Croke v. VuPoint System Ltd.
Alan Croke
Law Firm / Organization
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VuPoint System Ltd.

Background:

  • Employment Role: Alan Croke was employed as a technician by VuPoint Systems Ltd., which provides services to Bell Canada.
  • Policies: Bell Canada and VuPoint implemented mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policies.
  • Dismissal: Croke refused to disclose his vaccination status, leading to his termination. He filed a wrongful dismissal lawsuit.

Lower Court Decision:

  • Ruling: Employment contract was frustrated due to the Bell vaccination policy, dismissing Croke's action.

Appeal Issues:

  1. Frustration Doctrine: Whether the contract was frustrated by Croke’s voluntary conduct.
  2. Foreseeability: Whether the vaccination policy was foreseeable at the time of contracting.
  3. Control: Whether the event was outside VuPoint’s control.
  4. Notice: Whether Croke received clear notice that his vaccination status would result in termination.

Court of Appeal Analysis:

  1. Frustration: The Bell policy, not Croke’s conduct, was the supervening event.
  2. Foreseeability: The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting policies were unforeseen in 2014.
  3. Control: VuPoint had no control over Bell’s policy and was not required to take other measures before termination.
  4. Notice: Croke was aware of the policy and its consequences, making the notice clear and justified.

Conclusion:

  • Appeal Dismissed: The employment contract was frustrated due to the unforeseen mandatory vaccination policy.
  • Costs: Croke was ordered to pay $16,000 in costs to VuPoint.
Court of Appeal for Ontario
COA-23-CV-0310
Employment law
$ 16,000
Respondent