COVID-19

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

The Ontario government has announced new emergency orders impacting the City of Kawartha Lakes: April 9 – Construction – regulation amended regarding the closure of non-essential workplaces to permit the operation of certain construction workplaces for projects which are due to be completed before October 4, 2020 and that would provide additional capacity in the

Commercial tenancy relationships in Ontario are governed by Ontario’s Commercial Tenancies Act (the “CTA”) and the lease agreement itself. They are largely a matter of contract, in terms of rights and obligations, rather than statutory rules. Non-essential workplaces have been ordered closed by emergency order. Other workplaces have been forced to discontinue operations, in whole

The big banks are now rolling out the procedure for applying for the new Canada Emergency Business Account (the “CEBA”), being the $40,000 line of credit available to registered businesses. For more information about CEBA and whether you qualify, check here: https://wardlegal.ca/31585663827865 To enroll for CEBA, you will likely be required to log into your bank’s online

If you are incurring remote working expenses during the pandemic, you may be able to claim those expenses to reduce your tax payable under the Canada Income Tax Act. Generally, employees with remote working expenses are paid either an allowance or they are reimbursed by their employer (including an “accountable advance”). If you are paid

Do you need emergency financial support, but do not qualify for any federal payments (EI, CERB)? Need to pay rent, or buy essential goods? Unemployed? Vulnerable? Living in poverty?  Don’t give up – you can actually apply to the City of Kawartha Lakes (or your own municipality) for emergency support. Emergency financial support may also

Small businesses, sole proprietors and self-employed individuals in the City of Kawartha Lakes, as of April 9, 2020, help on whether you are eligible for the CERB, wage subsidies and the interest-free line of credit: IF YOU OWN AND OPERATE A SMALL CORPORATION – AND YOU PAY YOURSELF A SALARY: If so, and you pay