Author name: jonkersdw

Today the federal government announced we should only leave home if it is "absolutely essential". If you cannot use a click-and-collect service to buy your essential goods, here is an updated protocol to follow when you go to an essential store, like groceries and pharmaceuticals:  follow the containment measures implemented by the essential service, including […]

Today the federal Government announced more flexible rules for claiming the Canada emergency response benefit (the “CERB”), which previously excluded, for example, students and employees or self-employed people working reduced hours. They also announced a wage boost for essential workers who make less than $2,500 a month, including those working in long-term care facilities for the elderly.

To facilitate the employ of our youth in the City of Kawartha Lakes, those between 15 and 30, including students and summer students, the federal government has changed, temporarily at least, its Canada Summer Jobs program.  Enhanced wage subsidies are now available for these potential employers: not-for-profit organizations; the public sector; and private sector organizations

Due the shutdown of non-essential workplaces, effective March 24, 2020, many employers have laid off, or will continue to consider temporarily laying off employees, particularly if those employers do not qualify as “essential workplaces”. This is not a risk-fee, easy-to-do step by an employer, despite the catastrophic circumstances. JUDGE-MADE LAW IN ONTARIO – LAY OFF CAN

What are the employer’s obligations to an employee when an employee is not working in the office? With so many employees now working from home, employers’ health and safety obligations need to be considered.  ONTARIO HEATH AND SAFETY LEGISLATION DOES NOT APPLY TO WORKING AT HOME: The health and safety of employees is largely governed by

An update on enforcement measures available in the City of Kawartha Lakes to require COVID-19 containment:  FEDERAL GOVERNMENT: for failure to quarantine for 14 days after returning to Canada, a fine of up to $750,000 and imprisonment up to six months;    for causing risk of imminent death or serious bodily harm to another, while

When two married spouses separate, among other issues they must resolve, they must “equalize” their “net family property”, respectively. Basically, the spouse whose net worth increased more between the date of marriage and the date of separation must pay to the other spouse one-half of the difference in that increase over the other spouse, subject

Update to the CKL – the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, per Bill C-14, the COVID-19 Emergency Response Act, No. 2, passed April 11, 2020: NEW SOURCE DEDUCTION/REMITTANCE REFUND: a new 100% refund for certain employer-paid contributions to Employment Insurance and the Canada Pension Plan, covering 100% of employer-paid contributions for eligible employees for each week

If your workplace has been ordered by emergency order to be shut down, or you have otherwise been unable to continue to work due to COVID-19, consideration should be given to ongoing child and spousal support obligations. If a support payor is collecting the new CERB, the Family Responsibility Office cannot garnish that benefit, being

Many are stressed and anxious during the pandemic.  Still, the law on cannabis at work remains unchanged.  Employers may be confused and uncertain how legalized cannabis use impacts their workplace, including how they can monitor and regulate it. It is important to understand the difference between using weed recreationally and for medical reasons – they