COVID-19

As the buy/sell of residential and commercial real estate heats up again in the CKL, remember the restrictions that continue to apply during the provincial state of emergency: No “Open Houses”: The Government of Ontario has prohibited the hosting of in-person open houses during the state of emergency. In addition, RECO has strongly recommended that […]

Businesses and orgs in the CKL – would it be a good time to collectively check in with your employees during the pandemic? We do, regularly. Here is a sample of how you might do so. These are questions we surveyed to our entire office, using surveymonkey.com. You could modify your questions as necessary –

The Ontario government has now announced proposed legislation that, if passed, would ensure certain emergency measures continue once the provincial declaration of emergency has ended.  According to a government press release, Bill 195 Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020, would: • continue emergency orders in effect under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act ("EMCPA") under the

When Must I Wear A Non-Medical Mask? Under instructions issued by the local Medical Officer of Health (the “MOH”), area businesses will have to have a policy in place that requires people to wear a non-medical mask or face covering before entering their commercial establishment.  This applies to all owners and operators of commercial establishments

The Government of Ontario has developed a made-in-Ontario plan for growth, renewal and economic recovery. This plan includes measures that would make it easier and faster to build provincial highways, major transit infrastructure projects and quality, affordable housing, while ensuring there are meaningful opportunities for community consultation and input. As part of the government’s plan,

HIRING CHECKLIST 1.     SIGNED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT/OFFER: Before the employee starts any work: ensure that you have the employee’s properly signed employment agreement or accepted offer of employment; ensure that the employment agreement/offer addresses everything necessary, including for termination (with and without cause), leaves of absence, police record checks (if desired or mandatory), health and safety

FREE ONLINE SAFETY JOB TRAINING AVAILABLE  As the CKL safely and gradually reopens, the Ontario government has announced an investment of $3 million to provide free online health and safety training for the first time. These virtual courses will make it easier for job seekers and workers to get essential qualifications, while practising physical distancing and

Today the federal government extended the mandatory quarantine order until August 31 for the majority of people entering Canada.  The federal Quarantine Act order was originally set to expire on Tuesday at midnight. Travellers entering Canada will have to complete 14 days of self-isolation, whether they have COVID-19 symptoms or not. The updated order also requires travellers

Ontario has issued a new emergency order and amending another under s.7.0.2 (4) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, which will allow municipalities to quickly pass temporary bylaws for the creation and extension of patios and allow covered outdoor dining areas to serve customers. Under the Planning Act, the process to pass temporary use bylaws to create or

As we gradually re-open our CKL economy, employees may complain to the Ministry of Labour of Ontario about safety conditions in the workplace, justified or not.  If so, they are entitled to do so and cannot be terminated if they do.  Ontario's anti-reprisal laws protect employees for making safety-related complaints in the workplace, even if