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.
McMillan LLP
In “Innovating During the COVID-19 Pandemic,” the firm lists innovation opportunities for organizations to consider, such as community health and safety projects, clean technology and artificial intelligence for healthcare.
Other resources:
- COVID-19: June 3rd Update on the Impacts to Development Applications and Hearings
- Ontario Provides Employers with Temporary Relief from COVID-Related Termination Risks
- Making Innovation Work for British Columbia
Miller Thomson LLP
In “COVID-19: A new era for unionization?,” the firm explains how employers can proactively respond to an expected rise in union organization activity.
Other resources:
- COVID-19: Cross country update (June 3, 2020)
- Critical Ontario COVID-19 update on emergency leave, temporary layoffs and constructive dismissals
- Operational requirements for health sector restart released
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
In “Ontario government changes the rules on temporary layoff and constructive dismissal due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” the firm discusses Regulation 228/20, recently released by the Ontario government, which introduces changes to termination liability under the applicable employment legislation.
Other resources:
- The show goes on: Energy project approval processes continue amid COVID-19 restrictions
- The Aquadis case: Québec Court of Appeal confirms the broad powers of the CCAA monitor
- CRA releases guidance on residency, permanent establishment and other international issues arising during the COVID-19 pandemic
Dentons Canada LLP
In “Retail: country-by-country summary of the impact of COVID-19,” the firm provides a summary of changes introduced in the retail sectors of different countries due to the pandemic.
Other resources:
- Important new Ontario regulation helps non-union employers who implemented layoffs or wage cuts
- Urgent motions in the COVID-19 framework
- Canadian COVID-19 Government Announcements Summary
Bennett Jones LLP
In “COVID-19 Class Actions Weekly Round-Up,” the firm gives an overview of recently initiated class actions relating to the COVID-19 crisis.
Other resources:
- Pension Regulatory Guidance and Measures Related to COVID-19 Pandemic (Updated)
- New Solvency Special Payments Relief Regulations for Federally Regulated Pension Plans
- Overview of Real Estate Emergency Pandemic Measures (Updated June 1, 2020)
Torys LLP
In “Current observations of COVID-19’s impact on private fund sponsors and limited partners,” the firm shares its insights on the pandemic’s effects on the private equity industry.
Other resources:
- New Ontario regulation exempts COVID-19 wage and hours reductions from ESA layoff and constructive dismissal provisions
- Cracking down on COVID-19 fraud: U.S. and Canadian securities regulatory enforcement update
- COVID-19 and Canada’s Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program: application portal to open May 25
Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP
In “CSA provides additional temporary relief for issuers due to COVID-19,” the firm sheds light on the corporate finance disclosures required under the temporary relief introduced by the Canadian Securities Administrators on May 20.
Other resources:
- Update on the Federal Government’s LEEFF program to support large enterprises
- Turning over a new LEEFF: Federal Government to provide financing to Canada’s biggest enterprises
- Federal Government announces the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program
Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP
In “Ontario Issues Order Relating to Management of Retirement Homes Where Residents at Risk Due to COVID-19,” the firm writes about the order issued by the Ontario government on May 29, which concerns the management of retirement homes.
Other resources:
- Ontario Extends Declared Emergency to June 30
- New Order Clarifies Scope of Pandemic Pay
- Ontario Government Provides Temporary Relief from ESA Termination and Severance Provisions in Response to COVID-19
KPMG Law LLP
In “CRA confirms tax due dates extended to September 1, 2020,” the firm gives an update on the Canada Revenue Agency’s recent extensions of certain tax filings.
Other resources:
- New employment regulations offer relief to employers
- COVID-19 — New tax filing extensions and relief
- The Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA): Overview
Goldblatt Partners LLP
In “What Emergency Powers Do Governments Have to Respond to COVID-19?,” the firm provides an outline of the emergency powers that can be invoked by each level of government. The firm updates this outline as new emergency orders are released.
Other resources:
- Ten paid sick days : It’s about public health, too
- Early mediation – resolving disputes in (and after) the age of COVID-19
- Lose Your Job Because of COVID-19? What are your rights?
Baker & McKenzie LLP
In “Canada: COVID 19 - CRA Provides administrative relief for international tax issues arising from COVID-19 travel restrictions,” the firm covers the administrative reliefs announced by the Canada Revenue Agency relating to such matters as tax residency and cross-border employment income.
Other resources:
- Canada: COVID-19 - The Canadian Employers’ Reopening Playbook (Part 4)
- North America: Individual tax residency in Canada - Impact of COVID-19
- Canada: rent relief is available for small business tenants through the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance portal
​Jensen Shawa Solomon Duguid Hawkes LLP
In “Tort Liability in a COVID World [Part 4]: Medical Negligence,” the firm discusses liability issues that may arise for doctors amid the pandemic.
Other resources:
- Are Contracts Enforceable Despite COVID-19? [Part 7]: Contract Law Meets Insolvency Law - Some Strategic Considerations
- Vanquisher or Vanquished? Insolvency Law's Power to End Contracts
- COVID-19: Potential Solutions for Insolvency Situations
Dutton Law
In “Supplemental Unemployment Benefit,” the firm summarizes the supplemental unemployment benefit program and discusses how it may be utilized in light of the public health crisis.
Other resources:
- Temporary Layoff (Ontario)
- Infectious Disease Emergency Leave (COVID-19)
- Employer Rights with COVID-19 Coronavirus
Kane Shannon Weiler LLP
In “Return to work after COVID-19 – 5 critical questions to ask,” the firm lays down five key considerations for B.C. businesses to keep in mind as the province enters the second phase of its restart plan.
Other resources:
