Jackie VanDerMeulen practices all aspects of labour, employment and human rights law. She is a skilled advocate who regularly represents employers in labour arbitrations, interest arbitrations, federal and provincial labour board matters, human rights proceedings (including pay equity), employment litigation and applications for judicial review. She also supports employers with collective bargaining and day-to-day employment advice.
Jackie has gained valuable experience in pay equity, employment equity and other aspects of equitable pay. Her technical knowledge of the pay equity process, including job evaluations and compensation comparison, together with her advocacy experience and knowledge of labour relations, have positioned Jackie to collaborate with dozens of Canada's largest employers on their pay equity strategies.
Jackie advises Canadian businesses (operating both inside and outside of Canada), on how to best manage the risk of human rights impacts in their operations and supply chains, as well as guiding them on corporate reporting obligations, including those under Canada’s new Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act.
In 2023 and 2024, Jackie was invited to join the FETCO delegation representing Canadian employers at the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Geneva. She acted as the representative on the Committee on Application of Standards and was appointed to the ILO’s Standards Review Mechanism Tripartite Working Group.
Jackie is recognized as a leading lawyer in several rankings, including:
- Ranked by Chambers in Employment & Labour Law in Ontario and in Business & Human Rights nationwide
- Recognized by Lexpert in the category of Workplace Human Rights
- Recognized by Legal 500 as a "Next Generation Partner" in Labour and Employment
- Received a Lexpert "Rising Star" award in 2022
- Recommended in Labour, Employment & Benefits by Who’s Who Legal
Jackie distinguished herself while studying at both McGill University and the University of Toronto and was awarded the prize for the highest standing in undergraduate economics. Jackie is a dedicated mentor for students in the LAWS program, which aims to support, guide and motivate high school students who face challenges in engaging successfully with school and accessing post secondary education.
