As we learn more about the Novel Coronavirus (2019-vCoV or Coronavirus), employers will no doubt be contemplating the potential implications of this virus on their workplaces. We have set out below some of the emerging questions that employers may have right now and our answers and guidelines for how to address these issues.
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Hicks Morley’s Response to COVID-19
All of our offices are presently open for business. As recognized leaders in the areas of employment and labour law, Hicks Morley is well-positioned to assist you in your compliance obligations, developing contingency plans and managing the health and safety of your workforce. We have developed a dedicated webpage as a resource regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) to assist employers in navigating the potential impact this pandemic may have on your workplace.
Federal Government Waives EI Waiting Periods for Workers Affected by COVID-19
As part of this initiative, the government will be waiving the mandatory one-week waiting period for Employment Insurance sickness benefits for those workers who are in quarantine or who have been directed to self-isolate as a result of the COVID-19.
Jennifer J. Querney
Jennifer provides advice and representation to employers and management in both the private and public sector on labour, employment and human rights issues.
COVID-19 and Workplace Preparedness
Health officials in Canada have stated that the risk of contracting COVID-19 remains very low. That said, in recent weeks the virus has been top of mind for many, including employers. In this FTR Now, we discuss workplace pandemic planning and operational issues employers should be anticipating in the unlikely event of an outbreak.
We Welcome a New Associate to the Firm
Hicks Morley is pleased to announce that Rebecca Liu has joined the firm as an associate in our Toronto office. Rebecca represents private and public sector employers in grievance arbitrations, human rights complaints, wrongful dismissal claims, employment standards complaints and employment contract disputes.
Pension Law 2020: A Clear Look at the Latest Pension Law Reforms
In this FTR Now, we highlight the new pension rules that are of particular interest to employers and pension plan administrators.
New Year – New Standard of Review
Just prior to the end of 2019, the Supreme Court of Canada established a new framework that is designed to guide lower courts on applying the standard of review in judicial review applications. The Court’s long-awaited “trilogy” of cases in Canada (Minister of Citizenship and Immigration) v. Vavilov and the two companion appeals heard together in Bell Canada v. Canada (Attorney General) represents an express departure and evolution from the framework that the Court set out in the case of Dunsmuir decided over a decade ago.
Federal Government Postpones Changes to Stock Options
In June 2019, the federal government tabled a Notice of Ways and Means Motion to limit the benefit of the employee stock option deduction for high income individuals employed at large, long-established, mature organizations. Stakeholders were invited to provide input on the characteristics of small, growing companies that should not be subject to the new…
Changes Are Coming to the Justice System in Ontario
On December 9, 2019, the Ontario government tabled Bill 161, Smarter and Stronger Justice Act, 2019, omnibus legislation that, if passed, would enact significant changes to the justice system through amendments to numerous statutes. Set out below is a brief summary of the notable changes to the Class Proceedings Act, 1992, the Courts of Justice…