Practice Area: Pensions, Benefits & Compensation

Further Measures Announced in Relation to COVID-19

· 13 min read

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

· 1 min read

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…

Federal Wage Subsidy Legislation Passed

· 6 min read

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

· 5 min read

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.

COVID-19 – Continuity of Pension Plan Administration and Related Regulatory Flexibility

· 9 min read

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.