On October 15, 2021, the Ontario government announced that the enhanced COVID-19 vaccine certificate with the official QR (Quick Response) code, as well as the verification app, Verify Ontario, are available for download. These tools are intended to make the process of providing proof of vaccination in order to access certain public settings more secure…
Business Operation: Ontario
Ontario Eases Capacity Limits in Select Settings
On October 8, 2021, the Ontario government announced that would be “cautiously” lifting capacity limits in select settings where proof of full vaccination is required, effective October 9, 2021. O. Reg. 698/21, amending O. Reg. 364/20, the Rules for Areas at Step 3 and at the Roadmap Exit Step, gives effect to these changes. For…
Ontario Introduces Bill 13; Proposes Changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Education Act
On October 7, 2021, the Ontario government introduced Bill 13, Supporting People and Businesses Act, 2021 (Bill 13) for first reading. Among other things, Bill 13 includes proposed amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act as well as to the Education Act. Occupational Health and Safety Proposed amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety…
Ontario Announces Rapid Antigen Testing for Schools and Licensed Child Care Settings
On October 5, 2021, the Ontario government announced that it is increasing access to rapid antigen COVID-19 testing for schools and licensed child care settings, where there is increased risk of transmission of COVID-19. The program will provide rapid screening for unvaccinated and asymptomatic children and students. The testing will be done on a voluntary…
Ontario Announces Mandatory Vaccination Requirements for Long-Term Care Homes
On October 1, 2021, the Ontario government announced that COVID-19 vaccinations will become mandatory for all in-home staff, support workers, students, and volunteers in long-term care homes, unless a valid medical exemption is presented. These individuals will have until November 15, 2021 to show proof that they have received all required doses of a COVID-19…
Ontario Eases Capacity Limits for Certain Indoor and Outdoor Settings
On September 24, 2021, the Ontario government announced that effective September 25, 2021 at 12:01 am, it is easing capacity limits for certain indoor and outdoor settings where proof of vaccination is required. Proof of vaccination will also be required for additional specified outdoor settings. Ontario Regulation 678/21 amends Ontario Regulation 364/20, Rules for Areas…
Ontario Human Rights Commission Releases Policy Statement on COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates and Proof of Vaccination
On September 22, 2021, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) released “OHRC policy statement on COVID-19 vaccine mandates and proof of vaccine certificates” (Policy). The Policy sets out the OHRC’s position on a number of issues related to the government requirement that, starting September 22, 2021, Ontarians will need to be fully vaccinated and provide…
Court Confirms Mitigation Efforts Do Not Extend Limitation Period
In Andrew Scott v. Community Living Temiskaming South, 2021 ONSC 5402, Justice Koke confirmed the importance of bringing employment-related legal claims to the right forum and confirmed that, in the context of claims for constructive dismissal, remaining with your employer to mitigate your damages will not extend the two year limitations period for commencing an…
Ontario Seeks Input Regarding the Establishment of Minimum Standards for School Board Trustee Codes of Conduct
On September 17, 2021, the Ontario government announced that it is seeking input from stakeholders and members of the public regarding the establishment of “minimum standards” for school board trustee codes of conduct. The deadline for submissions is November 1, 2021. Section 218.2(1) of Ontario’s Education Act currently provides that a school board “may adopt…
Court Distinguishes Waksdale in Case Where Employer and Employee had Equal Bargaining Power in Negotiating Contract
In Rahman v Cannon Design Architecture Inc., a recent decision of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the Court distinguished the Ontario Court of Appeal’s landmark decision in Waksdale v Swegon North America, finding that on the facts of the case a provision which denied entitlements upon termination for just cause did not amount to…