Major Update for Ontario Employers: a New Ontario Regulation Has Changed Layoff, Leave and Constructive Dismissal Law Related to COVID-19
On May 29, 2020, the Ontario government published a new Regulation, O. Reg. 228/20: Infectious Disease Emergency Leave, under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (the “ESA”).
Ontario is Considering a Regional Approach to Reopening, and Public Health Units Have Proposed New Criteria
On May 27, 2020, Ontario’s public health units released specific data-based thresholds that they feel should guide the reopening of Ontario and/or the reinstituting of restrictions where necessary.
Update on the Federal and Provincial Governments’ Discussions Regarding Paid Sick Leave
On May 29, 2020, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau provided an update on the discussion between the federal government and the provinces and territories about providing all workers with 10 days of paid sick leave per year. The measure is intended to help workers with COVID-19 symptoms stay home to reduce the risk of a second […]
Ontario Has Published Regulations Implementing Expanded CEWS Eligibility
On May 27, 2020, the federal government published Regulations Amending the Income Tax Regulations (COVID-19 Eligible Entities) which implements previously announced expansions to the types of organizations that are eligible for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, or “CEWS”
Discussions between Federal and Provincial Governments on Providing Paid Sick Days
On Monday, May 25, 2020, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the federal government is continuing discussions with the provinces and territories about providing all workers with 10 days of paid sick leave per year. The measure would help workers with COVID-19 symptoms stay home to reduce the risk of a second wave of cases. […]
The Federal Government Has Announced the Opening of Applications for the LEEFF and the CECRA
On May 20, 2020, the federal government announced that applications for the Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (“LEEFF”) are now open, and that applications for the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (“CECRA”) will open on May 25, 2020 (for an overview of the LEEFF, please read our recent article, and for information on the CECRA […]
Applications Have Opened for the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program
On Monday, May 25, 2020, applications for the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (“CECRA”) program, which was first announced in April, opened for commercial property owners with up to 10 tenants in British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec and Atlantic Canada.
The Week in Review #9: Key COVID-19 Developments for Ontario Employers
This is the ninth bulletin in a weekly series that provides a recap of important COVID-19 developments and their impact on employers as they navigate these challenging times. This recap covers the week of May 18, 2020 and is current as of May 25, 2020.
Ontario May Begin Testing Asymptomatic Workers in Certain Industries for COVID-19
On May 22, 2020, Ontario Premier Doug Ford stated that he wants to begin testing all workers in certain industries for COVID-19, regardless of whether they have symptoms. In particular, Premier Ford stated that he would like there to be testing of asymptomatic truckers, taxi drivers, certain workers in the automotive sector, and food processing […]
Bill 191: Private Member’s Bill Regarding COVID-19-Related Workers’ Compensation Claims by Essential Workers
On May 19, 2020, Bill 191, Workplace Safety and Insurance Amendment Act (Presumption Respecting COVID-19), 2020 (“Bill 191”), a Private Member’s bill, was introduced in the Ontario legislature. If Bill 191 becomes law, where a worker for an essential business tests positive for COVID-19, it will be presumed that it is an occupational disease for […]