 2903

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 7, 2026: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Strongly Recommended: LBST 101.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to labour and employment law in Canada, covering both union and non-union sectors. The course will focus variously on: the principles and practice of the BC Labour Relations Code, the Canada Labour Code, BC Employment Standards Act. BC Human Rights Code, the Workers Compensation Act (WorkSafeBC), and the contested history of labour legislation and related common law.

COURSE DETAILS:

***This is a blended(in person and on Zoom) course. About 50% of classes are in-person and 50% online. Please check course schedule below for in-person and online course dates)      

*COURSE SCHEDULE (in-person and online/remote classes):

  • In person classes: Sept. 10th, Sept. 17th, Sept. 24th, Oct. 22nd, Oct. 29th (mid-term), Nov. 19th, Nov. 26th
  • Zoom/remote classes: Oct. 1st, Oct. 8th, Oct. 15th, Nov. 5th, Nov. 12th, Dec. 3rd

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An introduction to labour and employment law in Canada, covering both union and non-union sectors. The course will focus variously on: the principles and practice of the BC Labour Relations Code, the Canada Labour Code, BC Employment Standards Act. BC Human Rights Code, the Workers Compensation Act (WorkSafeBC), and the contested history of labour legislation and related common law.

In addition, the political and social contexts of “the law of work” will be introduced and explored, including settler colonialism and Indigenous rights; capitalism and property rights; class, gender, race and sexuality; and the division and regulation of paid and unpaid work.

This course also features visiting speakers from a range of legal organizations and will introduce you to the practice and realities of labour and employment law as careers.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Introduce the legal, political and social contexts of the regulation of work in Canada.
  • Develop knowledge of key concepts, systems and regulatory mechanisms of labour and employment law in BC and in Canada.
  • Explore and understand common law’s distinct features and how common law interacts with statutes (written laws) and regulated processes like collective bargaining.
  • Foster understanding of different regulatory regimes – common law, direct statutory regulation, and collective bargaining legislation and how they impact workers.
  • Gain knowledge of key legal and regulatory systems in BC covering unionized and non-unionized workers.
  • Develop critical thinking and effective communication skills for exploring and discussing legal questions and problems.
  • Learn skills that help labour law practitioners identify legal issues and develop strategies and tactics for resolving workplace legal disputes.

Grading

  • Attendance 15%
  • Participation (in-class writing, discussions, case analysis) 20%
  • Mid-term exam 25%
  • In-class quizzes (2) 15%
  • Final reflective essay 25%

NOTES:

Grading: Where a final exam is scheduled and the student does not write the exam or withdraws from the course before the deadline date, an N grade will be assigned. Unless otherwise specified on the course syllabus, all graded assignments for this course must be completed for a final grade other than N to be assigned. An N is considered as an F for the purposes of scholastic standing.

Grading System: The undergraduate course grading system is A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D, F, N (N standing indicates student did not complete course requirements). Intervals for the assignment of final letter grades based on course percentage grades are as follows:

A+ (95-100) | A (90-94) | A- (85-89) | B+ (80-84) | B (75-79) | B- (70-74) | C+ (65-69) | C (60-64) | C- (55-59) | D (50-54) | F (0-49) | N*
*N standing to indicate the student did not complete course requirements

Academic Honesty and Student Conduct Policies: The Labour Studies Program follows SFU policy in relation to grading practices, grade appeals (Policy T 20.01) and academic honesty and student conduct procedures (S10-S10.05).  Unless otherwise informed by your instructor in writing, in graded written assignments you must cite the sources you rely on and include a bibliography/list of references, following an instructor-approved citation style.  It is the responsibility of students to inform themselves of the content of SFU policies available on the SFU website: http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student.html.    

Centre for Accessible Learning: Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need classroom or exam accommodations are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (1250 Maggie Benston Centre) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Course readings will be available on Canvas and through the SFU Library.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.