Month: March 2020
COVID-19 – Employee Entitlements During Bankruptcy and Insolvency
Employers across Canada are struggling to deal with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 25, 2020, the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy published a message to debtors encouraging them to inform themselves of the economic measures the Canadian government is implementing to help individuals and companies. Nonetheless, some businesses ultimately may […] Read more
Government Adds Temporary COVID-19 Leave to the Canada Labour Code and Waives Requirement for Medical Certificate for Certain Leaves
On March 25, 2020, the Federal government made important temporary changes to the Canada Labour Code (the “Code”) that impact federally regulated employers. COVID-19 Leave A new COVID-19 related leave provision has been enacted which grants up to 16 weeks of unpaid leave to employees who: have been quarantined or asked to […] Read more
Obligations of Federally Regulated Employers when Laying-off or Terminating Employees
Current to March 26, 2020 With the current COVID-19 crisis, many federally regulated employers are facing difficult workplace decisions. The information set out below addresses only the provisions of the Canada Labour Code affecting federally regulated employers. Employers may also have contractual or common law obligations which exceed the minimum requirements discussed below. Notice […] Read more
British Columbia’s legislative response to COVID-19 – two new leaves under the Employment Standards Act and a $5 billion COVID-19 Action Plan
On March 23, 2020, the British Columbia Legislative Assembly reconvened to consider urgent legislation in light of the rapidly evolving landscape surrounding COVID-19. Two pieces of legislation were enacted – the Employment Standards Amendment Act (No. 2) and the Supply Act (No. 2). The Employment Standards Amendment Act amends the current Employment Standards Act by […] Read more
Current WorkSafeBC Guidance – COVID-19 Pandemic
WorkSafeBC has recently provided more specific information and direction about COVID-19 to employers and employees.[1] Employers Employers should first seriously consider whether they can keep their workers out of the workplace. WorkSafeBC has made it clear that employers must ensure that the following employees should not attend work: Workers who are ill, whether or not […] Read more
Special Guidance for Employers when Completing ROEs
Service Canada has provided specific guidance for completing a Record of Employment (ROE) for employees impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These instructions are as follows: When an employee stops working because they are sick and/or quarantined due to COVID-19, the employer should use “Code D – illness or injury” as the reason for separation. There […] Read more
Important Updates for Employers regarding COVID-19 pandemic
The Federal government today has announced financial support of up to $27 billion for workers and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. A new “emergency care benefit” program has been created which provides up to $900 every two weeks, for up to 15 weeks to help support the following workers: Workers, including self-employed who are […] Read more
COVID-19 and Employment Insurance Benefits
Updated March 19, 2020 EI Benefits for Employees under Quarantine The Federal Government and BC Provincial Government require that people who are arriving from outside of Canada or who exhibit signs and symptoms of COVID-19 are required to self-isolate for 14 days. Employees who go into self-isolation because: they were asked by their employer […] Read more