This week’s update on resources shared by law firms addressing the impact of COVID-19
Law firms across Canada continue to share their insights on the evolving legal and economic landscape resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Below is a roundup of some of these resources.
Gowling WLG
In “Arts On (the) Line: Copyright Protection of Digital Performances for Presenters, Agents & Managers,” Gowlings presents a webinar touching upon the legal issues involved in the online delivery of performing arts.
Other resources:
- COVID-19: Canadian federal economic support for businesses (Current as of September 12, 2020)
- COVID-19: Canadian federal economic support for individuals (Current as of September 12, 2020)
- COVID-19: Support measures being offered by financial institutions (Current as of September 12, 2020)
Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
In “(Un)insured: Adapting to remote working,” Fasken considers the issue of whether traditional business insurance covers remote working conditions.
Other resources:
- Weekly Workplace Wrap-up on COVID-19 for September 8 -13, 2020
- Weekly Workplace Wrap-up on COVID-19 for August 31 - September 7, 2020
Stikeman Elliott LLP
In “Quebec Implements a Protective Measure for Employees Who are Absent from Work to Self-Isolate Due to COVID-19,” the firm writes about the protective measure in Quebec that seeks to deter employees possibly affected by COVID-19 from going to work because of fear of reprisals from their employers.
Other resources:
- The Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program: An Overview (updated on September 15, 2020)
- COVID-19: Practical Considerations for Your Litigation, from Coast to Coast (updated on September 14, 2020)
- Quebec Makes the Wearing of Masks Mandatory in Indoor Public Spaces and in Shared Transportation Services (updated on September 14, 2020)
McCarthy Tétrault LLP
In “Tax Measures Under Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan,” the firm discusses tax-related programs and developments aiming to support and stabilize the economy amid the public health crisis.
Other resources:
- COVID-19: Recovery and Re-opening Tracker (updated on September 15, 2020)
- COVID-19: Emergency Measures Tracker (updated on September 15, 2020)
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
In “OSFI Lifts Temporary Portability Freeze and Restriction on Buy-Out Annuity Purchases,” Blakes shares an update from the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions regarding the lifting of the temporary portability freeze and the restriction on buy-out annuity purchases.
Other resources:
- Deemed Infectious Disease Emergency Leave Extended to 2021
- COVID-19: Pensions Regulatory Updates Across Canada (current as of September 4, 2020)
- Getting Back to Normal: Environmental Issues as We Emerge from the COVID-19 Crisis (Seminar)
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
In “Tenant bankruptcies in the COVID-19 era: Security deposits, prepaid rent and distress rights,” BLG sheds light on the ability of landlords to claim security deposits, to retain prepaid rent and to enforce their distress rights in the case of a tenant bankruptcy.
Other resources:
- CRA consults stakeholders on employee work-from-home expense deduction
- COVID-19: Breaking developments and essential resources (September 10, 2020)
- 2020 Spotlight on alternative mutual funds – opportunities ahead
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP
In “Keeping track of employees from a distance: Monitoring technologies and related legal considerations for teleworking,” the firm lists considerations for employers seeking to monitor teleworking employees and to minimize liability risks.
Other resources:
- Federally regulated employers: Government of Canada extends pandemic-related leave
- Not so fast Ontario employers: Ford government extends the COVID-19 period to the 2021 new year
- What to expect after the Canada Emergency Response Benefit comes to an end
Aird & Berlis LLP
In “Are You Looking After Yourself (Apart From Wearing Masks and Social Distancing)?” the firm explains why estate planning is important amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other resource: Ontario’s Infectious Disease Emergency Leave Extended to January 2, 2021
Lawson Lundell LLP
In “COVID-19 Measures Taken by Pension Regulators Across Canada Bulletin,” Lawson Lundell gives an overview of the special measures announced by pension regulators to maintain the financial health of pension plans.
Other resources:
- New Employment Standards Leaves for COVID-19 & Their Impact on Pension & Benefit Plans
- REMINDER: COVID-19 Temporary Layoff Extension Period Expires on August 30th
Langlois lawyers, LLP
In “What is the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on your professional and ethical obligations?” Langlois provides guidance on the ethical obligations of professionals in the context of the COVID-19 crisis.
Field Law
In “UPDATE: CERB Extension and Changes to Employment Insurance,” Field Law goes over the federal government’s announcements of a four-week extension to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit program and of a shift to the simplified Employment Insurance program.
Lerners LLP
In “Commercial Leasing Blog: Key Issues to Consider in Accommodating Tenant Requests for Abatements and Deferrals,” Lerners suggests specific terms for commercial landlords to include in their agreements with tenants when called upon to accommodate requests for abatements and deferrals.
Other resources:
- Ontario Government Quietly Intervenes (Again) to Prevent Constructive Dismissal of Workers
- A Strong Privacy Management Program is the Strongest Defence
- A Further Update on the Suspension of Limitation Periods and Procedural Timelines in Ontario
Blaney McMurtry LLP
In “New Ontario ESA changes – the COVID-19 period has been extended to 2021,” the firm discusses the Ontario government’s announced extension of its “COVID-19 period” until Jan. 2, 2021.
Smart & Biggar
In “Update on biosimilars in Canada – August 2020,” Smart & Biggar details recent developments for biosimilars in Canada, such as updates pertaining to approvals, litigation and market access.
