On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization assessed COVID-19 as a pandemic. The Canadian government has unveiled aggressive new measures to contain the coronavirus and this has direct impact on Canadian immigration. This bulletin will provide a summary of the key immigration updates for the period between May 23, 2020 and June 22, 2020.
Travel Ban
On March 20, 2020, the Governor General issued two Orders in Council pursuant to section 58 of the Quarantine Act. The effect of these is the creation of a temporary travel ban on foreign nationals travelling to Canada from overseas (valid until June 30,...
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On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization assessed COVID-19 as a pandemic. The Canadian government has unveiled aggressive new measures to contain the coronavirus and this has direct impact on Canadian immigration. This bulletin will provide a summary of the key immigration updates for the period between April 23, 2020 and May 22, 2020.
Travel Ban
On March 20, 2020, the Governor General issued two Orders in Council pursuant to section 58 of the Quarantine Act. The effect of these is the creation of a temporary travel ban on foreign nationals travelling to Canada from overseas (valid until June 30,...
Read More
As British Columbia begins to allow businesses to re-open, certain industries are being asked (and more may be asked in the future) to collect personal information to assist government agencies with tracking the potential spread of COVID-19.
Any private company in British Columbia that is asked to collect personal information must ensure they are complying at all times with the Personal Information Protection Act, SBC 2003, c.63 (“PIPA”).1 Companies may also be required to comply with Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, SC 2000, c.5 when the personal information of residents from other provinces has been affected or if...
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Over the past couple of months, COVID-19 has changed the way we work. As a trusted business partner to our valued clients and a responsible community member and employer, we have remained committed to doing all we can to help stop the further spread of COVID-19 by staying home, staying safe and staying apart.
Beginning Monday, May 25th 2020, following recommendations from the Provincial Health Authority and WorkSafe BC, we will be increasing the number of staff and lawyers in the office to 25% of our workforce. The remainder of our employees will continue to work remotely and clients should...
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In light of COVID-19, the date, format and topic for our May Lunch and Learn has changed. We are now hosting a Zoom webinar on May 13th, 2020 starting at 12:00 noon.
As the province prepares to set a timeline to relax emergency restrictions, businesses and organizations are planning ahead with the next steps to be taken to successfully reopen or return to regular operations. Our presenters will discuss considerations for reopening offices or work locations, and returning workers to regular employment. The discussion will cover:
Benefits update: What have the federal and provincial governments provided and how are the benefits...
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The British Columbia Employment Standards Branch (“ESB”) and the British Columbia Human Rights Commissioner (“HRC”) have released recent guidance to employers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
1. Statement from the ESB
The BC ESB Interpretation Manual has been amended to clarify the exception to the obligation to provide individual and group termination pay pursuant to the Employment Standards Act (the “Act”) where it is impossible for work to be performed due to a change in circumstances that could not have been anticipated.
The addition to the policy interpretation states that:
If a business closure or staffing reduction is directly related to COVID-19...
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On March 17, 2020, British Columbia declared a state of emergency as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since that time, our efforts to flatten the curve have taken centre stage in our print and television media communications. Given all of this discussion, how can landlords and tenants manage their own conversations about COVID-19? Below are a number of tips for both landlords and tenants during this unprecedented crisis.
Landlord Tips
Communicate regularly with your tenants
Make sure that your tenants know how you are handling this crisis, relay best practices regarding building hygiene and safety precautions, and clearly communicate steps...
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On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization assessed COVID-19 as a pandemic. The Canadian government has unveiled aggressive new measures to contain the coronavirus and this has direct impact on Canadian immigration. This bulletin will provide a summary of the key immigration updates for the period between March 24, 2020 and April 22, 2020.
International Students
On April 22, 2020, Immigration Canada announced international students would be permitted to work more than 20 hours per week while classes are in session, provided they are working in an essential service or function, such as health care, critical infrastructure, or...
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