But I Don’t Want the Job…
There are certain decisions that cover so many issues, that you know, from the first time that you read them, you will be coming back to them again. Justice Muszynski’s recent decision in Hickey v. Christie & Walther Communications Limited, 2020 ONSC 7214 (CanLII) is one of those decisions. The case is, at its core, […]
Temporary Layoff Deadlines Suspended – Infectious Disease Emergency Leave
For many Employers across Ontario who were forced to temporarily lay off their staff in March 2020, the fact that it was soon going to be thirteen weeks since they had laid off their staff was a significant source of concern. The reason: at thirteen weeks many employers would have reached the temporary lay-off deadline […]
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 […]
Some Practical Challenges with CEWS (Updated May 15, 2020)
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, an unprecedented number of employers have been forced to place their employees on lay off. In an effort to support those employers facing financial hardship and encourage organizations to get their workers back on payroll, employers were able to start applying for the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS […]
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 […]
Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) – Updated on April 17, 2020
The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), which is designed to assist employed and self-employed workers, began receiving applications April 6, 2020. The CERB provides a taxable benefit of $2,000/month for up to four months for workers who lose their income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The benefit is available to Canadians who have lost their […]
I Don’t Feel Safe at Work Because of Coronavirus. Can I Refuse to Work?
On March 23, 2020, the provincial government announced that all non-essential businesses would be shut down in order to contain the spread of COVID-19. Many “essential” businesses, such as marijuana dispensaries and mining operations, remain open and employees are concerned about whether their workplaces are safe or whether their employers have to let them work […]
Employees Living with Cancer
I received a call the other day from a client, the owner of a local business, who had just learned that one of his employees was going to be undergoing cancer treatment. He wanted to know what his obligations were as the individual’s employer and whether there were ways he could help. Over the past […]
