Chris Pigott is a partner in the Litigation and Labour groups. His practice focuses on disputes and advisory work in labour, human rights, and public law matters. Chris represents some of Canada’s leading employers in their most consequential cases.
"Chris Pigott has a sharp legal mind and an unflappable demeanour. He truly understands business, is very responsive to client needs and is quick to complete projects even under the most tight timelines." Client interview, Chambers Canada (2022)
Litigation
Chris is a talented litigator who acts for clients in arbitrations, tribunal proceedings, and before the Courts. He routinely acts in judicial reviews, appeals, and other complex litigation arising from labour, human rights, and public law disputes. Chris has appeared as lead counsel in courts across Canada, including the Ontario courts, the Federal Court and Federal Court of Appeal, the New Brunswick Court of Appeal, the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court of Canada. Chambers Canada notes that Chris is a “highly regarded labour lawyer” who “is singled out for his representation of clients in court.”
Chris’ recent litigation experience includes:
- Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway – defence of union challenges to a government order ending a national work stoppage.
- J.D. Irving, Limited – judicial review overturning a tribunal decision on constitutional grounds.
- Air Canada - various labour arbitrations, including multiple national policy grievances and discharge cases.
- Royal Bank of Canada – Federal Court proceedings arising from a dispute under the Canada Labour Code.
- Sobeys – union certification applications and related proceedings before labour boards.
- Canada Post – constitutional challenge to back-to-work legislation in the Ontario Court of Appeal.
- Rogers Communications – proceedings in the Federal Court and Federal Court of Appeal arising from a human rights matter.
- Humber River Health – judicial review overturning a labour arbitration decision on mandatory vaccination and public health requirements.
Chris has significant experience in matters that involve administrative and constitutional law issues, including litigation under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. He has appeared as lead counsel in several of the leading Canadian cases dealing with the application of freedom of association and freedom of expression in the workplace.
“Christopher is wonderful in litigation and amazing at arguing his case in front of a decision-maker,” Client interview, Chambers Canada (2025)
"Chris is “a great legal mind. He is extremely astute and very approachable; a top-notch lawyer.” Client interview, Chambers Canada (2021)
Negotiation
Outside of litigation, Chris is a skilled negotiator who frequently represents employers and related associations in collective bargaining and other negotiations (both as spokesperson and negotiation advisor).
Chris’ recent negotiation experience includes:
- Representing Air Canada in collective bargaining and interest arbitration with its flight attendants’ union
- Coordinating collective bargaining across multiple provinces for one of Canada’s largest food retailers
- Acting as strategic advisor in negotiations between the Ontario and federal governments and health care providers concerning compensation for publicly-funded health care services
“Chris is incredible at strategy – that is really his strength. He is extremely thoughtful.” Client interview, Chambers Canada (2024)
Federal Sector
Chris and Fasken are at the forefront of legal and policy developments impacting federally-regulated employers. Chris has represented federal employers in significant national labour disputes, including bargaining and work stoppages at major airlines, railways, the postal service, and the ports, and other critical matters that impact their operations. He acts as counsel to FETCO, the association that serves as the principal representative to employers in the federal sector. In this role, Chris is frequently consulted by federal employers on legislative reform and policy initiatives, and engages with senior officials within the Federal government on these issues. He has represented FETCO as lead counsel in the Supreme Court on leading cases concerning the proper interpretation of the Canada Labour Code, such as Canada Post v. CUPW (federal sector health hand safety inspections) and AECL v. Wilson (unjust dismissal in the federal sector).International Practice
Chris advises Canadian, foreign, and multinational employers on business and human rights, and international labour matters. He provides advice and representation to FETCO in its capacity as the exclusive representative of Canadian employers on the international stage concerning global labour, employment, and human rights issues.
Chris is also a lead Fasken contact for clients (operating both inside and outside Canada) on how best to manage the risk of human rights impacts in their operations and supply chains. He has extensive experience guiding clients on human rights due diligence and reporting obligations, including those under Canada’s new Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act.
Community Involvement
Chris is a member of the Advisory Board to the University of Toronto’s Centre for Industrial Relations and Human Resources, where he co-teaches the course on "International Developments in Labour and Human Resources Policy" as an adjunct faculty member. Chris has also taught labour, employment, and constitutional law at the Western University Faculty of Law, Queen’s University Faculty of Law, and the Osgoode Hall Law School Certificate in Labour Law.
Throughout his career, Chris has been recognized by his peers and others for his legal work, including by Lexpert as one of Canada’s top lawyers under the age of 40.
