Virtual support for employees mental and physical health

FREE VIRTUAL MEDICINE - PAID FOR BY THE PROVINCIAL HEALTH SYSTEM

We have seen several provinces (including Ontario) trialling programs for publicly funded options.

During these unique and challenging times, these programs are a way to reach out and get assistance without leaving home.

Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia will cover anyone with a valid Health Card. 

Tia Health allows you to connect to a Canadian doctor online via a phone or secure messaging. Get prescriptions, medical advice, referrals, requisitions, mental health, and more.

https://tiahealth.com/

HOW YOU CAN HELP SUPPORT YOUR EMPLOYEES MENTAL HEALTH

As the COVID-19 situation grows more complicated around the globe and here at home, we recognize that there is increased risk, not just your physical health but also your mental health. If you or your employees are feeling heightened stress and anxiety, there are things you can do for your mental wellbeing, even if the situation around you feels out of your control.

We are pleased to introduce a new benefit delivered through Inkblot, a Canadian provider of video counselling delivered on a secure and encrypted platform.   Access is on-line with the ability to select from a short-list of best-matched counsellors based on your unique needs and preferences.  Appointments are booked directly on-line with your selected counsellor with the first 30-minute session free and booked at your convenience as early as the same or next day.

More information is available here.

The Inkblot platform is being offered on a no-fee basis until June 30, 2020.  

Trudeau announces government will pay 75% of wages for small and medium-sized businesses

In a major boost to small and medium-sized businesses, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, announced today the that the federal government will cover 75% of wages for qualifying businesses, backdated to March 15.  

This additional new measure, along with others to support small businesses dealing with the economic impacts of the pandemic will help Canadian businesses protect the jobs that Canadians depend on.

“We’re helping companies keep people on the payroll so workers are supported and the economy is positioned to recover from this. That is our priority.”

Justin Trudeau

The government’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, which already commits $107 billion in support to Canadians through this difficult time, will now include further support to small businesses in the following measures:

• Announce a 75% wage subsidy for qualifying businesses, for up to 3 months, retroactive to March 15, 2020

• Allow businesses, including self-employed individuals, to defer all (GST/HST) payments until June, as well as customs duties owed for imports

• Launch the new Canada Emergency Business Account, providing up to $25 billion to eligible financial institutions so they can provide interest-free loans to small businesses

• Launch the new Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Loan and Guarantee program that will enable up to $40 billion in lending, supported through Export Development Canada and Business Development Bank, for guaranteed loans when small businesses go to their financial institutions to help weather the impacts of COVID-19. 

These new investments will help Canada’s financial institutions provide the credit and liquidity options that a range of Canadian businesses need immediately. More information and details are expected to come after the weekend. 

Read the Prime Ministers announcement on the official government website. 

Temporary Lay Offs: What you need to know.

If you intend to perform a temporary layoff, note that currently, employers do not have the unequivocal right to enact a layoff unless it has been previously stated/outlined in employment agreements and/or company policies that have been acknowledged by employees.  Enforcing a temporary layoff without a previously stated right may result in wrongful/constructive dismissal claims against the employer. You may still be able to enact the layoff if you have a (documented) agreement with your employees in question to do so.  Once you have the necessary agreements in place the temporary layoff will have to be operated in accordance with ESA guidelines.

In an effort to alleviate lay-off situations employers can consider the Federal Govt. Work-Sharing (WS) program. This is an Employment Insurance (EI) program that helps employers and employees avoid layoffs when there is a temporary decrease in business activity beyond the control of the employer. The program provides EI benefits to eligible employees who agree to reduce their normal working hours and share the available work while their employer recovers. The goal of the program is for all participating employees to return to normal working hours by the end of the agreement. The employer and the employees (and the union, if applicable) must agree to participate in a WS agreement and must apply together. It is important to understand the WS program eligibility before applying. Please read all the information provided in this document and discuss it with your employees by providing them with the Employee Guide.

If this program is not feasible or if employees just want to stay home as a precaution they may be eligible to apply for the newly announced Emergency Response Benefit outlined below.

Effective March 25, 2020, the Federal Government enacted the COVID-19 Emergency Response Act as part of its Economic Action Plan to address the ongoing COVID-19 situation. Workers who suffer a loss of income for reasons related to COVID-19 may now be eligible to receive a taxable benefit of up-to $2,000 per month for up to four months (i.e. 16 weeks), including where the loss of income is the result of being sick, quarantined, taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19, as well as parents are required to be absent from work to care for children who are sick or at home because of school and daycare closures. This benefit combines and replaces the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and Emergency Support Benefit. Under the Act, charities and certain small businesses may also be eligible to receive temporary wage subsidies for a period of up to three months. Read here.

Looking for information on emerging trends and developments in labour and employment law?

• Ontario Government Announces Mandatory Closure of all Non-Essential Workplaces

• Ontario Government Institutes Infectious Disease Emergency Leave to Provide Job Protection amidst COVID-19 Outbreak

Check here regularly for the latest updates on issues that could impact your workplace.

Urgent notice for Canadians from CLHIA and news about closure of non-essential businesses

Notice for Canadians from CLHIA

The Government of Canada is strongly urging all Canadians to return home immediately. This is an unprecedented order to protect your health. Please read the full posting announcement from CLHIA here.

Ontario’s Announcement about Closure of Non-Essential Businesses: Questions and Answers for Employers

On March 23, 2020 Premier Doug Ford announced that effective 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, all non-essential businesses will be ordered to close for 14 days, and possibly longer. This order is made further to the emergency declared on March 17, 2020 under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. Here is what employers need to consider now.