The April 2020 issue of Canadian Employment Law Guide® features an article authored by Hicks Morley lawyer Ted J. Kovacs.
Industry: Media & Communications
Further Measures Announced in Relation to COVID-19
Late last week, the Ontario government amended a number of measures already introduced in light of COVID-19. It updated the “COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool” to include an expanded list of symptoms for which self-isolation is required. It made further orders under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act regarding health care, an expanded list of essential workers eligible for child care and seasonal campgrounds. The federal government provided more information on initiatives already underway, including with respect to the eligibility requirements for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).
Federally Regulated DB Pension Plans Given Temporary Relief as a Result of COVID-19
On April 15, 2020, the federal government announced that, effective immediately, it is providing temporary relief to sponsors of federally regulated defined benefit (DB) pension plans, in light of the pandemic’s negative effect on the economy and the resulting financial constraints faced by many sponsors. For the remainder of 2020, there will be a moratorium…
WSIB Claims in Light of COVID-19
The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has published a “Frequently Asked Questions” page to address questions regarding COVID-19 claims, the impact of COVID-19-related closures on injured workers, and changes in WSIB processes during this period. Below is a brief summary of the key points.
Federal Wage Subsidy Legislation Passed
On April 11, 2020, Bill C-14, the COVID-19 Emergency Response Act, No. 2, (Bill C-14), received Royal Assent after another emergency session of Parliament. Bill C-14 enacts the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS). It includes new details about which employers are eligible, and the calculation of gross revenue and the subsidy. On the same date, the federal government also updated its backgrounder describing the CEWS, reflecting the final form of the legislation.
Additional Details of Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and Enhanced Summer Jobs Program Released
After making its initial announcement about the significantly expanded Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program, the federal government announced on April 8, 2020, that it is introducing additional flexibility to the CEWS, and provided additional details about how the program will operate.
Nadine Zacks Quoted in Canadian Lawyer Magazine on In-House Counsel Adapting to COVID-19 Operational Changes
With numerous businesses closing or modifying operations to curb the rapid spread of COVID-19, legal departments are facing a host of new challenges. Organizations are struggling to continue serving customers and support employees, many of whom are now working remotely.
New Canada Emergency Response Benefit and Tax Relief Measures
Bill C-13, COVID-19 Emergency Response Act, received Royal Assent on March 25, 2020 after swift passage by Parliament and the Senate. This federal legislation implements the income support and other fiscal measures announced by the federal government on March 18, 2020.
New Leave Relating to COVID-19 under Canada Labour Code
On March 25, 2020, the federal government passed Bill C-13, COVID-19 Emergency Response Act, which contains various fiscal and other measures designed to deal expeditiously with the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. Included among these measures is an amendment to the Canada Labour Code (Code) which provides an unpaid leave of up to 16 weeks for employees who are unable or unavailable to work for reasons related to COVID-19. The COVID-19 Leave came into force on March 25, 2020.
CHRT Seeks Feedback on Rules of Procedure to be Developed Under New Pay Equity Act
The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) is seeking feedback on specific questions related to the development of the Rules of Procedure under the federal Pay Equity Act (Act), which is expected to come into force sometime in 2020.