Update: COVID-19 – Questions and Answers for Employers

As we learn more about the Novel Coronavirus (2019-vCoV or Coronavirus), employers will no doubt be contemplating the potential implications of this virus on their workplaces. We have set out below some of the emerging questions that employers may have right now and our answers and guidelines for how to address these issues.

Hicks Morley’s Response to COVID-19

All of our offices are presently open for business. As recognized leaders in the areas of employment and labour law, Hicks Morley is well-positioned to assist you in your compliance obligations, developing contingency plans and managing the health and safety of your workforce. We have developed a dedicated webpage as a resource regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) to assist employers in navigating the potential impact this pandemic may have on your workplace.

Lesley A. Campbell

Lesley Campbell provides practical advice and representation to employers and management in both the private and public sectors on a wide range of employment, human rights, and labour issues such as wrongful dismissals, claims of discrimination and harassment, and grievances. Her practice includes employment litigation, human rights proceedings, arbitration advocacy, privacy, and judicial review. Lesley has appeared as counsel in all levels of court in Ontario (Superior Court of Justice, Divisional Court, Court of Appeal), the Supreme Court of Canada, as well as in various Ontario Tribunals. Lesley holds a Certified Information Privacy Professional – Canada (CIPP/C) designation from the International Association of Privacy Professionals.

COVID-19 and Workplace Preparedness

Health officials in Canada have stated that the risk of contracting COVID-19 remains very low. That said, in recent weeks the virus has been top of mind for many, including employers. In this FTR Now, we discuss workplace pandemic planning and operational issues employers should be anticipating in the unlikely event of an outbreak.

OMHRA Winter 2020 ECHO Newsletter Features Articles Authored by Hicks Morley Lawyers

The Winter 2020 issue of OMHRA’s ECHO newsletter features two articles authored by Hicks Morley lawyers. In the article “The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario Highlights the Requirement for Co-operation in the Accommodation Process,” Amanda Cohen and Jessica Toldo discuss a recent decision of the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal that provides support for the proposition that there may be recourse to termination where an employee refuses to co-operate in providing medical documentation…

IIROC-Regulated Employers Now Subject to New Cybersecurity Incident Reporting Obligations

As of November 14, 2019, investment dealers engaged in trading activity in Canadian markets (Dealer Members) that are regulated by the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) are now subject to new stringent reporting obligations for cybersecurity incidents. These new rules are the result of amendments to Rules 3100 and 3703 of the IIROC Rules that apply to all Dealer Members.

Employers with Drivers Operating in the U.S. Take Note: New U.S. Drug and Alcohol Testing Rule in Force January 6, 2020

On January 6, 2020, Canadian employers who have commercial drivers operating in the United States will be required to comply with the requirements under the new Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse program. Clearinghouse is administered by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

We Welcome Two New Associates to the Firm

Hicks Morley is pleased to announce that two new associates have joined the firm. Practicing out of the Toronto office are Caitlin Morin, a member of the firm’s Pension, Benefits & Executive Compensation group, and Ryan Freeman  a Labour & Employment lawyer.