COVID-19 and the 75% Wage Subsidy: How it works, who qualifies, and what it means for employees
The federal government has implemented a number of financial measures over last few weeks to assist Canadians affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (the “CERB”) and the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (the “Wage Subsidy”). If your job has been affected by COVID-19, you may likely qualify for one of these benefits depending on your specific circumstances. The CERB is designed to provide… Read more »
Pregnancy and Parental Leave during the COVID-19 Pandemic
During this unprecedented pandemic, many Canadians are facing reduced hours, lay-offs, and even job loss. Nelligan Law gratefully acknowledges the contribution of Melanie Sutton, Student-at-law, in writing this blog post. On March 25, 2020, the federal government announced the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). This program is intended to provide $2,000 per month for up… Read more »
The WSIB’s Approach to Adjudicating COVID-19 Claims
At this time, the WSIB is not allowing claims for workers who are symptom free, even if they are quarantined or sent home, as a precaution against potentially infecting their coworkers. This may however change, should the worker become symptomatic while in quarantine, and could entitle the worker to benefits and services. In assessing the… Read more »
Individual Employees Not Liable To Each Other For Bad Faith
For over twenty years, employers in Canada have been liable to their employees for acting in bad faith in the manner of dismissal. Unless the employer happens to be a sole proprietorship, though, the actions of the “employer” must be implemented by individual people. In a recent decision, the Ontario Superior Court ruled that a… Read more »
COVID-19 and the workplace: Sick benefits, EI, Accommodation, Lay-offs and everything in between
This blog was updated on March 16th to reflect the ongoing developments of COVID-19. As COVID-19 hits Ottawa, employees and employers need to understand their rights and obligations. Below we have broken down some commonly asked questions regarding employee and employer rights and obligations. Listen to Jill Lewis’ March 16th interview on CBC Ottawa Morning… Read more »
How to navigate the increasing challenges of disability insurance
Disability insurance is an important employment benefit for many workers. The purpose of disability insurance is to provide income support to employees who are physically, mentally and financially vulnerable due to a medical condition that is preventing them from performing their jobs. As such, disability insurance is often referred to by the courts as a… Read more »
Not happy with a WSIB decision? Thinking about appealing the decision? Here is how to do it.
Any unfavourable WSIB decision can be appealed, however, all appeals must be filed within the documented timeframes or you will lose your right to proceed with an objection. Work Reintegration, Reemployment, and Return to Work decisions must be appealed within 30 days. All other decisions must be appealed within 6 months, by completing the Intent… Read more »
Family Day – Who is Entitled To A Day Off?
Family Day was introduced by the provincial government in 2008, and it means that employees covered by the holiday provisions in Ontario’s Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) are entitled to this public holiday with pay.
The Legal Do’s and Don’t’s of Office Romance
With January behind us, we can look forward to February, which means one thing: love is in the air! With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, finding someone to couple up with might be on your radar. But what if that special “someone” is a colleague? What are the do’s and don’t’s of office dating?… Read more »
Top 5 Tips for a Productive and Efficient Initial Consultation
An initial consultation with a lawyer can be an overwhelming experience, but it doesn’t have to be. Most people don’t know what to expect, or how to prepare. The following tips will help you get ready, making your first meeting less daunting, but also more productive. 1. Send Documents in Advance as Soon as Possible… Read more »