Employers and human resource professionals will undoubtedly remember 2020 as the “year of the pandemic.” But … there were also legal developments in 2020 that were not related to COVID-19. In this FTR Now, we look at some of the year’s notable “non-pandemic” cases and legislative developments of interest. We also identify some decisions and…
Tag: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Temporary Relief from ESA Termination and Severance Pay Obligations for Hospitality and Related Industries
On December 17, 2020, the Ontario government filed a new regulation under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA), Ontario Regulation 764/20: Terms And Conditions Of Employment In Defined Industries – Hospitality, Tourism And Convention And Trade Show Industries (Regulation). As stated by the government, the Regulation provides certain employers with an alternative to putting termination…
Ontario Government Announces Extension of Temporary Relief from ESA Termination and Severance Provisions
Effective December 17, 2020, the Ontario government has extended the temporary relief measures from the termination and severance provisions of the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) until July 3, 2021. The temporary measures are found in Ontario Regulation 228/20, Infectious Disease Emergency Leave (IDEL Regulation), and had been set to expire January 2, 2021. The…
Fall Economic Statement Announces Proposals Related to Employee Stock Options and Home Office Expense Deductions
On November 30, 2020, the Department of Finance released Supporting Canadians and Fighting COVID-19: Fall Economic Statement 2020 (Fall Economic Statement). In this FTR Now, we focus on two key proposals contained in the Fall Economic Statement that will be of interest to employers and human resources professionals: (i) proposed amendments to the employee stock…
Ontario Expands Testing for COVID-19 – What Employers Need to Know
On November 20, 2020, the Ontario government filed two regulations that allow point-of-care testing for COVID-19 to take place outside of laboratories and permit an expanded list of healthcare professionals to perform COVID-19 testing. The regulations came into effect on November 20.
Ontario Places Toronto and Peel Region into Lockdown, Changes Made to Other Regions
On November 20, 2020 the Ontario government announced that it will be moving certain regions of the province to new levels of the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework (Framework). This included moving the City of Toronto and Peel Region to the Grey Zone – Lockdown of the Framework, effective earlier today, November 23 at 12:01 a.m. These restrictions will be in effect for at least 28 days.
Ontario Government Launches Workplace Education and Enforcement Campaigns to Ensure COVID-19 Health and Safety Compliance
On November 19, 2020, the Ontario government announced that it is launching a series of education and enforcement campaigns (“inspection blitzes”) to ensure Ontario businesses are taking the necessary steps for the safety of employees, consumers and the public in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaigns have been developed in consultation with local health…
NFP: Emerging Legal Issues and Considerations in the Workplace
On November 25, 2020, Stephen Goodwin and Evon Gayle will be discussing emerging legal issues across Canada since the start of COVID-19 as businesses return to the workplace. This is the final session of a three-part fall series hosted by NFP on key topics in the group benefits sector. Agenda: Topics: Emerging Canadian Legal Issues…
Southwest Central Human Resources Group: COVID and Labour Laws
On November 5, 2020, Evon Gayle presented the topic of “COVID and Labour Laws” at the Southwest Central Human Resources Group Virtual Webinar. Agenda: Topics: Employment contracts & termination clauses Return to work during COVID Family status & accommodations Resignations & retirements ESA for hours worked during staff shortages
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Legal Conference 2020
On September 25, 2020, Andrew McCreary co-presented the topic of “Employment Litigation Arising from COVID-19” at the Kingston and the 1000 Islands Legal Conference 2020. The agenda for the conference can be found here.