On March 17, 2020 the Ontario government declared a state of emergency under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA). This has been followed by a series of Orders that have significant operational impacts on municipalities.
Industry: Municipalities & Municipal Agencies
OMHRA Spring 2020 ECHO Newsletter Features Articles Authored by Hicks Morley Lawyers
The Spring 2020 issue of OMHRA’s ECHO newsletter features two articles authored by Hicks Morley lawyers. In the article “Court Upholds Decision Finding Firefighter’s Heart Attack Was Not Work-related,” Jessica Toldo and Amanda Cohen discuss a recent decision of the Ontario Divisional Court, where it dismissed an application for judicial review of a decision by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Tribunal (WSIAT) denying benefits under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 to the estate of a firefighter who died of a heart attack in 2010.
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.
Staffing Options Given to Boards of Health in Light of COVID-19
On April 1, 2020, the Ontario government issued an emergency order giving provincial boards of health the authority to take all reasonable steps necessary with respect to work deployment and staffing in light of COVID-19.
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).
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.
WSIB Announces Relief Package for Businesses
The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has announced a financial relief package which will allow the deferral of premium reporting and payments until August 31, 2020. Businesses which report and pay monthly, quarterly or annual premiums are eligible for the deferral. Specifically, the deferral applies to payments due on the following dates: Monthly: March…
New Long-Term Care Homes Emergency Order Issued
On Friday, March 27, 2020, the Ontario government issued a second Emergency Order to specifically address the Long-Term Care Homes sector (O. Reg 95/20: Streamlining Requirements for Long-Term Care Homes).
COVID-19 and Long-Term Care – Ontario Takes Significant Steps to Address Staffing Concerns
On Monday, March 23, 2020, the Ontario government issued an Emergency Order granting Ontario Health Service Providers broad authority to take all reasonable steps necessary to staff as needed to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. The government has now taken two significant steps to grant similar authority to Long-Term Care home providers and Municipal Homes for the Aged to address the staffing issues which may arise due to the emerging pandemic.