COVID-19

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 […]

An emergency “Order In Council” was made on April 7, 2020, under s. 7.1 of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act regarding the virtual commissioning and execution of wills. Read the emergency order here: https://www.ontario.ca/search/orders-in-council Now, by order under s. 7.0.2(4), of Ontario’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, witnessing of wills and powers of attorney

For the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy [75% wage subsidy] (the “CEWS”), today the federal government announced (subject to Parliamentary ratification): [1]      you will have the option of using January and February of 2020 as your reference periods, rather than the original year-over-year benchmarks, under certain conditions; [2]        you may also be permitted to use January

Today, April 8, 2020, the federal government announced temporary changes to the Canada Summer Jobs program, intended to help employers hire summer staff and provide young Canadians access to the jobs they need during this unprecedented time. The government declared this program upgrade will help create up to 70,000 jobs for those between the ages

Small-and-medium-sized business owners in the City of Kawartha Lakes – an update: THE CANADA EMERGENCY BUSINESS ACCOUNT (“CEBA”) – A $40,000 OPERATING LINE OF CREDIT: Eligible businesses will receive a $40,000 line of credit loan for immediate financial support to cover short term operating expenses, payroll and other non-deferrable expenses which are critical to sustain

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (“WSIB”) has announced that it will provide relief for employers' payments to the WSIB. The financial relief package permits employers to defer the reporting and payment of premiums until August 31,2020. This deferral is available to employers who report and pay monthly, quarterly or annually based on their insurableearnings.

Line ups are increasing outside our essential services, particularly grocery stores.  Here an updated list of grocery store protocol, per all of the recommendations made to date by the federal and provincial governments and health officials, including the Health Unit.   follow the containment measures implemented by the essential service, including the waiting outside to enter,

Business interruption insurance is a hot-button issue for business owners effected by COVID-19. Most, if not, insurance companies have denied any claims made by business owners for business interruption coverage, including those forced to close by provincial emergency order as being “non-essential” workplaces. Now, a class action has been commenced for these denials, so far

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (the "CERB") is now available for residents of the City of Kawartha Lakes who qualify for this financial support.  Here is your need-to-know information: WHAT IS CERB? The CERB provides $2,000 a month for up to four months to individuals who have ceased working due to COVID-19. By contrast, EI benefits

Construction work is creating some uncertainty throughout Ontario, including in the City of Kawartha Lakes. All construction projects and service must stop, except for: [1] Healthcare construction: Construction projects and services associated with the healthcare sector, including new facilities, expansions, renovations and conversion of spaces that could be re-purposed for health care space; [2] Ontario