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.
Industry: Energy & Utilities
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.
Ontario Bar Association: What will a return to work look like Part 2…..When the Dust Settles…..
As businesses contemplate a return to work, there are a number of questions confronting employers including employment law and Employment Standards Act requirements, health and safety obligations, and potential claims arising out of restructured workplaces. Join this expert faculty as, over the course of three weeks, they provide deep insight on how to tackle the quickly evolving legal issues facing employers today. Register now to secure your spot for this highly practical and timely program.
Ontario Bar Association: What will a return to work look like Part 1?
As businesses contemplate a return to work, there are a number of questions confronting employers including employment law and Employment Standards Act requirements, health and safety obligations, and potential claims arising out of restructured workplaces. Join this expert faculty as, over the course of three weeks, they provide deep insight on how to tackle the quickly evolving legal issues facing employers today. Register now to secure your spot for this highly practical and timely program.
Ontario Bar Association: Returning to Work – Employer Considerations and Workforce Management Strategies
As businesses contemplate a return to work, there are a number of questions confronting employers including employment law and Employment Standards Act requirements, health and safety obligations, and potential claims arising out of restructured workplaces. Join this expert faculty as, over the course of three weeks, they provide deep insight on how to tackle the quickly evolving legal issues facing employers today. Register now to secure your spot for this highly practical and timely program.
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).
Temporary Pandemic Pay – Update on Recent Developments
There have been two developments this week in relation to pandemic pay: a temporary amendment to Bill 124, the Protecting a Sustainable Public Sector for Future Generations Act, 2019 (Bill 124) and the publication of a page entitled “COVID-19: Temporary pandemic pay” on the government website. However, key details, including how pandemic pay is to be operationalized, have yet to be announced. We therefore continue to advise employers to wait for the government to communicate this information before taking steps to implement any form of pandemic pay.