The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way companies operate. Employees working from home is our new normal and this new reality means a number of unique issues for your organization.
Tag: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
COVID-19 Update: Restrictions Imposed Across Ontario, and Orders Extended to October 22
Note: this post has been modified from its original publication on September 18, 2020 The Ontario government has imposed restrictions on the number of people who can attend unmonitored social gatherings and public events across all Ontario regions in light of the increase of COVID-19 cases in these areas. These restrictions are directed to private…
Canada Labour Code COVID-19 Leave Extended by an Additional 4 Weeks
The COVID-19 leave available under the Canada Labour Code has been extended an additional 4 weeks, from 24 weeks to 28 weeks, effective September 4, 2020. This change is to align the leave with the recent increase to the number of weeks an employee can receive the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).
Ontario Government Announces Extension of Temporary Relief from ESA Termination and Severance Provisions
On Thursday, September 3, 2020, the Ontario government announced that it would be extending the temporary relief measures from the termination and severance provisions of the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) until January 2, 2021. The temporary measures are found in Ontario Regulation 228/20, Infectious Disease Emergency Leave (IDEL Regulation), and had been set to expire today (September 4, 2020). The IDEL Regulation has been amended to define the “COVID-19 period” as that period beginning on March 1, 2020 and ending on January 2, 2021
Details of Extensive Changes to Employment Insurance and Canada Emergency Response Benefit Announced
In the latest evolution of the federal government’s response to the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, on August 19, 2020, amendments to the Employment Insurance Act (EI Act) were published and, on August 20, 2020, the government announced new measures to support affected Canadians who continue to be unable to work due to COVID-19.
Temporary Change to Federal Policy Will Permit Visitors to Apply For and Obtain a Work Permit While In Canada
The federal government has announced a temporary policy change that will permit visitors currently in Canada who have a valid job offer to apply for, and receive, an employer-specific work permit without having to leave Canada, effective August 24, 2020.
Ontario Extends Orders Relating to COVID-19
On August 20, 2020, the Ontario government announced that most orders made as a result of COVID-19 are extended to September 22, 2020 (subject to exceptions below). These orders were initially made under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act and, with the end of the declared emergency on July 24, 2020, were extended under…
Ontario (Again) Updates Its COVID-19 Self-Assessment
Ontario employers who are planning for an eventual return to work have been keeping a close eye on the province’s COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool (Tool). The Tool directs Ontarians to self-isolate in certain circumstances. This is important because it relates to employers’ Occupational Health and Safety Act duties and their duty to provide statutorily-protected leaves under the Employment Standards Act, 2000.
New Federal Act to Permit Extensions to Time Limits in Federal Legislation as a Result of COVID-19
Bill C-20, An Act respecting further COVID-19 measures, which passed on July 27, 2020, has enacted new legislation that permits the temporary suspension or extension of time limits or other periods specified in federal legislation or in court proceedings governed by federal legislation that are difficult or impossible to meet in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The International Employment Law Update from Taylor Vinters Features Article by Alisha Kassam
The July 2020 issue of the International Employment Law Update from Taylor Vinters, an international law firm, features an article by Hicks Morley’s Alisha Kassam, titled “Employer Action Taken in Response to the Pandemic.”