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.
Gowling WLG
In “FAQs: COVID and Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) in Canada,” Gowlings sheds light on the effects of the pandemic on immigration programs, the rules applicable to temporary foreign workers wanting to change employers or occupations, and additional requirements before temporary foreign workers can enter Canada.
Other resources:
Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
In “Beyond COVID-19: The Squeaks and Challenges of Reopening and Resumption of Business,” Fasken explains how franchised businesses may deal with the new rules and standards set by the franchisor or with opposition to resumption of full operations.
Other resources:
Stikeman Elliott LLP
In “Back to Work and Re-opening Plans,” Stikeman Elliott gives updates on economic re-opening measures across provinces and territories.
Other resources:
McCarthy Tétrault LLP
In “Supply Chain Challenges – The Whole Picture,” McCarthy Tétrault asked seven of its lawyers to share their insights on different areas of the supply chain in the context of the COVID-19 crisis.
Other resources:
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
In “Plaintiffs Face Obstacles in COVID-19 Employment Class Actions,” Blakes describes the potential challenges that may be encountered by those initiating COVID-19-related employment class actions.
Other resources:
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
In “Virtual workplace investigations: The ‘next normal’ - Postponing the investigation vs. proceeding by virtual means,” BLG explores the possible effects of postponing a virtual workplace investigation in relation to witness memory and employee perception.
Other resources:
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP
In “From disrupted to tainted supply chains: Canadian legislation against modern slavery may be coming post-COVID,” Norton Rose Fulbright covers the legislative history of Bill S-211, which seeks to implement the country’s international commitment against modern slavery.
Other resources:
Torkin Manes LLP
In “Business Considerations for Companies Reopening During COVID-19,” Torkin Manes lists important considerations for reopening businesses, including staying up to date with government orders, reviewing material contracts, keeping track of disclosure obligations and preparing business continuity plans.
Other resources:
Lenczner Slaght Royce Smith Griffin LLP
In “Issue-Driven Legal Writing: Not Just for Judges,” Lenczner Slaght highlights the importance of honing one’s legal writing skills during a time when oral advocacy is not the default. The firm describes the issue-driven legal writing style, wherein one identifies the issues then discusses the facts pertinent to these issues.
Bereskin & Parr LLP
In “‘I’d Like a Refund, Please’ – The Impact of COVID-19 on Refunds and Returns,” Bereskin & Parr discusses how businesses have dealt with requests for refunds or returns in connection with ticket sales, flights and common consumer transactions.
Other resources:
McLennan Ross LLP
In “Summarizing the Commercial Tenancies Protection Act,” McLennan Ross gives an overview of the legislation introduced by the Alberta government, which aims to offer protections in favour of commercial tenants affected by the public health crisis.
Other resources:
Minden Gross LLP
In “UPDATE: MPAC Requests for Reconsideration deadline set,” Minden Gross outlines the deadlines for filing assessment appeals and requests for reconsideration for the 2020 taxation year, as confirmed by the Assessment Review Board and by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation.
Other resources:
Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP
In “COVID-19: Can an Organization Conduct a Virtual AGM?” TDS describes the effects of a Manitoba emergency order on annual general meetings as regards attendance, notice, delivery of materials and deadlines.
Other resources:
Hull & Hull LLP
In “The Estate Trustee’s Responsibility to Sell or Retain Real Property During COVID-19,” Hull & Hull delves into the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on the housing market and consequently on an estate trustee’s management of real property held by an estate.
Other resources:
Pitblado Law
In “COVID-19 and Wills-related Issues” Pitblado addresses issues regarding wills, which may be particularly relevant to frontline workers seeking to prepare for a worst-case scenario by making sure that their loved ones are protected in case their own personal circumstances worsen.
Other resources:
