The impact of COVID-19

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 The CRB provides $500 per week for up to 26 weeks for workers who have stopped working or had their income reduced by at least 50% due to COVID-19, and who are not eligible for Employment Insurance (EI). 

 The CRB provides $500 ($450 after taxes withheld) per week for up to 38 weeks for workers who:

• are not employed or self-employed for reasons related to COVID-19  or have had their income reduced by at least 50% due to COVID-19
• are not eligible for Employment Insurance (EI)
• meet all the eligibility criteria for period they're applying for

 The government has announced a proposed extension of the current CERS and Lockdown Support rate until June 5, 2021.

The Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) provides a direct and easy-to-access rent and mortgage subsidy of up to 65% of eligible expenses to qualifying businesses, charities and non-profits. The subsidy rates are in effect until December 19, 2020. This support is available directly to tenants.

Lockdown Support

Qualifying organizations that have been significantly restricted by a mandatory public health order issued by a qualifying public health authority can receive an additional 25% of rent support through the Lockdown Support.

The combined effect of the rent subsidy and the Lockdown Support is that hard-hit businesses, non-profits and charities subject to a lockdown can receive rent support of up to 90%.

The CRSB provides $500 per week for up to a maximum of 2 weeks, for workers:

• Are unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they contracted COVID-19
• Are self-isolated for reasons related to COVID-19
• have underlying conditions, are undergoing treatments or have contracted other sicknesses that, in the opinion of a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner, person in authority, government or public health authority, would make them more susceptible to COVID-19.

The CRCB provides $500 per week for up to 26 weeks per household for workers:

• unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they must care for a child under the age of 12 or family member because schools, day-cares or care facilities are closed due to COVID-19
• because the child or family member is sick and/or required to quarantine or is at high risk of serious health implications because of COVID-19.

The CRSB provides $500 per week for up to a maximum of 2 weeks, for workers:

• Are unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they contracted COVID-19
• Are self-isolated for reasons related to COVID-19
• have underlying conditions, are undergoing treatments or have contracted other sicknesses that, in the opinion of a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner, person in authority, government or public health authority, would make them more susceptible to COVID-19.

 Enacted March 25th, 2020, this legislation enabled the creation of various of pieces of legislation impacting industries across the country.

Emergency Management & Civil Protection Act 

  to create a new temporary emergency income support payment for workers who suffer a loss of income due to COVID-19. The program will provide up to 16 weeks of income support payments for workers who have ceased working due to COVID-19.  

  April 16, 2020: The Government of Canada announced its intent to introduce the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses  

 The Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) will provide interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits, to help cover their operating costs during a period where their revenues have been temporarily reduced. This program has been implemented by banks in collaboration with Export Development Canada. Business owners can apply for support from the Canada Emergency Business Account through their banks.

 April 22, 2020: The Government of Canada will support students and recent graduates by launching the “I Want to Help” platform, funding various student employment organizations, enhancing student financial assistance for fall 2020, and providing access to benefits over the summer  

The government has announced a proposed extension of the current CEWS rates until June 5, 2021.

  As a Canadian employer whose business has been affected by COVID-19, you may be eligible for a subsidy of 75% of employee wages for up to 24 weeks, retroactive from March 15, 2020, to August 29, 2020.This wage subsidy will enable you to re-hire workers previously laid off as a result of COVID-19, help prevent further job losses, and better position you to resume normal operations following the crisis. 

  The following federal legislation has been enacted to date to protect the health and well-being of Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic: 

1. An Act to amend the Financial Administration Act (special warrant) (S.C. 2020, c.4) 
2. COVID-19 Emergency Response Act (S.C. 2020, c. 5) 
3. COVID-19 Emergency Response Act, No. 2 (S.C. 2020, c. 6) 
4. Bill C-15: Canada Emergency Student Benefit Act 

 The rise of the New Normal; The OBCA, Business Names Act, CCA, Corporations Information Act, Corporations Act, Limited Partnerships Act, and Extra-Provincial Corporations Act have each been amended to help businesses avoid in-person contact and maintain physical distancing.  

   The COVID-19 pandemic is causing many people to urgently consider ways and means to continue carrying on business. 

Moving away from “wet ink” execution of documents and instruments to a more adaptable environment is an important measure as millions of people are suddenly found working from home, where traditional concepts of document execution and delivery are more challenged.   

  During this COVID-19 pandemic our office is dedicated to the public protection, safety and wellbeing of our clients and employees.
We serve our clients remotely and via phone, teleconference, telecommunication, document pick-up and drop-off.
We want to assure our clients that we will strive to deliver the quality service you have come to expect from us and we look forward to hearing from you. 

  These amendments to the Business Corporations Act are retroactive to March 17, 2020. Schedule 7 deems Ontario Regulation 107/20 to be revoked on the same date.The Act is also amended to permit for electronic signatures on certain documents, to permit for copies of certain documents to be used in place of originals and to accommodate alternative methods of filing under the Alternative Filing Methods for Business Act, 2020. 

  We make the law simple, accessible, knowable and affordable for people across the country.Due to the evolving nature of our digital footprint, we will continue to ensure that your legal matters include digital protections such as, your Social Media (personal and professional), Artificial Intelligence and Policy and Compliance which forms a critical aspect of the firms Commercial Law services and education.Our web-enabled documents mean that you can self-serve at your own leisure and via our subscription based services we give you the control of decision-making as the client and this in turn demystifies the law.
As a result of this your fees as a client are reduced and legal services become more accessible to a broader range of people. 

 Pettle Law believe that accessibility enables people to achieve their full potential. As such, ensuring that our services are accessible is an integral part of our commitment to providing our clients with exemplary service.
More accessible legal services leads to earlier intervention in legal matters where a robust Legal Strategy prevents escalating costs to remedy situations, avoiding costly court and mediation time.
We are extraordinarily proud of our lawyers and staff who have demonstrated a continued commitment to accessibility in their communities.