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 “Project Management Amid COVID-19 - The Triage,” the firm gives suggestions for those managing construction projects that are currently in progress. It also explores important considerations for those who intend to enter into new construction contracts amid the pandemic.
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MLT Aikins LLP
In “COVID-19: Five Considerations for Organizations to Manage Privacy, Security and IT Issues,” the firm enumerates concerns that may arise for businesses transitioning to remote working arrangements in light of recent COVID-19 developments. The firm touches upon the issues of privacy, cybersecurity, remote access and IT contracts in relation to both customers and suppliers.
- Considerations for Customers in Managing IT Projects and Contracts During COVID-19
- COVID-19: Privacy Considerations for Your Organization
- Securing Your Organization’s Information During Work-from-Home Arrangements
Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP
In “COVID-19 Impact: Energy and Environmental Regulators Look to Balance Health, Safety, and Participation,” the firm discusses the operational changes and precautionary measures adopted by energy and environmental regulators, given the public health crisis.
- COVID-19 Impact: Ontario Cannabis Stores to Re-Open for Click-and-Collect and Delivery Services
- COVID-19 Impact: Temporary Special Measures Relating to the Work-Sharing Program
- COVID-19 Impact: Business Interruption Insurance Issues
DLA Piper (Canada) LLP
The firm has released a “COVID-19 British Columbia Benefit Access Tool,” which aims to assist individuals and organizations to assess whether the benefits recently announced by the B.C. government apply to them, as well as to know how to apply for these benefits, when these benefits take effect and how much they are entitled to under these benefits.
- Alberta government announces relief for energy industry
- B.C. Business Corporations Act transparency register requirements: an update
- Coronavirus - Mitigating supply chain and customer insolvency risk (Canada)
Stewart McKelvey
In “Estate planning during a pandemic: innovative practices for a challenging time,” the firm addresses the issue of how to comply with the requirements for due execution in estate law, given the directives by the public health authorities for persons to stay at home and to observe social distancing.
- The Government of PEI’s COVID-19 business adaptation advice program
- Business interruption insurance: recent decision may impact whether COVID-19 disruptions are covered
- In-depth: economic response measures to COVID-19
Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP
In “Tax Issues for Distressed Corporations,” the firm discusses the main tax issues that organizations may be grappling with in the current economic climate, especially if they are considering undergoing a debt restructuring. The firm touches upon areas such as debt forgiveness, director liability and extensions in tax filing and payment due dates.
- COVID-19 and the Courts: What You Need to Know
- COVID-19 Insurance Related Considerations - Business Interruption Coverage Update
- COVID-19: Details on the Federal Wage Subsidy for All Businesses, Charities and Non-Profit Organizations
Cox & Palmer
In “Co-Parenting During the COVID-19 Pandemic,” the firm addresses questions asked by clients about family law issues, such as what a parent should do if their employment has been terminated and whether children should still be spending time with both parents who are separated, in light of the pandemic.
- COVID-19 Public Health Measures and Essential Services in Atlantic Canada
- COVID-19 Related Travel Restrictions in Canada: The Impact on Foreign Nationals Entering Canada
- Signing Wills and Estate Planning Documents in Nova Scotia While Social Distancing
Lavery, de Billy, L.L.P.
In “COVID-19: Summary of Quebec and Federal Tax Measures and Financial Assistance,” the firm lists the measures adopted by various levels of the federal government and of the Quebec government in order to aid taxpayers, such as through extensions in filing deadlines and the deferral of payments.
- COVID-19 and Telework: A Common HR Solution but not Without Risk!
- The Impact of COVID-19 on Contracts
- The exercise of custody and access rights in the era of COVID‑19: “There will be no easy answers”
McInnes Cooper
In “Coping with COVID-19: Relief for Employers,” the firm discusses the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, proposed by the federal government, and the Small Business Impact Grant, recently announced by the Nova Scotia government.
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- David Fraser on Pandemic Privacy | Tracking COVID-19 with Cellphone Data
- Mike Murphy on CBC | Coping with COVID-19 Work Refusals
BCF LLP
In “COVID-19: A Practical Overview of Commercial Leases in a Pandemic Era,” the firm gives an overview of the practical implications of COVID-19 on the landlord-tenant relationship. It also elucidates the concept of force majeure as it relates to commercial leases.
- COVID-19: Tax and Financial Measures Announced in Response to the Pandemic
- COVID-19 and Construction: Impacts on Your Legal Hypothecs, RBQ Licences and Surety Bonds
- COVID-19: Will the Pandemic Really Have an Impact on Your Contracts?
Aird & Berlis LLP
In “List of Essential Businesses in Canada by Province/Territory,” the firm identifies the key distinctions in how jurisdictions across the country define what can be considered an essential or priority business, which may be exempt from the restrictions and closures being ordered by the government.
- Rent Deferrals – How They Affect GST/HST Obligations
- Financial Services in the Time of COVID-19: Practical Considerations for Lenders When Dealing With Defaults
- Tax Planning in a Down Market – Seize the Opportunities
Goodmans LLP
In “Canadian Foreign Investment Review – What to Expect in 2020,” the firm discusses the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on foreign investment review in Canada.
- COVID-19 – Ontario Construction Law Update
- What We Know About Canada’s Emergency Wage Subsidy So Far
- Government Grants Ontario Corporations Additional Flexibility For Corporate Meetings During COVID-19 State of Emergency
Dutton Employment Law
In “Canada Emergency Response Benefit FAQ,” the firm answers over 30 frequently asked questions with regard to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.