Toronto and Peel Region Moving to Stage 2 of Re-Openings

The Ontario government has announced that the City of Toronto and Peel Region will move to Stage 2 of re-openings on June 24, 2020 at 12:01 a.m. For a summary of the conditions and restrictions on businesses re-opening, see our Human Resources Legislative Update post of June 9, 2020, Ontario Announces Stage 2 Regional Reopening….

The Latest Updates for School Boards Before the Summer

As the 2019 – 2020 school year draws to a close, it would be an understatement to say that the year did not go as expected. From the hurried transition to online learning to the ongoing adjustment to the “new normal” of synchronous learning, we know that our clients have successfully navigated unprecedented and difficult challenges – and that there will be more to come.

Reopening of Postsecondary Education in Ontario

In a series of announcements and regulatory changes from last week, the Ontario government provided guidance on the reopening of postsecondary education in the province. The developments reviewed in this FTR Now apply to universities, colleges of applied arts and technology, private career colleges and other postsecondary institutions.

Advantage CPD: Back to Business – Planning for Return to Work in a COVID-19 World

As the government starts lifting or relaxing certain orders and directives made under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, employers are turning their mind to reopening their workplaces. In order to ensure a successful return to work in a COVID-19 world, it is crucial that employers turn their minds to the unique labour and employment considerations that will impact returning to the workplace, including employment standards requirements, health and safety obligations, human rights issues, privacy rights, the impact on pension and benefits, and potential litigation risks.

Ensuring a Successful Return to Work in a COVID-19 World

As governments start lifting orders and directives made under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (or similar legislation in other jurisdictions), it is understandable that employers and employees alike are anxious to return to their ‘pre-COVID-19 normal’. However, in order to ensure a successful return to work during the largest pandemic in modern history, it is crucial that employers turn their minds to the unique labour and employment issues created by COVID-19 and reopen with a solid return to work plan in place.

Employees Who Continue to Work from Home – Practical Considerations for Employers

As provinces begin to roll out reopening plans for non-essential businesses, the logistical challenges of implementing social distancing in some workplaces mean that many employees will continue to work from home for the foreseeable future. As companies consider which employees will be asked to return to the workplace, and when, the legal considerations and risks associated with work from home arrangements should be taken into account.

Ontario Announces First Stage of Reopening Province

On May 14, 2020, the Ontario government announced that certain workplaces will be able to resume operations beginning May 19, 2020, signalling the start of Stage 1 of the second phase of the province’s reopening strategy, “A Framework for Reopening our Province” (Stage 1). The government also announced additional seasonal services and activities that may open May 16, 2020.

COVID-19 Update: Certain Businesses Permitted to Reopen, and More

In this FTR Now: Province allows businesses to reopen; Ontario announces workplace health and safety guidance; Ontario expands the list of essential workers eligible to receive free emergency child care; Further amendments to the Employment Insurance Act and New Canada Emergency Student Benefit; and more!