Category: HR Resources
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COVID-19 Tip #13: Ontario Moves to Stage 2
Further to today’s announcement that (almost) all of Ontario is moving to Stage 2 (Windsor is the last region left at Stage 1), it is helpful to review Ontario’s guide on how to develop a COVID-19 workplace safety plan.
The guide, which includes a template plan, sets out the steps for Ontario employers preparing to re-open the workplace.
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COVID-19 Tip #12: Government Guidance for Re-opening Workplaces (Part II)
Further to an earlier post regarding Alberta and Quebec, here is the latest in a series of posts regarding government guidance setting out what businesses need to do to keep employees and customers safe. This post includes information on the regulatory guidance from British Columbia.
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COVID-19 Tip #11: Government Guidance for Re-opening Workplaces (Part I)
As provinces across the country begin to permit businesses to re-open, many governments are publishing workplace guidance – highlighting what businesses need to do to keep employees and customers safe. Below is information on guidance from Alberta & Quebec. More posts to follow.
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COVID-19 Tip #10: Ontario Businesses May Request Relief from Government Requirements
The Ontario government announced that businesses may request a temporary change to a regulation or government policy, process or fee where it would facilitate their ability to respond to COVID-19. More »
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COVID-19 Tip #9: Finding COVID-19 Government Support for your Business
There are many programs available to assist businesses during COVID-19. The federal and provincial governments have announced a variety of programs ranging from wage subsidies (see our post on the 10% wage subsidy and the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy) to emergency benefits to tax filing and payment deferrals (among other things).
The federal government has an interactive tool to help businesses identify the COVID-19 related support available to them. The online tool asks a series of questions to direct you toward the programs and services that are available to your specific business. The tool provides information on the following types of support:
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COVID-19 Tip #8: Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy Update
The federal government published more detailed information regarding the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), and announced that applications for the CEWS will open on April 27, 2020.
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COVID-19 Tip #7: Ontario Emergency Order Extended to May
Ontario extended its Declaration of an Emergency until May 12, 2020.
The orders listed below have been extended until May 6, 2020:
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COVID-19 Tip #6: Infectious Disease Leave of Absence in Ontario
Note: This post provides information on the Ontario infectious disease leave of absence.
For information on the potential application of other leaves of absence, including: bereavement leave, compassionate care leave, critical illness leave, family responsibility leave, family caregiver leave and sick leave, you may wish to sign up for Optimize Compliance or, if you need legal advice, consult a lawyer.
In what circumstances does Ontario’s new infectious disease leave of absence apply?
Ontario employees who are are not performing their work duties because of COVID-19, may take an unpaid infectious disease leave of absence.
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COVID-19 Tip #5: Extended Tax Filing and Payment Dates
Note: The following information is based on the guidance provided by the federal government. For further details see the government’s Income Tax Filing and Payment Dates
When do I have to FILE my taxes?
Individuals – June 1, 2020
Self-Employed and Spouse – June 15, 2020 (no change)
Corporations – June 1, 2020
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COVID-19 Tip #4: Deferral of Certain Tax Payments
Note: The following information is based on the guidance provided by the federal government. For further details see the government’s Frequently Asked Questions, Backgrounder and Deferral of GST/HST Tax Remittances
What payments can I defer?
Income tax, GST/HST and customs duties can be deferred.
Income tax amounts that become owing by a business between March 18, 2020 and September 2020 can be deferred until August 31, 2020. This applies to tax balances due, as well as instalments, under Part I of the Income Tax Act.