Based on all reports, the global pandemic and the resulting move to “work from home” has caused the cyber risk to organizations to elevate. As organizations move beyond the immediacy of the crises and begin to plan for the medium term, it is a good time to revisit cyber security and, in particular, the risks associated with increased reliance on remote work.
Industry: Arts, Entertainment & Sports
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).
New Regulation to Provide Temporary Relief from ESA Termination Provisions
Earlier today, 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 provisions for employers whose operations have been shut down or otherwise curtailed by COVID-19.
FOI Reconsideration Order Highlights Important Timing Issue for Ontario Institutions
On May 14th, 2020, the Information and Privacy Commissioner/Ontario dismissed a request for reconsideration based on an asserted change of circumstances, a somewhat common happening given the lengthy period of time it now takes to process a freedom of information appeal.
Ensuring a Successful Return to Work in a COVID-19 World
As governments start lifting orders and directives made under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (or similar legislation in other jurisdictions), it is understandable that employers and employees alike are anxious to return to their ‘pre-COVID-19 normal’. However, in order to ensure a successful return to work during the largest pandemic in modern history, it is crucial that employers turn their minds to the unique labour and employment issues created by COVID-19 and reopen with a solid return to work plan in place.
Employees Who Continue to Work from Home – Practical Considerations for Employers
As provinces begin to roll out reopening plans for non-essential businesses, the logistical challenges of implementing social distancing in some workplaces mean that many employees will continue to work from home for the foreseeable future. As companies consider which employees will be asked to return to the workplace, and when, the legal considerations and risks associated with work from home arrangements should be taken into account.
Ontario Announces First Stage of Reopening Province
On May 14, 2020, the Ontario government announced that certain workplaces will be able to resume operations beginning May 19, 2020, signalling the start of Stage 1 of the second phase of the province’s reopening strategy, “A Framework for Reopening our Province” (Stage 1). The government also announced additional seasonal services and activities that may open May 16, 2020.
Federal Government Will Not Permit Employers to Top-Up the CERB Through a SUB Plan
On May 8, 2020, the federal government published a new question and answer (Q&A) about the use of Supplemental Unemployment Benefit (SUB) plans to top-up the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).
Ontario Order Eases Restrictions and Expands List of Essential Businesses to Include Professional Sports League Training Facilities
On May 7, 2020, the Ontario government filed Ontario Regulation (O. Reg.) 200/20 (Order) made under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act which amends O. Reg. 82/20 – Closure of Places of Non-Essential Businesses. The Order confirms the easing of restrictions that will allow retail and certain essential construction to resume activity effective at specified dates, as we described in our Human Resources Legislative Update of May 6, 2020 Ontario to Ease Restrictions for Retail and Essential Construction.
Canada Revenue Agency Announces Temporary COVID-19 Relief for Registered Pension Plans
In response to industry requests, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) announced on May 5, 2020 that the minimum 1% employer contribution rule applicable to defined contribution (DC) pension plans is temporarily suspended. In addition, the federal Department of Finance issued a comfort letter confirming that it will recommend an amendment to the Income Tax Regulations to extend the deadline for electing to purchase a leave of absence on a current-service basis. These measures are intended to temporarily assist the sponsors and administers of DC and defined benefit (DB) registered pension plans in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.