This week's update on resources shared by law firms addressing the COVID-19 crisis
Law firms across Canada are sharing their insights on how to deal with the rapidly evolving economic and legal landscape due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Below is a roundup of some of these resources.
Gowling WLG
In “COVID-19 Impacts on mortgage enforcement processes by province and territory,” the firm provides an updated outline on the consequences of the pandemic on the mortgage enforcement process in courts and in land registry offices across Canada’s provinces and territories.
Other resources:
- COVID-19 advisory for commercial landlords and property managers: Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) and the Ontario-Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (OCECRA) Programs
- Managing your VR/AR IP portfolio during the COVID-19 crisis: Strategies and best practices
- Ask our lawyers: Employment law and COVID-19
Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
In “Practice Points for Online Administrative Hearings,” the firm calls attention to a number of issues to keep in mind when utilizing video-conferencing platforms for administrative meetings conducted online.
Other resources:
- Daily Workplace Wrap-up on COVID-19 for April 28, 2020
- Beyond COVID-19: Faster and More Flexible New Communication Tools within Franchise Networks
- Remote Meetings Are Temporarily Authorized In Quebec
Stikeman Elliott LLP
In “Executive Compensation During a Global Pandemic: Practical Considerations for Boards and Compensation Committees,” the firm explores the impact of the public health crisis on executive compensation and discusses the business and operational issues and practical considerations relative to executive compensation.
Other resources:
- COVID-19: Practical Considerations for Your Litigation, from Coast to Coast
- COVID and Corporate Governance: A Broader Mission for Corporate Boards
- Can Alberta Employers Require Employees to Wear Face Masks?
McCarthy Tétrault LLP
The firm lists key considerations for employers in light of Ontario’s and Quebec’s updates on re-opening the economy in “COVID-19 Update: Moving Forward - Considerations for the Re-Opening of Physical Workplaces,”.
Other resources:
- COVID-19: Emergency Measures Tracker
- COVID-19: Economic relief measures announced to date
- COVID-19 and Canada’s anti-spam law CASL
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
In “Anatomy of a COVID-19 Risk Factor,” the firm provides insight on risk disclosures given the impact of COVID-19 on capital markets and on the financial performance of organizations.
Other resources:
- Gradual Reopening of Elementary Schools and Daycares in Quebec
- Reopening Ontario for Business: Guiding Principles Announced
- Canadian Procurement Policy and COVID-19: Comparing Approaches
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
In “Cybersecurity and the COVID-19 pandemic,” the firm discusses cyber risks that companies may deal with as a consequence of the adoption of remote working arrangements. These risks include phishing or fraud, ransomware or malware, and password misuse.
Other resources:
- Coming out of the COVID-19 lockdown: issues and challenges facing Canadian employers
- Operators’ remedies in uncertain economic times
- Government announces “enhanced scrutiny” of foreign investments as a result of COVID-19
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP
In “Temporary suspension of US immigration: what you need to know,” the firm gives an overview of U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive issuance which temporarily suspended immigration to the U.S. and lists the exemptions to the law’s application.
Other resources:
- IP monitor: CIPO further extends deadlines until May 19 … and acceptable electronic signatures
- Canada introduces rent relief for small businesses
- “Are you okay?” Addressing employee mental health during challenging times
Stockwoods LLP
In “What happens if I’m charged with violating Ontario’s COVID-19 Emergency Orders?,” the firm discusses legal concepts in connection with the orders issued under Ontario’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, such as actus reus, mens rea and strict liability.
Nathanson, Schachter & Thompson LLP
In “Dispute Resolution in the Time of COVID-19,” the firm explores possible alternative ways to deal with disputes, such as arbitration, In light of suspended court operations.
Other resource:
KPMG Law LLP
In “Innovative businesses — Apply now for COVID-19 relief,” the firm discusses the subsidy under the Innovation Assistance Program, which is available through the Industrial Research Assistance Program. The subsidy aims to support small and medium-sized businesses.
Other resources:
- Employers — Prepare to apply for 75% wage subsidy
- COVID-19 — Quebec to reimburse training expenses
- COVID-19 — CRA & Quebec Offer GST/HST and QST Relief
Baker & McKenzie LLP
As organizations have been increasingly updating employees through emails and text messages, the firm urges businesses to ensure that they continue adhering with Canada's anti-spam legislation in “Canada: Sending email and text messages in a time of crisis: staying CASL compliant through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.”
Other resources:
- Canada: Business interruption insurance and the COVID-19 pandemic
- Canada and India: COVID-19 - Increased scrutiny of foreign investment continues around the world
- US and Canada: The law of e-signatures in the United States and Canada
Jensen Shawa Solomon Duguid Hawkes LLP
In “COVID-19 and Insolvency Law: What You Should Know,” the firm enlightens readers on potential insolvency-related challenges and the law applicable to such insolvency matters.
Other resources:
- Are Contracts Enforceable Despite COVID-19? [Part 4]: Force Majeure Notice Requirements
- Rule 4.31 and 4.33 in a World of Suspended Limitations
- Selling Or Buying Shares In The Face Of COVID-19: Am I Insider Trading?
Hansell LLP
In “Holding a Shareholder Meeting when Shareholders Can’t Meet,” the firm provides insight on the possible obstacles that may arise as organizations move toward holding virtual and hybrid meetings.
