Don’t Stand So Close To Me….Returning to Work and Managing Physical Distancing
On the lighter side The idea that sometimes people can get “too close” is not new. Seinfield’s “close talker” episode made people both laugh, and cringe, as Elaine’s boyfriend launched himself across social boundaries, speaking to people mere inches from their faces. Now we have COVID-19 and as employers are turning their minds to recalling […]
Why COVID-19 Should Not Extend Most Notice Periods
In the employment law blogosphere, there is much chatter about whether the COVID-19 pandemic extends periods of reasonable notice. As a lawyer who represents employees and employers, I’ve been thinking a lot about it and reading up on the top blogs. A lot of employment counsel surmise that much like notice periods generally, it will […]
I Want to Reopen My Ontario Business: Getting My Workforce Back
Employers looking to reopen must first turn their minds to recalling employees from their temporary lay-offs. When must I do it? Lay-offs are governed by the Employment Standards Act, 2000 and can generally only last 13 weeks. In cases where the employer continues to make substantial payments during the layoff (EI top-up, healthcare benefits, other […]
Holding Annual Director and Shareholder Meetings During the COVID-19 Pandemic (updated August 14, 2020)
By law, under normal circumstances, Ontario and federally incorporated corporations and not-for-profits are required to hold a meeting of shareholders no later than 18 months after incorporation and every 15 months thereafter and no later than six months after the corporation’s most recent financial year-end. During annual meetings, shareholders typically review and discuss the corporation’s […]
Not Out of the Woods Yet: State of Emergency and Court Closures to Continue
While data indicate that Ontario is “flattening the curve”, COVID-19 measures will remain in place for some time to come. State of Emergency On March 17, 2020 (the last day this blogger was seen in the office), Premier Ford announced a state of emergency under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. This legislation is […]
Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) & Canada Student Service Grant (CSSG) (Updated May 14, 2020)
As a result of the COVID-19 crisis, many students have lost their summer job opportunities. To make matters worse, these same students do not qualify for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). On April 22, 2020, the Government of Canada announced the new Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB), specifically targeted to help post-secondary students who […]
Common Parenting Questions During COVID-19
A few weeks ago, we blogged about the case of Ribeiro v Wright which provides the foundation for parents asking themselves: how does access work during COVID-19? In this blog, we will discuss access questions that have arisen in the Court since that time. Does access stop if one parent is a healthcare worker? At […]
Temporary Top Up for Low-Income Front Line Workers
The COVID-19 pandemic has placed particular demands on low-income workers in certain sectors, including those on the front-line in hospitals and nursing homes, those ensuring the integrity of the food supply, or providing essential retail services to Canadians. The crisis has put a spotlight on the issue of income disparity. In recognition that these essential […]
The Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) – FAQ (updated July 21, 2020)
On July 21st, House of Commons passed Bill C-20 which provides a substantial broadening and extension of the CEWS Program. The Program’s wage subsidy calculation scheme has also been significantly transformed. What is it? The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) provides a wage subsidy to eligible employers, retroactive to March 15, 2020 and now ending […]