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 “FAQs: COVID and Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) in Canada,” Gowlings sheds light on the effects of the pandemic on immigration programs, the rules applicable to temporary foreign workers wanting to change employers or occupations, and additional requirements before temporary foreign workers can enter Canada.
Other resources:
- Ontario update: Toronto and Peel Region set to enter stage 2 of reopening
- COVID-19: Guide to Federal and Provincial Relief Programs
- Quebec Government Update - June 4 to June 16, 2020
Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
In “Beyond COVID-19: The Squeaks and Challenges of Reopening and Resumption of Business,” Fasken explains how franchised businesses may deal with the new rules and standards set by the franchisor or with opposition to resumption of full operations.
Other resources:
- British Columbia Extends Temporary Rental Supplement and Moratorium on Eviction until August 31, 2020
- Weekend Workplace Wrap-up on COVID-19 for June 20 and 21, 2020
- Ontario Government Introduces Bill 192 - Protecting Small Business Act, Temporarily Halting the Eviction of Small Business Commercial Tenants
Stikeman Elliott LLP
In “Back to Work and Re-opening Plans,” Stikeman Elliott gives updates on economic re-opening measures across provinces and territories.
Other resources:
- Gradual Resumption of Activities in Québec: The Latest Developments
- Can Alberta Employers Require Employees to Wear Face Masks?
- COVID-19 Update: Government of Canada extends the CERB and CRA provides details regarding “Period 4” of the CEWS
McCarthy Tétrault LLP
In “Supply Chain Challenges – The Whole Picture,” McCarthy Tétrault asked seven of its lawyers to share their insights on different areas of the supply chain in the context of the COVID-19 crisis.
Other resources:
- COVID-19 Update: Alberta Extends COVID-19 Related Temporary Layoffs to 180 Days
- Bill 23: The Commercial Tenancies Protection Act
- Seeking Economic Relief - Top 5 Tips
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
In “Plaintiffs Face Obstacles in COVID-19 Employment Class Actions,” Blakes describes the potential challenges that may be encountered by those initiating COVID-19-related employment class actions.
Other resources:
- OSFI Updates Its COVID-19 Guidance on Dividend Increase Restriction
- Ottawa and Ontario Announce Support for Online Commerce
- No Relief Required: New and Improved Canadian Rules for “At-The-Market” Equity Offerings
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
In “Virtual workplace investigations: The ‘next normal’ - Postponing the investigation vs. proceeding by virtual means,” BLG explores the possible effects of postponing a virtual workplace investigation in relation to witness memory and employee perception.
Other resources:
- Another visit to the ATM: CSA finalizes rules for At-the-Market equity programs
- Reopening dental practices during COVID-19
- Development approvals during the COVID-19 pandemic
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP
In “From disrupted to tainted supply chains: Canadian legislation against modern slavery may be coming post-COVID,” Norton Rose Fulbright covers the legislative history of Bill S-211, which seeks to implement the country’s international commitment against modern slavery.
Other resources:
- COVID-19: Funding and financial relief programs for start-ups and small businesses
- Can you claim a carbon credit for shutting down due to the pandemic?
- Alberta launches $40 million agribusiness challenge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Torkin Manes LLP
In “Business Considerations for Companies Reopening During COVID-19,” Torkin Manes lists important considerations for reopening businesses, including staying up to date with government orders, reviewing material contracts, keeping track of disclosure obligations and preparing business continuity plans.
Other resources:
- Ontario Pauses Commercial Evictions
- Creating a Plan to Reopen Your Physical Workplace
- Temporary Pandemic Pay Order Issued Pursuant to Ontario Regulation 241/20
Lenczner Slaght Royce Smith Griffin LLP
In “Issue-Driven Legal Writing: Not Just for Judges,” Lenczner Slaght highlights the importance of honing one’s legal writing skills during a time when oral advocacy is not the default. The firm describes the issue-driven legal writing style, wherein one identifies the issues then discusses the facts pertinent to these issues.
Bereskin & Parr LLP
In “‘I’d Like a Refund, Please’ – The Impact of COVID-19 on Refunds and Returns,” Bereskin & Parr discusses how businesses have dealt with requests for refunds or returns in connection with ticket sales, flights and common consumer transactions.
Other resources:
- Ontario Government to Launch COVID Alert, a Contact Tracing App, in July
- Protecting COVID IP from Cyber-Spies
- The Battle for Data – Myth-busting COVID-19 Headlines
McLennan Ross LLP
In “Summarizing the Commercial Tenancies Protection Act,” McLennan Ross gives an overview of the legislation introduced by the Alberta government, which aims to offer protections in favour of commercial tenants affected by the public health crisis.
Other resources:
- McLennan Ross Update for Wednesday (June 17, 2020)
- Alberta Moves to Stage 2 of Relaunch
- Reopening Recreation – Sports Teams, Fitness Studios and Gyms – Guidance for Stage 2 of Alberta’s Relaunch
Minden Gross LLP
In “UPDATE: MPAC Requests for Reconsideration deadline set,” Minden Gross outlines the deadlines for filing assessment appeals and requests for reconsideration for the 2020 taxation year, as confirmed by the Assessment Review Board and by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation.
Other resources:
- Bill 192, Protecting Small Business Act, 2020
- New Federal Government support for large- and medium-sized business in COVID-19
- So, You Purchased a House Before the COVID-19 Crash?
Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP
In “COVID-19: Can an Organization Conduct a Virtual AGM?” TDS describes the effects of a Manitoba emergency order on annual general meetings as regards attendance, notice, delivery of materials and deadlines.
Other resources:
- Rent relief is on its way for small business tenants
- Canada’s COVID-19 economic response plan regarding taxation
Hull & Hull LLP
In “The Estate Trustee’s Responsibility to Sell or Retain Real Property During COVID-19,” Hull & Hull delves into the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on the housing market and consequently on an estate trustee’s management of real property held by an estate.
Other resources:
- Discovery by Videoconference: “It’s 2020”
- Ontario government extends the suspension of limitation periods
- Blowing the Whistle on Nursing Homes
Pitblado Law
In “COVID-19 and Wills-related Issues” Pitblado addresses issues regarding wills, which may be particularly relevant to frontline workers seeking to prepare for a worst-case scenario by making sure that their loved ones are protected in case their own personal circumstances worsen.
Other resources:
