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.
Industry: Colleges
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).
COVID-19 Update: Certain Businesses Permitted to Reopen, and More
In this FTR Now: Province allows businesses to reopen; Ontario announces workplace health and safety guidance; Ontario expands the list of essential workers eligible to receive free emergency child care; Further amendments to the Employment Insurance Act and New Canada Emergency Student Benefit; and more!
Hicks Morley Lawyers Named Leading Practitioners in the 2020 Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory
Hicks Morley congratulates each one of our lawyers who has been recognized as a leading practitioner in the 2020 Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory.
Federal Government Announces Funding and Support Initiatives for Students and Recent Graduates Impacted by COVID-19
On April 22, 2020, Prime Minister Trudeau announced the creation of the Canada Emergency Student Benefit and other initiatives for post-secondary students and recent graduates affected by the economic impacts of the COVID -19 pandemic.
Special COVID-19 Webinar: Compliance, Immigration & Employment
Hicks Morley and Green and Spiegel LLP have teamed up to bring you a special COVID-19 webinar focusing on Compliance, Immigration & Employment. The panel will asses the impact of COVID-19 on employer compliance from an immigration standpoint as well as employment-law related issues due to the pandemic.
Overview of Status and Availability of Ontario Courts in Light of Pandemic
Here you will find an update regarding the current status and availability of Ontario Courts in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. This information is current as of April 2, 2020.
COVID-19 – Continuity of Pension Plan Administration and Related Regulatory Flexibility
During these uncertain times, pension plan administrators must continue to administer their pension plans and provide benefits to members, former members and retired members. Employers and pension plan administrators face a number of upcoming filing and disclosure deadlines and may have challenges in meeting those deadlines as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Federal Government Releases Further Details for COVID-19 Economic Relief
On April 1, 2020, the federal government provided important additional information about the previously announced expanded wage subsidy program and the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).