Ontario Announces Stage 2 Regional Reopening

On June 8, 2020, the Ontario government announced that most public health unit regions outside of the “Golden Horseshoe” will be moving to Stage 2 effective June 12, 2020 at 12:01 a.m. The government’s online document sets out the complete list of regions which can move to Stage 2.

New Measures for Use of Face Coverings in Transportation Sector

On June 3, 2020, the federal government announced new measures for the use of face coverings in the transportation sector. The backgrounder states that the use of face coverings will now be required for all employees who cannot maintain a distance of two metres from other workers, or from passengers. The new measures apply to…

Ontario Extends Declared Emergency to June 30

On June 2, 2020, the Ontario government extended the declared emergency to June 30, 2020. This extension follows the government’s announcement on May 26, 2020 to extend most of the emergency orders currently in force. For details about the current orders, see our Human Resources Legislative Update post The Orders Made Under the Emergency Management…

Ontario Issues Order Relating to Management of Retirement Homes Where Residents at Risk Due to COVID-19

On May 29, 2020, the Ontario government filed an Order made under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act entitled the Management of Retirement Homes in Outbreak (Order). The Order authorizes the Registrar under the Retirement Homes Act, 2010 (Act) to issue a management order under section 91(1) of that Act (Registrar’s Order) where there…

Ontario Government Provides Temporary Relief from ESA Termination and Severance Provisions in Response to COVID-19

On Friday, May 29, 2020, the Ontario government published a new regulation under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) that is intended to provide temporary relief from the ESA’s termination and severance provisions for employers whose operations have been shut down or otherwise curtailed by COVID-19 – O. Reg. 228/20, Infectious Disease Emergency Leave (IDEL Regulation).

Appellate Court Strikes Pleading for Failure to Comply with Production Obligations

The Ontario Court of Appeal has upheld the decision of a motion judge to strike out a statement of defence as a remedy for repeated failures to comply with judicial orders to produce requested relevant documents. In Falcon Lumber Limited v. 2480375 Ontario Inc. (GN Mouldings and Doors), the Court articulates the core principles and…

Ontario Extends Emergency Orders to June 9, 2020

On May 26, 2020 the Ontario government extended most of the emergency orders currently in force under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to June 9, 2020 (O. Reg. 226/20). Some of the emergency orders in place include the closure of non-essential businesses, restrictions on social gatherings of more than five people, and rules…