Resources

COVID-19 Update – Canada Emergency Response Benefit Extended by Eight Weeks

In his press conference on Tuesday, June 16, 2020, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (“CERB”) will be extended by eight weeks, which means the benefit will now be available to eligible workers for up to a total of 24 weeks.

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COVID-19 Update – Recap for Week of June 8, 2020

The June 12, 2020, weekly recap of the key COVID-19 news for B.C. employers includes updates from WorkSafeBC, an overview of Bill C-17, and information on the new Business Resilience Service for small businesses.

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Labour Relations Board Clarifies Notice and Consultation Obligations for Temporary Layoffs

The Labour Relations Board has issued an important policy decision clarifying when 60 days notice must be given, and consultation with the union must occur, where a temporary layoff is contemplated.

In Tolko Industries Ltd. and United Steelworkers Union Local 1-2017, 2020 BCLRB 57, issued on May 28, 2020, a reconsideration panel overturned the original panel’s decision that Tolko breached section 54 of the Labour Relations Code when it did not provide the Union with 60 days’ notice of a layoff.  

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COVID-19 Update – Recap for Week of May 25, 2020

As Phase 2 of BC’s Restart Plan entered Week 2, many B.C. businesses were either re-opening their doors or planning for re-opening, following the guidelines set out by WorkSafeBC.  Below is a summary of this week’s key COVID-19 news and updates for B.C. employers with direct links to relevant information bulletins, governmental resources, and articles.

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COVID-19 Update – WorkSafeBC Announces it is Waiving Premiums for Employers Impacted by COVID-19

WorkSafeBC announced on May 26, 2020 that, in light of the impacts faced by employers during the current COVID-19 pandemic, it will be waiving premiums for furloughed workers of employers receiving the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (“CEWS”). This move may assist employers to recall employees from layoff in conjunction with accessing the CEWS funds, by removing an added cost when there is no work for these employees to do.

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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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