This week’s update on resources shared by law firms addressing the COVID-19 crisis
Law firms across Canada are sharing their insights on how to deal with the rapidly evolving economic and legal landscape due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Below is a roundup of some of these resources.
McMillan LLP
In “Protecting Small Business Act, 2020 - Ontario's Temporary Ban on Commercial Tenant Evictions,” McMillan lists the key provisions of the provincial legislation, which aims to protect commercial tenants from getting locked out and to prevent landlords from seizing their tenants’ assets in the context of the COVID-19 crisis.
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In “Pension plan regulatory relief and COVID-19 relief measures: A summary,” Miller Thomson gives an update on pension-related relief measures recently announced in Alberta and Manitoba.
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In “COVID-19: Be wary of purported ‘change in law’ claims,” Osler explains that there is no straightforward answer to the question of whether a purported “change in law” claim arising due to COVID-19 will succeed or fail.
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- Finance Canada/CRA: GST/HST update and end of GST/HST and customs duties deferral
- Alberta to expedite and de-politicize oil sands approvals: Bill 22, Red Tape Reduction Implementation Act, 2020
- Alberta Legislature introduces bill to limit landlord remedies during COVID-19 pandemic
Dentons Canada LLP
In “Recovery and opportunities following the COVID-19 outbreak: Seniors housing facilities,” Dentons shares the presentation materials released alongside its webinar for organizations providing services to the seniors housing sector.
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In “COVID-19 Relief for Saskatchewan Mining Companies,” Bennett Jones writes about recently passed amendments to provincial regulations, which seek to grant relief to mining companies exploring certain Crown minerals.
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In “Six month delay for Canada’s new drug pricing rules,” Torys suggests that the pandemic may call attention to the tension between providing affordable medicines and promoting incentives to innovate.
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In “The COVID-19 pandemic in the world of intellectual property,” Robic emphasizes that ingenuity and collaboration are crucial to combatting the virus and to developing diagnostic methods and preventative and curative solutions.
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In “Demand Without Supply: Preparing for Supply Chain Issues on Construction Projects,” WeirFoulds explores possible ways to deal with construction-related supply chain disruptions amid the COVID-19 crisis, such as by reviewing contracts or by applying the doctrine of frustration.
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In “Workplace Policies: Ensuring That They Reflect the Risks and Realities of a Return to Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic,” Harper Grey covers the important items to include in workplace policies, such as measures relating to physical distancing, personal protective equipment, hygiene and sanitation.
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In “Foreign investment policy in the time of COVID-19,” BD&P provides an overview of the classes of foreign investments that should expect a higher degree of scrutiny during the public health crisis.
Other resources:
- Make like the buffalo: Competition Bureau of Canada announces flexibility for competitor collaboration amid COVID-19 pandemic
- Canadian Private Mergers and Acquisitions Deal Points Study
- Recent federal and provincial COVID-related updates: what you need to know
Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP
In “Addressing the Cyber Risks of Remote Work – Connection Risks,” Hicks Morley considers the potential issues facing employees who remotely access information technology services via external networks.
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In “COVID-19 — CRA extends travel restrictions relief,” KPMG Law talks about the guidance issued by the Canada Revenue Agency on the impact of travel restrictions on tax residency and entitlement to treaty benefits.
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In “Returning from pregnancy or parental leave during COVID-19?” Goldblatt Partners sheds light on how the COVID-19 crisis affects childcare options and job-protected leaves of parents and caregivers.
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In “Canada: COVID-19 - Foreign Investments in Canada - Still Open for Business, but Caveat Emptor,” Baker McKenzie discusses the effects of the pandemic on foreign investment review in Canada.
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In “Virtual Witnessing of Estate Documents,” JSS Barristers summarizes Alberta’s Ministerial Order 39/2020, which temporarily allows the virtual witnessing of wills, enduring powers of attorney and personal directives.
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