Easing of COVID-19 Restrictions

Yesterday the British Columbia government announced easing of COVID-19 restrictions, unveiling their reopening plan.  The next phase of BC’s COVID-19 response will allow residents to host a small group of friends for dinner, get a professional haircut and play low contact sports.  The result is that a variety of businesses and services will be allowed ...

Considerations on the Road to Return to “Normal”

Provinces throughout Canada are now creating plans for a gradual resumption of activities.  British Columbia’s plan is expected to be released this week.  Now is the time to begin thinking about what that looks like for your workplace.  You can expect that the resumption of activities will happen in stages and will continue to require ...

Support for Students Impacted by COVID-19

The Federal government has announced approximately $9 billion in aid for post-secondary students impacted by COVID 19. This aid signals recognition by the government of the potential significant negative impacts of COVID19 on post-secondary students. Students may have their ability to continue their studies impacted by COVID-19, they may be unable to secure and retain ...

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Applications Begin April 27

Employers can begin applying the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy beginning April 27. The wage subsidy has been put in place to enable employers to rehire workers who were previously laid off as a result of COVID-19, to help prevent further job losses  and to put employers in a better position to resume normal operations after the ...

New Support for Canadian Businesses Announced

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced more measures to help Canadian businesses survive the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The increased measures include expanding eligibility for the previously announced loan program for small businesses and assistance with commercial rent. The loan program provides businesses with access to a loan of up to $40,000, backed ...

Recent Eligibility Changes to the CERB

The government is announcing changes to the eligibility rules for the CERB (Canada Emergency Response Benefit).  The CERB was established to support workers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  The CERB provides $2,000 every four weeks for up to four months to workers who lose their income as a result of the pandemic.  The CERB covers ...

Understanding the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy

New details were provided this week regarding the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) for employers.  The stated purpose of the subsidy is to help employers keep and return workers to their payroll.  The stated aim of the subsidy is to prevent further job losses, encourage employers to re-hire workers previously laid off as a result ...

WorkSafe BC provides Guidance to Employers during the Pandemic

WorkSafe BC has published guidelines for employers on preventing exposure to Covid-19 in the workplace.  The guidelines emphasize that the Orders from the Provincial Health Officer and the BC Centre of Disease Control are the minimum standards that must be met by all employers to comply with their duty to provide a safe work environment.  ...