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.

Guelph Chamber of Commerce: COVID-19 Emergency Update

This webinar session will help guide employers through the COVID-19 pandemic with an employment law lens. Topics for discussion may include protected leaves, supplemental unemployment benefit program plans, work-sharing, layoffs, hiring, EI benefits, income support for individuals who don’t quality for EI and more.

Ontario Order Eases Restrictions and Expands List of Essential Businesses to Include Professional Sports League Training Facilities

On May 7, 2020, the Ontario government filed Ontario Regulation (O. Reg.) 200/20 (Order) made under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act which amends O. Reg. 82/20 – Closure of Places of Non-Essential Businesses. The Order confirms the easing of restrictions that will allow retail and certain essential construction to resume activity effective at specified dates, as we described in our Human Resources Legislative Update of May 6, 2020 Ontario to Ease Restrictions for Retail and Essential Construction.