Employment and Disability for ME/CFS, FM and Environmental Sensitivity by Hugh Scher

Hugh spoke to us from his office in Toronto via the internet. At the top of this screen is the video recording of Hugh's talk and below it is the audio-only version of his talk. The audio-only version may be downloaded to your computer or mobile device by clicking on the AUDIO file in the Downloads section on this page. Also in the Downloads section is a document summarizing Hugh's talk compiled by Dr. Stein.

Included in This Recording

1. Reasonable Accommodations: The employer is required to provide reasonable accommodations for an employee to allow their meaningful employment to continue.
2. “Own occupation” vs “any occupation”. Read your policy carefully and know what is covered and whether it changes at some point (often after 2 years).  
3. Continuance of health benefits depends on the status of employment (at least 30 days after the termination of employment). 
4. Reasonable notice for employment termination must be given by the employer.
5. Functional limitations: It is important to understand how your specific functional limitations and restrictions impact your ability to engage in work (your own or any).

Hugh Scher is a national leader in the practice of employment, human rights and disability insurance law. He is frequently called upon to advise employees and employers about issues related to wrongful dismissals, negotiation of severance agreements, review and negotiation of employment contracts, accommodation of people with disabilities in the workplace, return to work plans, discrimination and harassment complaints and a broad range of issues facing employees and employers in the workplace.

Hugh Scher and Scher Law have unique experience in employment, human rights and long-term disability insurance and Canada Pension Plan claims. Hugh has been involved in some of the important disability decisions for ME/CFS in Canada.  

Mr. Scher has participated in various federal and provincial government consultations on issues of social policy and disability rights and has presented briefs before numerous federal and provincial government committees on subjects including employment law, labour law, human rights law, disability and insurance law, education law and health law.

Mr. Scher is regularly featured on television and radio broadcasts and in newspapers across the country on matters relating to employment and human rights law, euthanasia, assisted suicide and the human rights of people with disabilities. Mr. Scher is a frequent lecturer on employment, disability and human rights issues at the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Ontario Bar Association, Osgoode Hall Law School, the University of Toronto and other organizations across Canada.

His firm, Scher Law, has offices in Toronto and Ottawa. 

Contact Info:

Phone:  (855) 246-0243

Websites: www.sdlaw.ca, www.lostjobs.ca

 Author: Eleanor (Ellie) Stein MD FRCP(C)

I am a psychiatrist with a small private practice in Calgary and am an assistant clinical professor in the faculty of medicine at the University of Calgary. Since 2000, I have worked with over 1000 patients, all with ME/CFS, FM and ES. My passion for this field comes from my own struggle with these diseases, my desire to improve my health and then pass on what I learn. My goal is for every patient in Canada to have access to respectful, effective health care within the publicly funded system. If you are looking for help and resources to help combat ME/CFS, FM and ES, see my guides and webinars.

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