Editor’s Note on July 27, 2020: With the proclamation of Bill 195 on July 24, 2020, the declared emergency came to an end. Many of the orders below, however, will continue in effect under Bill 195 in accordance with its provisions. This post will no longer be updated. On March 17, 2020, the Ontario government…
Tag: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Nadine Zacks Quoted in Canadian Lawyer Magazine on In-House Counsel Adapting to COVID-19 Operational Changes
With numerous businesses closing or modifying operations to curb the rapid spread of COVID-19, legal departments are facing a host of new challenges. Organizations are struggling to continue serving customers and support employees, many of whom are now working remotely.
Stephen Shamie Featured in a Queen’s Law Article on Delivering Legal Services During COVID Crisis
Hicks Morley’s Stephen Shamie was featured by Queen’s Law as an alumnus in an article titled “Delivering Legal Services During COVID Crisis.” In the article Stephen describes Hicks Morley’s thought leadership and ability to pivot the firm’s operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic to protect its members, clients and the community through leveraging digital applications to continue to provide consistent legal services while working remotely.
Federal Government Releases Additional Details on Expanded Wage Subsidy Program
On March 30, 2020, Prime Minister Trudeau provided further information about the 75% wage subsidy being made available to businesses, which he first announced last week. Details are to follow from the Department of Finance, but this is what we know so far: the wage subsidy will be 75% up to the first $58,750 earned…
WSIB Announces Relief Package for Businesses
The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has announced a financial relief package which will allow the deferral of premium reporting and payments until August 31, 2020. Businesses which report and pay monthly, quarterly or annual premiums are eligible for the deferral. Specifically, the deferral applies to payments due on the following dates: Monthly: March…
New Long-Term Care Homes Emergency Order Issued
On Friday, March 27, 2020, the Ontario government issued a second Emergency Order to specifically address the Long-Term Care Homes sector (O. Reg 95/20: Streamlining Requirements for Long-Term Care Homes).
New Canada Emergency Response Benefit and Tax Relief Measures
Bill C-13, COVID-19 Emergency Response Act, received Royal Assent on March 25, 2020 after swift passage by Parliament and the Senate. This federal legislation implements the income support and other fiscal measures announced by the federal government on March 18, 2020.
New Leave Relating to COVID-19 under Canada Labour Code
On March 25, 2020, the federal government passed Bill C-13, COVID-19 Emergency Response Act, which contains various fiscal and other measures designed to deal expeditiously with the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. Included among these measures is an amendment to the Canada Labour Code (Code) which provides an unpaid leave of up to 16 weeks for employees who are unable or unavailable to work for reasons related to COVID-19. The COVID-19 Leave came into force on March 25, 2020.
CHRT Seeks Feedback on Rules of Procedure to be Developed Under New Pay Equity Act
The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) is seeking feedback on specific questions related to the development of the Rules of Procedure under the federal Pay Equity Act (Act), which is expected to come into force sometime in 2020.
COVID-19 and Long-Term Care – Ontario Takes Significant Steps to Address Staffing Concerns
On Monday, March 23, 2020, the Ontario government issued an Emergency Order granting Ontario Health Service Providers broad authority to take all reasonable steps necessary to staff as needed to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. The government has now taken two significant steps to grant similar authority to Long-Term Care home providers and Municipal Homes for the Aged to address the staffing issues which may arise due to the emerging pandemic.