COVID-19

Due to the pandemic, the surge in work-from-home arrangements has caused strain and pressure on information technology (“IT”) providers. Internet broadband providers, cloud-based businesses and virtual private network operators (“VPN”s) may be unable to keep pace with the new IT requirements for their clients’ businesses (collectively, “IT Providers”). The result may be business interruption, additional […]

The federal Government announced today it will in partnership with the Ontario government implement the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (“CECRA”) for small businesses in the City of Kawartha Lakes:  commercial rent is reduced by 75% for small businesses affected by COVID-19 [i.e., businesses paying less than $50,000 per month in rent and who have

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

April 22 – The federal Government announced new financial aid to students – they can now claim a new Canada Emergency Student Benefit (“CESB”). Under the CESB, eligible post-secondary students could receive $1,250 monthly from May to August. If that student is also taking care of someone else or has a disability, that amount increases

Virtually or remotely working (from home) can be very challenging to both employees and employers. During this pandemic, typical work procedures and arrangements must be modified and be adaptive to the new reality. Here is some guidance and tips to both employees working at home, and employers who now must lead them remotely. IF YOU

By emergency order made on April 7, 2020, any person may now sign a will and powers of attorney virtually, or remotely, with your lawyer or licensed representative. This new measure will make it much more convenient for you to make a new will and powers of attorney, particularly during isolation and the need to

Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (the “OHSA”) statutorily imposes duties on everyone in the workplace, including a positive duty on employers to take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances to protect employees’ health and safety. Businesses deemed “essential”, or “non-essential” businesses continuing to operate remotely, must ensure their health and safety policies and practices meet

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

Today more federal funding was announced, focusing on the vulnerable in the City of Kawartha Lakes, including our seniors.  The government allocated $350 million to support vulnerable Canadians through charities and non-profit organizations that deliver essential services to those in need. The newly-announced Emergency Community Support Fund will flow through national organizations that have the ability

WHAT CAN BE TAKEN TO COURT CURRENTLY? Firstly, during Ontario’s State of Emergency, all limitation periods have been suspended. If you have a case that must be commenced, legally, by a certain date, that date is now extended at least until after the State of Emergency is ended. Secondly, the Ontario Courts have made it