By Victoria Merritt. As COVID-19-related restrictions ease in British Columbia, employers and employees have begun to navigate the process of returning to work. Anxiety around safety in a non-virtual workspace, ongoing family care obligations, increasing economic pressure, and constantly evolving rules make for stormy seas to sail. A number of my colleagues have already shared […]
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We’re Hiring – Litigation Associate (Vancouver / Surrey)
We are currently looking for two lawyers to join our Vancouver / Surrey team. The ideal candidates will have 2+ years of litigation experience, with at least one of those in the field of employment law, and the skills and temperament needed to manage a busy caseload and foster and develop client relationships. They will […]
Uber’s “Unconscionable” Arbitration Clause Opens Door for Class Action
By Victoria Merritt. The Supreme Court of Canada has decided that Ontario courts, not a Dutch arbitrator, can hear a potential class action lawsuit against Uber that may determine if its drivers are “employees.” In doing so, the majority affirms the principle of unconscionability, reminding employers that an enforceable employment agreement must be fair and […]
CapriCMW Webinar Series for Employers Now Online
Join Kent Employment Law’s Kim Darling and Tanja Halsall of Potentia HR for a discussion on the practical considerations for managing your risk and engaging with your employees during these unprecedented times.
Ask A B Corp Twitter Chat with Richard Johnson
On May 14, Kent Employment Law Partner Richard Johnson joined #AskABCorp for a live Twitter chat covering a wide range of employment law issues particularly relevant during the COVID-19 climate. Richard was on hand to answer questions about furloughs and layoffs, workers’ rights, government benefits for entrepreneurs, and more. If you weren’t able to attend, […]
COVID-19 and Employee Vacation Time: Richard Johnson speaks to Canadian HR Reporter
5 key questions on vacation time with COVID-19 By John Dujay, Canadian HR Reporter, April 28, 2020 With so many workers being laid off or working reduced hours, vacation time is becoming one of the hot-button issues facing employers and HR during the pandemic. Do they have the right to force workers to take vacation […]
HR and Employment Law Issues During COVID-19 (Webinar Recording Available)
HR and Employment Law Issues During COVID-19 BC Non-Profit Housing Association April 30, 2020, 10:00 am – 11:30 am Webinar On April 30, the BCNPHA presented a free webinar for employers seeking help navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. In this 90 minute session, legal and HR experts Simon Kent (Founder of Kent Employment Law) and Marsha […]
Government Assistance for Businesses during COVID-19, Part 2: Export Development Canada Loan Guarantee
By Trevor Thomas. This is the second post in a three-part series covering the three credit programs that the Canadian Federal government has established for businesses that have been affected by COVID-19. In Part 1, we wrote about the Canada Emergency Business Account. Below, we review the second option available to Canadian businesses: the Export Development […]
COVID-19 and the Courts
By Michael Bellomo. BC’s courts are closed. How will this affect your legal matter? Read on to find out. Operations suspended As you have likely already heard, last month the British Columbia Supreme Court suspended regular court operations to help contain the spread of COVID-19. Initially, the Court suspended all civil (and family) matters that […]
Federal and BC Government Response to COVID-19: Fact Sheet for Employers and Employees
Current to April 23, 2020 The following Fact Sheet compiles information relating to the key financial programs and initiatives the Canadian and BC governments are implementing in response to the COVID-19 crisis. A. Federal Government Programs Temporary Wage Subsidy Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Tax Filings GST Credit Canada Child Benefit Canada Emergency Response Benefit Work-Sharing […]
