This week’s update of 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.
Gowling WLG
In “COVID pension regulation amendments create new opportunity for lenders,” Gowlings suggests that banks and other lender financial institutions look into the new relief to the borrowing restrictions applicable to registered pension plans, found in the draft regulations to the Income Tax Act.
Other resources:
Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
In “Beyond COVID-19 - Combining Franchises: An Interesting Path Back to Profitability,” Fasken considers ways for franchise networks to improve efficiency and effectiveness amid the new business landscape, with one possible approach being the combination of franchises.
Other resources:
Stikeman Elliott LLP
In “Québec Reopens Most Sectors,” Stikeman Elliott summarizes the features of the latest stage of deconfinement in the province. The remaining confined sectors have been reopened, subject to certain exceptions.
Other resources:
McCarthy Tétrault LLP
In “COVID-19 Update: Returning to New Office Life,” McCarthy Tétrault provides insight on matters relevant to office life in the context of the COVID-19 crisis, including the pros and cons of working from home and the ways that organizations can help employees who commute.
Other resources:
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
In “Securities Law Considerations in Anticipation of a ‘New Normal’ and Possible Second Wave,” Blakes covers disclosure considerations and the impacts of delayed shareholder meetings amid the public health crisis.
Other resources:
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
In “COVID-19 and an employee's right to refuse work,” BLG identifies important considerations for employers when dealing with work refusals in Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and B.C.
Other resources:
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP
In “Coronavirus for employers: leaves, work refusals, accommodation and more,” Norton Rose Fulbright discusses leave entitlements, the duty to accommodate and the right to refuse work. The firm also lists best practices for employers.
Other resources:
MLT Aikins LLP
In “BC COVID-19 Related Measures Act to Help Formalize Emergency Orders Enacted in Response to the Pandemic,” MLT Aikins gives an overview of the proposed B.C. legislation, which aims to allow certain COVID-19 related orders to be extended beyond the end of the provincial state of emergency.
Other resources:
Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP
In “Returning to the Workplace – Preparing for the ‘New Normal’,” Cassels Brock explores how employers can minimize legal risk when reopening the workplace through introducing measures such as health and safety protocols, and wellness and morale initiatives.
Other resources:
DLA Piper (Canada) LLP
In “Clinical trials during the COVID-19 pandemic: A global guide,” DLA Piper provides guidance to pharmaceutical companies which seek to continue conducting clinical trials during the COVID-19 crisis.
Other resources:
Stewart McKelvey
In “Travelling to visit a cottage or summer home in Canada during COVID-19,” Stewart McKelvey writes about potential problems facing those who want to visit their vacation homes or cottages in Canada during the pandemic.
Other resources:
Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP
In “The Hostile Bid Is Dead. Long Live the Hostile Bid?” Davies sheds light on the M&A prospects of businesses which are in the position of potentially emerging stronger than ever in the post-pandemic landscape.
Other resources:
Cox & Palmer
In “Temporary Lay-off Period Extended in Newfoundland and Labrador,” Cox & Palmer talks about the recently passed amendment to the Labour Standards Act, which temporarily extends the period of temporary layoff.
Lavery, de Billy, LLP
In “Resumption of Mergers and Acquisitions: What May Change After the Crisis,” the firm looks at possible trends in the M&A market after the COVID-19 crisis, such as an increased reliance on earnout clauses.
