Court weighs in on constructive dismissals and layoff during COVID-19 pandemic
Early in the COVID-19 pandemic many employers were forced to reduce their workforces (often by placing employees on layoff) due to closures or declines in business because of the public health emergency. Employers looked for ways to respond to this situation that would balance their obligati…
Continue reading the post titled Court weighs in on constructive dismissals and layoff during COVID-19 pandemicCOVID-19 worker income protection benefit
On April 29, 2021 the Ontario government passed the much anticipated COVID-19 Putting Workers First Act, 2021 (the “Act”). The Act amends the Employment Standards Act, 2000 and provides employees, of provincially regulated employers, with up to three paid infectious disease emergency leave …
Continue reading the post titled COVID-19 worker income protection benefitCan employers require COVID-19 vaccinations?
COVID-19 may have brought Canadians together in many ways, but a number of issues surrounding the pandemic have proven to be divisive on some level. Masking policies, stay at home orders, the forced shut down of many businesses, government compensation schemes or the lack thereof, testing ra…
Continue reading the post titled Can employers require COVID-19 vaccinations?Employers should brace themselves for more workplace inspections
The Ontario Minister of Labour has announced that it will be increasing workplace inspections to ensure employers are operating safely as part of its Stay Safe All Day campaign to reduce the spread of COVID-19. What sectors will be most affected? The campaign is said to focus on workplaces …
Continue reading the post titled Employers should brace themselves for more workplace inspections2021: COVID-19 is still here and employers must remain vigilant
2020 was quite the year for all of us, including employers. As COVID-19 walloped the globe, many businesses were forced to temporarily close due to regional or provincewide lockdowns. Many are wondering what is in store for 2021. Ultimately, no one knows, but with vaccines starting to be ro…
Continue reading the post titled 2021: COVID-19 is still here and employers must remain vigilantCivil jury trials during the pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in an era of uncertainty for litigants in several respects, not the least of which has included interruption to regular Court operations and uncertainty with respect to whether and when civil jury trials can be conducted. The most recent indicator of this un…
Continue reading the post titled Civil jury trials during the pandemicConducting workplace investigations COVID-style
As the COVID-19 pandemic carries on in Canada, it is becoming apparent that virtual workplace investigations may be here to stay for longer than we anticipated and most likely permanently. For many workplace investigators, virtually investigating was a new way of doing things and with nearly…
Continue reading the post titled Conducting workplace investigations COVID-styleCOVID-19 and limiting liability
In response to growing and prospective litigation arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic, several jurisdictions have considered liability protection legislation1. The Ontario Government is no exception and has recently introduced Bill 218, the Supporting Ontario’s Recovery Act (the “Act” or th…
Continue reading the post titled COVID-19 and limiting liabilityOntario’s new restriction framework and what that means for Ontario businesses
Consistent with the ever-changing nature of rules and regulations around COVID-19, the Province of Ontario has announced a rehauling of the COVID-19 alert framework we have become accustomed to (Stages 1-3), by way of the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework, effective Saturday November 7…
Continue reading the post titled Ontario’s new restriction framework and what that means for Ontario businessesLeaves, layoffs and terminations: COVID’s impact on Ontario’s workplaces
In the ever-changing employment law landscape of 2020, it can be hard to keep pace and understand your options and responsibilities for your workforce. This blog will discuss some of our clients’ frequently asked questions about leaves, layoffs and terminations. Covid Related Leaves of Absen…
Continue reading the post titled Leaves, layoffs and terminations: COVID’s impact on Ontario’s workplaces