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 “Will CRA Pursue Directors for Deferred GST/HST?” the firm states that the Canada Revenue Agency should clarify whether directors will be held personally liable for the remittance deferral of net taxes during the deferral period if these net taxes were not ultimately remitted upon the expiration of the deferral period.
Other resources:
In “COVID-19 contact tracing debate highlights need for privacy law reform: Lessons for developers and users,” the firm lists important factors for organizations to consider when developing or using contact tracing applications.
Other resources:
In “E-commerce: COVID-19 as a catalyst for change?” the firm writes about how e-commerce, which has been adopted by many businesses initially out of necessity due to the COVID-19 pandemic, may eventually be seen as a more efficient option in the long run.
Other resources:
- Canadian securities administrators emphasize disclosure issues arising from COVID-19
- Electronic communications - A key tool for compliance with disclosure obligations for Ontario plan administrators amidst COVID-19 business disruption
- COVID-19 class actions: Cautionary reminders from south of the border
Dentons Canada LLP
In “Senior homes and COVID-19 – Class action risk in Western Canada,” the firm sheds light on the recent trend of class actions being initiated against seniors’ homes for their allegedly negligent COVID-19 response. The firm focuses its analysis on B.C. and Alberta.
Other resources:
In “Environmental, Social and Governance Considerations and the Investor Perspective,” the firm sums up the key findings of a report released by Millani, an environmental, social and governance (ESG) advisory and consulting firm, which delves into the expected effects of the COVID-19 crisis on future ESG practices and disclosure.
Other resources:
In “COVID‑19 and electronic signatures: a guide for organizations,” the firm explores how the public health crisis has caused a shift toward allowing the use of electronic signatures and virtual commissioning and notarizing.
Other resources:
In “Predicting the Claims Landscape Post COVID-19,” the firm predicts how the pandemic may affect claims relating to motor vehicle accidents, business interruption, long-term care, cyber coverage and other claims as Canada adapts to a new normal.
BCF LLP
In “Temporary Foreign Worker Program: Priority to Certain Occupations Considered Essential,” the firm updates the occupations that are deemed essential by the Quebec government as of June 10.
Other resources:
In “What’s My Limitation Period Again? Update on the Suspension of Limitation and Time Periods During the COVID-19 Crisis,” the firm addresses which limitation periods and time periods are impacted by Ontario’s emergency measures and gives suggestions on how litigants can prepare themselves for further changes.
Other resources:
In “Back to Work in the Wake of COVID-19: A Step-by-Step Employers Plan for Reopening Ontario Workspaces,” the firm seeks to guide employers through the process of reopening their businesses and welcoming back their employees to their workplaces.
Other resources:
In “Managing Employees’ Return to the Workplace,” the firm discusses how employers can deal with the possible responses of their employees to return-to-work directives. These responses include the employees refusing to return to work because they are scared of contracting the COVID-19 virus, because they are prevented by their personal circumstances or because they prefer to remain at home.
Other resources:
In “Bill 61: Acceleration measures for certain public projects in order to restart Quebec’s economy,” the firm analyzes the drafted bill as of June 3. The bill introduces measures that aim to mitigate the impact of the public health crisis and to reopen the economy of Quebec.
Other resources:
In “Exceptions, Resumptions and Some Restrictions: Canada-US Border Update,” the firm covers recent trends and developments in the immigration landscape in the context of the COVID-19 crisis.
Other resources:
In “Good News for Employers … For Now: The Impact of Ontario’s New Employment Standards Act Regulation,” the firm provides insight on the potential effects of the Infectious Disease Emergency Leave recently announced by Ontario.
Other resources:
In “Employing Temporary Foreign Workers in Agri-Business During COVID-19,” the firm talks about how the federal government has momentarily relaxed the requirements for temporary foreign workers in certain industries, with the aim of promoting food security amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other resources:
- Government Announces Details of Rent Assistance Program for Small Business Tenants [Update]
- Blaneys Partner Lou Brzezinski is quoted in The Logic’s article "COVID-19 roundup: Has the pandemic's economic impact peaked?" on the current state of insolvencies in Canada and what is to come
- Eye on Intellectual Property in Uncertain Times
