In an award dated May 4, 2020, Arbitrator Stout addressed, among other things, critical aspects of the CMOH’s Directives respecting access to and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). In this HR HealthCheck, we provide an overview of this significant award (Award), a decision of notable impact to health care providers and health care workers alike, in both the Hospital and Long-Term Care sectors.
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Ontario Permits Certain Clinicians to Access Personal Health Information Through the Provincial Electronic Health Records
On May 1, 2020, the Ontario government made a new temporary emergency order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act which authorizes certain persons access to provincial electronic health records.
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!
Emergency Order Limiting Staff Mobility Within Congregate Care Setting Agencies
On April 24, 2020, the Ontario government made an order (O. Reg. 177/20, Congregate Care Settings) (Order) under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA), similar to those it has made in health and long-term care, that addresses the issue of frontline staff working for more than one employer during the circumstances of the current pandemic. The measures are designed to further reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 between residences operated by specified social service agencies.
Federal Government Announces Funding and Support Initiatives for Students and Recent Graduates Impacted by COVID-19
On April 22, 2020, Prime Minister Trudeau announced the creation of the Canada Emergency Student Benefit and other initiatives for post-secondary students and recent graduates affected by the economic impacts of the COVID -19 pandemic.
New Measures to Support the Delivery of Frontline Care in the Long-Term Care Setting
In this FTR Now, we review the latest order (Order) made under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) on April 24, 2020 regarding temporary measures focusing on the long-term care sector and the fight against COVID-19 (O. Reg. 174/20). We also discuss the new temporary pandemic payment introduced to support certain frontline workers in Ontario, announced by the Ontario government on April 25, 2020.
Special COVID-19 Webinar: Compliance, Immigration & Employment
Hicks Morley and Green and Spiegel LLP have teamed up to bring you a special COVID-19 webinar focusing on Compliance, Immigration & Employment. The panel will asses the impact of COVID-19 on employer compliance from an immigration standpoint as well as employment-law related issues due to the pandemic.
Emergency Order Issued Which Relates to Mental Health and Addiction Agencies
On April 22, 2020, the Ontario government issued an Order (O. Reg. 163/20) under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) that applies to not-for-profit entities that receive funding from the Ministry of Health or from a Local Health Integration Network and which provide community mental health and addiction services. The Order applies for the duration of the declared emergency under the EMCPA
Canadian Employment Law Guide® Features Article by Hicks Morley Lawyer on Further Details for COVID-19 Economic Relief
The April 2020 issue of Canadian Employment Law Guide® features an article authored by Hicks Morley lawyer Ted J. Kovacs.
Online Portal for CEWS Applications Available on April 27, 2020
On April 21, 2020, the federal government announced that effective April 27, 2020, employers will be able to apply online for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) through signing into their “My Business Account.”