Resources: COVID-19

COVID-19 Update – Recap for the Week of May 18, 2020

This week marked the start of Phase 2 of BC’s Restart Plan as well as several updates from the federal government regarding financial assistance for employers impacted by COVID-19. See a summary of this week’s key COVID-19 news and updates for the week of May 18, 2020.

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COVID-19 Update – Overview of Phase 2 of BC’s Restart Plan + Expansion of the Canada Emergency Business Account

It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, and Phase 2 is here. As announced by Premier John Horgan on May 6, 2020, this next phase of British Columbia’s restart plan begins May 19, 2020, with a number of businesses being permitted to reopen, subject to certain guidelines.  Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also announced today an expansion to the eligibility criteria for the Canada Emergency Business Account, and an extension to the Canada-U.S. border closure to June 21, 2020.

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COVID-19 Update – Extension of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy + WorkSafeBC Guidance for Employers

The May 15, 2020, COVID-19 information bulletin covers both Federal and Provincial COVID-19 updates including: the extension of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, new guidance issued by WorkSafeBC for employers, news on the reopening of B.C. schools, and information on the Canada Emergency Student Benefit.

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COVID-19 Update – Guidance and Resources from the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Privacy Commissioners

Today’s COVID-19 information bulletin includes recent guidance and resources issued by the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Privacy Commissioners that may be of assistance to B.C. employers navigating privacy issues in the context of COVID-19.

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COVID-19 Update – Expansion of the Business Credit Availability Program + Establishment of the Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility

On the morning of May 11, 2020, Prime Minister Trudeau announced two new initiatives to assist Canadian employers. The federal government is expanding the Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) to mid-size businesses that need more liquidity. Support for mid-market businesses will include loans of up to $60 million per company, and guarantees of up to $80 million.

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COVID-19 Update – Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Program Extended Past June

Prime Minister Trudeau and his Cabinet made two new announcements on May 8, 2020, that are intended to further assist businesses during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The Federal Government announced that it will be extending the duration of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (the “CEWS”) past June. The Department of Canadian Heritage also provided further details regarding the previously announced Emergency Support Fund for Cultural, Heritage and Sport Organizations.

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COVID-19 Update – Questions to Guide Employers as B.C. Moves to Reopen Businesses

As British Columbia prepares for a graduated reopening of businesses and industry across the province, the return to work may bring with it a host of challenges.

Just as we could not foresee all the issues that would come from social distancing (some bad – like a gap in post-secondary training, and some good – like a rise in green initiatives), we cannot predict all the fallout that will come with the return to work.

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COVID-19 Update – Announcement of B.C.’s Restart Plan

On the afternoon of May 6, 2020, Premier John Horgan released details of BC’s Restart Plan. British Columbians will move forward with safely restarting their province beginning in mid-May, according to a plan announced today. Under BC’s Restart Plan, the government will work closely with public health officials, businesses and labour organizations to lift restrictions in phases, gradually allowing for more social and economic activity, while closely monitoring health information to minimize the risk to the public

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COVID-19 Update – Extension of Temporary Layoff Period

The B.C. Provincial Government announced on May 4, 2020,  that it has extended the maximum permissible temporary layoff under the Employment Standards Act to 16 weeks in any 20 week period (up from 13 weeks) so long as the layoff is at least partly due to COVID-19.  The Government stated in its press release that it chose 16 weeks because it aligns with the maximum period of eligibility for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).

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COVID-19 Update – May 1, 2020 – Privacy + FOI Bulletin

In response to the challenges presented by the current COVID-19 pandemic, employers may propose to collect more personal information than usual for the purpose of management of health and safety in the workplace.   Various guidance documents, including those recently released by the Ontario Ministry of Labour and WorkSafeBC contemplate a range of enhanced screening options for employees and visitors before they are permitted to enter the workplace.

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