On May 26, 2020 the Ontario government extended most of the emergency orders currently in force under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to June 9, 2020 (O. Reg. 226/20). Some of the emergency orders in place include the closure of non-essential businesses, restrictions on social gatherings of more than five people, and rules…
Insights
Hicks Morley publishes a number of materials, both electronic and print, on issue-specific and sector-specific topics of interest to our clients. Our insights section has links to all of our various publications, updates and blogs, both current and historical, to keep you informed of developments in the law that impact human resources.
Human Resources Legislative Update
Ontario Proposes Regulations on Interoperability Specifications that Pertain to Digital Health Assets Selected, Developed or Used by Health Information Custodians under PHIPA
On May 22, 2020, Ontario’s Minister of Health (MOH) issued a notice of proposed regulation pertaining to interoperability specifications for digital health assets under the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA). Under the proposed regulation, a “digital health asset” (DHA) means a product or service that uses electronic means to collect, use, modify, disclose,…
Information, Privacy and Data Security Post
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.
Human Resources Legislative Update
Private Member’s Bill Introduces COVID-19 as a Presumptive Occupational Disease under the WSIA
On May 19, 2020, Bill 191, Workplace Safety and Insurance Amendment Act (Presumption Respecting COVID-19), 2020 was tabled by a Private Member and carried on First Reading in the Ontario Legislature.
Human Resources Legislative Update
Easing of Ontario Restrictions Continues
On May 19, 2020, the Ontario government filed five Orders under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMPCA) which extend the existing Orders and which amend some Orders to further ease the provincial restrictions in place as a result of the COVID-19 declared emergency.
FTR Now
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.
FTR Now
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.
FTR Now
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.
HR HealthCheck
COVID-19 and Long-Term Care – Government Permits Mandatory Management Orders to Address COVID-19 Challenges
On May 13, 2020, the Ontario government issued an order (O. Reg. 210/20, Management of Long-Term Care Homes in Outbreak) (Order) made under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act which is intended to provide long-term care homes with additional assistance in managing COVID-19 outbreaks.
Human Resources Legislative Update
Ontario Passes Amendments to Permit Additional Electronic Beneficiary Designations
On May 12, 2020, the Ontario government introduced and passed Bill 190, COVID-19 Response and Reforms to Modernize Ontario Act, 2020 (Bill 190). Among other changes, Bill 190 amends the Succession Law Reform Act to permit electronic beneficiary designations, and makes a consequential amendment to the Pension Benefits Act (PBA). The amendments permit electronic beneficiary…