COVID-19

Both regrettably and predictably, racism and discrimination appear to be surging with the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Credible sources now report that xenophobia, racially-motivated acts of discrimination and harassment towards ethnic groups is increasing. Through public messaging by some, including the President of the United States, COVID-19 has been referred to as the “Chinese” and the […]

May 8 – the federal Government announced the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (the "CEWS") will extend beyond June, 2020. More information to be announced.  What you need to know about the CEWS:  75% of employees’ wages for up to 12 weeks Retroactive to Mar. 15 Intend to promote recall and rehiring of employees laid off

Employers in the CKL should develop and implement an infection prevention and control plan that includes procedures for responding when an employee, customer, or other individual present in the workplace becomes ill with symptoms of COVID-19. The plan should include: (i) procedures for isolating and transporting the individual home if they begin showing symptoms at

To help stop the spread of COVID-19, everyone should comply with requirements under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and with associated regulations and public health directives issued by the Chief Medical Officer of Health. Protecting yourself and your co-workers: Coronaviruses are spread through close contact with others. Here are some helpful tips to help prevent the spread of

Temporary pandemic pay is aimed at helping frontline staff who are experiencing severe challenges and are at heightened risk during the COVID-19 outbreak. It is a targeted program designed to support employees who work incongregate caresettings or primarily with vulnerable populations, where maintaining physical distancing is difficult or not possible. The goals of this temporary

Should businesses in the CKL use personal protective equipment ("PPE") for employees, such as non-medical face masks, gloves and eye protection?  Yes, PPE is an option, but only when the risk and hazards related to COVID-19 cannot be eliminated through following Ontario's new health and safety guidelines and other governmental orders and directions.  The Ontario

Employers have a duty under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act to protect the health and safety of their employees. They must implement preventative measures to ensure employees are not exposed to conditions potentially harmful to their health and safety at work. Failure to ensure a safe workplace can lead to significant liability, including fines

Everyone working in the restaurant and food services sector in the CKL needs to consider how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at work, including: cashiers chefs dishwashers administrators drive-thru operators maintenance staff To help stop the spread of COVID-19, everyone should comply with requirements under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and with associated regulations and public health

The best way to stop the spread of COVID-19 is by staying home and avoiding close contact with others outside of your household. You may consider using a face covering (non-medical mask such as a cloth mask or bandana) to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in areas where physical distancing may be challenging

For employees engaged in curbside and/or delivery services, you may have contact with customers and surfaces, such as money, credit cards and products as you work. You could also potentially come in contact with droplets as a result of these interactions. COVID-19 can travel in respiratory droplets that are released into the environment by laughing, coughing