Implications of COVID-19 on Notice Awards
Ontario Superior Court of Justice Continues to Consider the Implications of COVID-19 on Notice Awards In its recently released decision Iriotakis v Peninsula Employment Services Limited (2021 ONSC 998), the Ontario Superior Court of Justice addressed a number of pertinent issues concerning employees who were terminated during the pandemic. Most significantly, the decision provided insight […]
A Shot In The Arm: Can Your Workplace Mandate COVID-19 Vaccines?
A Shot In The Arm: Can Your Workplace Mandate COVID-19 Vaccines? While a number of COVID-19 vaccine options have now been approved by Health Canada and will be available shortly, the newest challenge is how those vaccines will be distributed. The federal and provincial governments are making early efforts to protect more vulnerable populations, such […]
The Impact of Covid-19 On Common Law Notice Periods
The Impact of Covid-19 On Common Law Notice Periods With the significant increase of terminations arising from the pandemic, both employers and employees have been contemplating the impact that the pandemic will have on notice periods. In determining the appropriate notice period for terminated employees who are entitled to common law reasonable notice, courts will […]
Mandatory COVID-19 Testing for Employees Upheld
Mandatory COVID-19 Testing for Employees Upheld A recently released arbitral decision, Caressant Care Nursing & Retirement Homes v Christian Labour Association of Canada, 2020 CanLII 100531 (ON LA), addressed the issue of mandatory COVID-19 testing in the workplace. As many workplaces struggle to maintain safe work environments while respecting employee privacy, this decision provides insight […]
COVID-19 Response Measures Act
The COVID-19 Response Measures Act received Royal Assent on October 2, 2020, providing for several welcome forms of income relief for individuals impacted by COVID-19. Both employers and employees should be aware of these new changes, which are available to individuals ineligible for Employment Insurance (EI) who have had their incomes compromised due to COVID-19. […]
Stage 2 of Ontario’s Framework for Reopening the Province
Stage 2 of Ontario’s Framework for Reopening the Province On June 8, 2020, Premier Doug Ford announced that Ontario will be taking a regional approach to move into stage 2 of reopening the province. Specifically, many regions at the outskirts of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) will be able to move into stage 2 as […]
Employment Standards Act Regulation
Employment Standards Act Amendment – June 2, 2020 Reg. 228/20, Infectious Disease Emergency Leave On May 29, 2020, the Ontario Government passed a Regulation under the Ontario Employment Standards Act, 2000 (the “ESA”) which confirms that, among other things, temporary reductions and/or changes in hours/wages due to COVID-19, or temporary layoffs due to COVID-19 that […]