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….
Topic: Return to Work
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.
COVID-19 Update: More Businesses Permitted to Reopen
The last week has seen numerous announcements and regulatory changes as the Ontario government continues to ease restrictions and permit more businesses to resume their operations. Effective June 19, 2020, Durham, Haldimand-Norfolk, Halton, Hamilton, Lambton, Niagara and York have been moved to Stage 2.
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: The New Normal – School Boards in a COVID-19 World
In this webinar we will be discussing some of the many challenges facing school boards across the province as the COVID-19 pandemic continues and schools remain closed until fall 2020, including redeployment, accommodation issues, sick leave and managing the return to work.
Ontario Announces Stage 2 Regional Reopening
On June 8, 2020, the Ontario government announced that most public health unit regions outside of the “Golden Horseshoe” will be moving to Stage 2 effective June 12, 2020 at 12:01 a.m. The government’s online document sets out the complete list of regions which can move to Stage 2.
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.
Easing of Ontario Restrictions Continues
On May 19, 2020, the Ontario government filed five Orders under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMPCA) which extend the existing Orders and which amend some Orders to further ease the provincial restrictions in place as a result of the COVID-19 declared emergency.
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.