Ontario Court of Appeal Finds Unenforceable Language in “For Cause” Termination Provision to be Fatal Even When Employee Terminated “Without Cause”
The Ontario Court of Appeal’s decision in Waksdale v. Swegon North America Inc.[1] was released on June 17, 2020 and is the latest in a series of recent decisions which […]
Ontario Government Introduces Significant Changes to Temporary Layoffs and Constructive Dismissals under the ESA, 2000
On May 29, 2020, the Ontario government filed Ontario Regulation 228/20 (the “Regulation”).[1] This Regulation, made under Ontario’s Employment Standards Act, 2000, (the “ESA”) provides some clarity under the ESA […]
Back in Business? Strict Requirements and Other Considerations for Ontario Employers as Select Businesses are Permitted to Reopen
On May 14, 2020, the Province of Ontario issued its “Detailed List of Stage 1 Openings”.[1] Effective May 19, 2020, Ontario will enter “Phase 2” of the Province’s three-phase “Framework […]
As Ontario Begins to Reopen, Provincial Health and Safety Associations Provide Guidance to Employers Regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic presents a myriad of challenges for employers. In addition to the financial and social issues posed by the pandemic, employers are under increased pressure to ensure adequate […]
The “New Normal”: What Ontario’s Plan to Reopen Means for Employers
On April 27, 2020, the Ontario provincial government released “A Framework for Reopening our Province”, which details the government’s plan to gradually ease the restrictions that were imposed to curb […]
Further Details on the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy: Applications Process to Open April 27, 2020
Prime Minister Trudeau has provided further information regarding the federal government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including updates to the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (“CEWS”) program. The CEWS program has […]
Helping Employers Understand the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
On April 11, 2020, the COVID-19 Emergency Response Act, No. 2, which includes the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (the “CEWS”), received Royal Assent and is now available to employers. We […]
Ford Government Tightens Lockdown on Ontario Businesses: New Truncated List of Essential Workplaces Released
On Friday April 3, 2020, the Ontario provincial government released a new, truncated list of essential workplaces exempted from the mandatory emergency closure order. This measure was made in conjunction […]
Daniel Wong speaks with Huffington Post about employee safety during COVID-19 pandemic
Daniel Wong, chair of WeirFoulds’ Employment Law Group, spoke with the Huffington Post about employee safety during the COVID-19 pandemic and the rights of both employers and employees. In the […]
The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy: What All Employers Need to Know
On April 1, 2020, Finance Minister Bill Morneau provided details regarding the federal government’s Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy that was initially announced on March 27, 2020. Consistent with promises made […]
Navigating Ontario’s Closure of Non-Essential Businesses
On March 24, 2020, the Ontario provincial government passed Regulation 82/20 under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. This regulation ordered the closure of all “non-essential” businesses beginning at […]
A Novel Type of Leave in the Wake of COVID-19: The Ontario Government’s Changes to the Employment Standards Act, 2000
On March 19, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ontario Legislature passed Bill 186, the Employment Standards Amendment Act (Infectious Disease Emergencies), 2020 (”Bill 186”). The Act amends […]
Keeping the Lights On: Preventing and Responding to Work Refusals in the Wake of COVID-19
While some employers have chosen to temporarily suspend operations, or have been ordered to do so, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many others, will do their best to remain […]
A Shot in the Arm: Canada Announces Sweeping Stimulus Measures to Assist Employees and Businesses
In the last two days the federal and Ontario provincial governments have announced proposed substantial emergency legislation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 16, 2020, Ontario’s provincial government […]
Preparing Your Workplace to Respond to COVID-19: Questions and Answers for Employers
The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 a pandemic, and in Canada the various levels of government in each jurisdiction have taken significant steps to control and contain the spread […]