Canada publishes third and announces fourth round of sanctions for Russia, with new sanctions expected imminently for Belarus
As the military action in Ukraine intensifies, Canada continues to impose pressure upon Russia by way of, among other things, economic sanctions.
As described in detail in our client alert of February 28, 2022, Canada published its first two rounds of sanctions applicable to each of Russia and Ukraine on February 24, 2022 and announced a third round of sanctions for Russia on February 25, 2022, which Prime Minister Justin Trudeau indicated would target Russian President Vladimir Putin, his former chief of staff Sergei Ivanov, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
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COVID-19: Recovery and Re-opening Tracker
May 26, 2022
Lawyers from across the firm summarize recovery and re-opening measures that have been announced by the federal and provincial governments to date. This article will continue to be updated as further measures are introduced across the country.
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COVID-19: Emergency Measures Tracker
May 26, 2022
Lawyers from across the firm summarize the emergency measures that have been imposed in jurisdictions across Canada. This article will continue to be updated as further measures are introduced across the country.
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Insights
COVID-19 Update: Ontario Temporarily Moves to Modified Step Two of its Roadmap to Reopen
January 3, 2022
On January 3, 2022, the Government of Ontario, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, announced that it would be temporarily be moving the province into Step Two of its Roadmap to Reopen with modifications effective Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at 12:01 a.m. for at least 21 days until January 26, 2022.
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Federal Government Announces New Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program, Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program, and Other Changes to COVID-19 Recovery Measures
On October 21, 2021, the Government of Canada (the “Government”) announced new proposed COVID-19 recovery programs and changes to certain existing programs.
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ELXN 44: What is Old is New Again – The ‘New’ Trudeau Government’s Impact on Your Business
October 27, 2021
On October 5, 2021, our Strategic Advisory Group hosted “#ELXN44: What is Old is New Again – The ‘New’ Trudeau Government’s Impact on Your Business”. Paul Zed (former Member of Parliament and Chair of several parliamentary committees, Counsel and Strategic Advisor, McCarthy Tétrault) moderated a panel discussion on the results, impact, and longevity of the 44th Federal Election in 2021.
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Federal Government extends Wage Subsidy and Rent Subsidy programs until October 2021
September 7, 2021
This article highlights the particulars announced on July 30, 2021.
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BC’s Attempt to Halt the Spread of COVID-19: What the New Orders Mean for You and Your Business
September 3, 2021
In an attempt to halt the spread of COVID-19 in BC, Provincial Health Officer Bonnie Henry issued several public health orders restricting social interactions and business operations within the province.
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Retailer Checklist for Reopening in Canada
June 15, 2021
As COVID-19 infections decline across Canada and vaccinations ramp-up, provinces are gradually entering the first phases of their most recent reopening plans. Bricks-and-mortar retailers have reason to be optimistic, with the opportunity to boost operations and soon welcome customers in greater numbers. Adhering to government guidance and planning for each phase of reopening is essential for retailers to maximize recovery. This week’s Spotlight Series blog provides a checklist of best practices for retailers to follow as we increasingly open for business.
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BC’s Attempt to Halt the Spread of COVID-19: What the New Orders Mean for You and Your Business
June 17, 2021
On May 25, 2021 BC introduced a four-step reopening plan titled BC’s Restart: A plan to bring us back together. The end goal of the Plan is for BC to lift virtually all public health orders by September 7, 2021.
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Privacy Commissioners Comment on Vaccine Passports
May 27, 2021
As the number of Canadians who have received their first dose of one of the COVID-19 vaccines increases and case numbers continue to decline across the country, we are seeing the slow easing of the public health orders and restrictions which, among other things, closed restaurants, limited occupancy, and curtailed travel. As a result, governments and businesses have begun to shift their focus on post-pandemic recovery, as re-opening plans continue to be rolled out.
To help facilitate this re-opening, and to encourage higher vaccination rates, “vaccine passports” are being considered by businesses, industries and various levels of government as a means of confirming a person’s COVID-19 vaccination status. On May 19, 2021, the Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Privacy Commissioners released a joint statement relating to certain privacy concerns raised by the development of vaccine passports . Citing a need to incorporate “privacy best practices” in order to achieve protections commensurate with the sensitivity of individuals’ personal health information, the Statement serves to remind of the serious privacy issues that should be considered alongside the potentially significant benefits that vaccine passports may ultimately facilitate. However, the Statement leaves open important questions of interpretation, some of which are discussed further in the following blog.
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Federal Government Announces Changes to the CEWS and CERS Programs and Introduces the Canada Recovery Hiring Program
May 18, 2021
On April 19, 2021, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland tabled in the House of Commons the Liberal Government’s first federal budget in more than two years, A Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth, and Resilience.
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Cancelled Trips During COVID-19: Consumer Protection BC Weighs in on Travel Refunds Under the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act
May 11, 2021
Consumer Protection BC recently issued an advisory informing consumers about their rights under provincial law to receive refunds for travel.
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Key Takeaways from our ‘Spring Outlook: The Business Impact of the Federal Budget and Recent Geopolitical Events” Panel Discussion
May 6, 2021
On April 29, 2021, McCarthy Tetrault’s Strategic Advisory Group hosted “Spring Outlook: The Business Impact of the Federal Budget and Recent Geopolitical Events”.
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2021 Canadian Federal Budget – Top 5 Tax Measures
April 27, 2021
On April 19, 2021, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland tabled the Liberal Government’s 2021 budget (“Budget 2021”), the first federal budget in over two years. Budget 2021 includes a number of significant tax proposals. Five key tax proposals are briefly described below.
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Returning to Normalcy: The Unwinding of Financial Sector COVID-19 Measures in Canada
April 23, 2021
In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, uncertainty and volatility ran rampant in the world, including in its financial markets. Implemented with the goal of ensuring sufficient capital and liquidity in the financial markets, a wave of measures were taken by Canada’s principal financial industry regulators, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (“OSFI”), the Department of Finance Canada and the Bank of Canada.
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2021 Canadian Federal Budget Commentary - Tax Initiatives
April 19, 2021
On April 19, 2021, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland tabled in the House of Commons the Liberal Government’s first federal budget in more than two years, A Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth, and Resilience (Budget 2021). Budget 2021 contains tax measures that provide additional COVID-19 support to Canadian businesses, promote clean energy, introduce new sales and excise tax measures, limit interest deductibility and address certain cross-border financing structures.
COVID-19 Update: New Restrictions in Ontario
April 17, 2021
On April 16, 2021, the Government of Ontario announced that it would be extending the provincial declaration of emergency and the Stay-at-Home order for an additional two weeks until May 5, 2021.
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Cross-border business travel – What is the current situation?
April 15, 2021
As we have now entered the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and are witnessing a clear trend of rising numbers of new cases and active cases involving COVID variants, Canadians officials continue to thoroughly enforce all applicable travel restrictions and sanitary measures at the border to limit the spread of COVID-19 and its variants. While foreign nationals can still be allowed to travel to Canada in some specific cases, the situation can evolve quickly, and the requirements can change on short notice. This article identifies the five key points to keep in mind if you do need to travel to Canada from the United States.
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The BC Provincial Health Officer amends health orders to restrict indoor dining, fitness classes, and more until April 19
March 29, 2021
In an attempt to halt the spread of COVID-19 in BC, Provincial Health Officer Bonnie Henry issued several public health orders restricting social interactions and business operations within the province. These health orders are in place until further notice.
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Leading With Your Jab – Vaccine Distribution and Public Policy
March 25, 2021
A list of the top 5 issues facing public policy leaders that we are watching closely as policymakers decide how to best administer the vaccine, keep people safe and healthy, and prepare for life in Canada after COVID-19. From prioritization and sequencing to the easing of lockdowns, it can be difficult to decipher and assess the decisions which are driving public policy across the country. Read further if you’re concerned about how vaccine programs and policy changes affect your business
Read Now
Federal Government extends Wage Subsidy and Rent Subsidy programs until June 2021
March 5, 2021
On March 3, 2021, the Government of Canada announced additional particulars as to how the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy,will apply for Periods 14 to 16 (i.e., March 14, 2021 to June 5, 2021).
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COVID-19 Update: Alberta eases public health measures with move to Step 2 of “A Path Forward”
March 5, 2021
As a result of a sharp decline in hospital admissions and patients in intensive care units with COVID-19, the Government of Alberta has moved to Step 2 of their plan to ease COVID-19 related public health measures.
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Federal Government releases draft legislation to amend Wage Subsidy and Rent Subsidy programs
February 26, 2021
On February 24, 2021, the Department of Finance released draft legislative proposals to amend the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy.
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New COVID-19 Testing and Quarantine Measures
February 15, 2021
The Canadian Government announced new COVID-19 testing and quarantine measures, applicable to all travellers to Canada, including Canadian citizens. Here is a summary of the new measures.
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COVID-19 Update: Ontario Announces Extension of Stay-at-Home Order and Framework for Transitioning out of Shutdown
February 8, 2021
On February 8, 2021, the Government of Ontario announced an extension to the province-wide shutdown, including the stay-at-home order, for the majority of Ontario’s public health regions. As part of the announcement, the Ontario Government stated that it would return to a regional approach to gradually transition the province's 34 public health regions from shutdown to a revised and strengthened COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open (the "Framework").
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COVID-19 Update: Ontario Declares Second Provincial Emergency
February 8, 2021
Since our last update on January 15, 2021, the Government of Ontario has published a series of amendments to O. Reg. 82/20: Rules for Areas in Stage 1 under Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020, S.O. 2020, c. 17 (the “Stage 1 Rules”). Such amendments relate to capacity limits, businesses permitted to open and school openings.
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Impact of COVID-19 on the Duty to Mitigate: Early Indications in BC Supreme Court Decision
February 3, 2021
Following termination of employment, employees who are seeking damages for wrongful dismissal have a duty to mitigate their losses by taking reasonable steps to find comparable work. Employers considering issues related to common law reasonable notice in recent months should consider whether and to what extent the COVID-19 pandemic will affect the notice period.
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COVID-19: What Could the Taylor Decision Mean for Interprovincial Travel?
February 2, 2021
Talk of travel restrictions, at both the federal and provincial levels, is intensifying as COVID-19 infections continue to rise and new variants generate increasing concerns for Canadians. Last week, the federal government announced it would implement mandatory testing and hotel quarantine for international travellers returning to Canada.
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COVID-19 Update: The Alberta Government Announces a New Plan to Guide the Easing of Health Measures
January 30, 2021
On January 29, 2021, the Alberta Government announced a gradual easing of provincewide health measures. The easing will take place in a phased approach, with each step remaining subject to the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients at that time. Once a benchmark is reached, and three weeks have elapsed since the previous step, easing of restrictions will be considered as per below.
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Webinar Recap - Looking Ahead to 2021: Where Do We Go From Here?
January 18, 2021
Experts look at the road ahead for the US-Canada relationship, the prospects of a federal election, vaccine distribution, and Alberta’s economy.
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Financial Consumer Agency of Canada seeks to understand the impact of COVID-19 on Canadian Financial Consumers
January 12, 2021
The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) is conducting two surveys to gain a better understanding of Canadians' use of bank products and services during the pandemic and to gauge the impact of the pandemic on their overall financial wellness.
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New Health Measures for Travelers Entering Canada - COVID-19
January 11, 2021
During a press conference on January 6, 2021, Canada's Transport Minister, Marc Garneau, announced that a negative COVID-19 test will now be required in order to enter the country by aircraft.
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COVID-19 Update: Ontario Extends Lockdown in Northern Ontario and Online Learning for Elementary Students in Southern Ontario
January 8, 2021
On January 7, 2021, the Ontario government announced a 14 day extension to the current lockdown in Northern Ontario. This extension will apply to all seven public health unit regions located in Northern Ontario. The extension will also align the duration of the lockdown in Northern and Southern Ontario.
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Quebec Tightens and Extends Lockdown Measures, Imposes Curfew
January 6, 2021
On January 6, 2021, the Quebec government announced extended shutdowns and tightened restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including a curfew. The measures will be in effect from January 9 to February 8.
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Home Office Expenses – New Simplified Deduction Methods, New Taxable Benefit Exception, and Employer Obligations
January 4, 2021
On November 30, 2020, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland released Supporting Canadians and Fighting COVID-19: Fall Economic Statement 2020. The Fall Economic Statement contained a commitment to allow employees working from home in 2020 due to COVID-19 to deduct up to $400 in home office expenses without the need to obtain a Form T2200 from their employers certifying certain conditions in section 8 of the Income Tax Act (Canada) had been met. On December 15, 2020, the Canada Revenue Agency released details of the simplified home office expense deduction as well as a $500 taxable benefit exception for computer and home office expenses.
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COVID-19 Update: Ontario Announces Provincewide Lockdown Effective December 26, 2020
December 22, 2020
On December 21, 2020, the Government of Ontario announced a temporary provincewide shutdown effective 12:01 a.m. on December 26, 2020. The Shutdown will remain in place for 14 days for public health unit regions in Northern Ontario, and 28 days for public health unit regions in Southern Ontario.
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Quebec Cancels Boxing Day: Additional Shutdown Measures Announced Affecting Retail Businesses in the Province
December 21, 2020
On December 15, 2020, the Quebec government announced additional shutdown measures for the holiday period to prevent the spread of COVID-19, which affect almost all retail businesses in the province.
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Tax Measures Under Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
December 18, 2020
Leading lawyers from our National Tax Group break down the new set of tax and economic measures released under Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan (the “Response Plan”) to support the Canadian economy during the COVID-19 global pandemic.
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COVID-19 Update: Ontario Government Further Extends Infectious Disease Emergency Leave to July 3, 2021
December 18, 2020
The Ontario government has amended Regulation 228/20 made under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 to extend the COVID-19 Period for Infectious Disease Emergency Leave from January 2, 2021 to July 3, 2021.
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COVID-19 Update: Alberta Government Expands Mandatory Province-Wide Restrictions on the Workplace, Business Operations and Social Gatherings
December 9, 2020
On December 8, 2020, the Alberta Government announced expanded mandatory, province-wide restrictions, which will be in effect until at least January 12, 2021.
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COVID-19 Update - New Measures in Quebec
December 3, 2020
As the COVID-19 cases in Québec are continuing to increase, the Quebec government is progressively announcing measures which may have an impact on businesses, particularly in the retail sector, and on employers. Here is an update of the most recent news announced during this first week of December.
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Canadian Government provides further details of the CEWS and CERS for Periods 11 to 13
December 3, 2020
On November 30, 2020, the government of Canada released its much-anticipated Fall Economic Statement, which, among other things, included further details of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy programs in respect of Periods 11 to 13 (i.e., December 20, 2020 to March 13, 2021).
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COVID-19 Update: Lockdown Restrictions in Toronto and Peel and More
November 23, 2020
On November 20, 2020, the Government of Ontario announced that it would be moving certain public health unit regions to new levels in its Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework.
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Bill C-9 Enacted – New Rent Subsidy and Amended Wage Subsidy
November 20, 2020
On November 5, 2020, the government of Canada tabled Bill C-9, An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act, in the House of Commons. Bill C-9 received Royal Assent on November 19, 2020 and is now law. Bill C-9 amends the Income Tax Act to (i) implement previously announced changes to the existing Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy program, and (ii) establish the new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy program.
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Canadian Government introduces Bill C-9 to extend Wage Subsidy and implement Rent Subsidy
November 6, 2020
On November 2, 2020, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland introduced Bill C-9, An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act , in the House of Commons. Bill C-9, if enacted, would implement amendments to the Income Tax Act (Canada) to, inter alia, (i) extend the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy until June 30, 2020, and (ii) implement the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy.
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New CEWS Developments – October 2020 Announcements
October 19, 2020
On October 9, 2020, the Government of Canada announced its intention to extend the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (“CEWS”) until June 2021. According to the release, the CEWS will remain at “the current subsidy rate of up to a maximum of 65% of eligible wages until December 19, 2020.” The announcement extending the current maximum CEWS amount represented a change from the then existing legislation, which gradually reduces the maximum CEWS amount available in respect of active employees.
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The Speech from the Throne: The Impact on your Business
October 16, 2020
McCarthy Tétrault’s Strategic Advisory Group analyzed the Federal Government’s recent Throne Speech and shares strategic insights on how it will impact the Canadian economy as we continue to face the economic and social challenges perpetuated by COVID-19.
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COVID-19 Update: Modified Stage 2 Restrictions and Targeted Health Measures for Toronto, Ottawa and Peel Region
October 9, 2020
In an effort to address the recent rise of COVID-19 cases in Toronto, Ottawa and Peel, the Government of Ontario announced new closures and additional targeted public health measures in the Toronto, Ottawa and Peel public health unit regions.
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Bill 66 : Restarting of the Quebec Economy 2.0
October 6, 2020
On September 23, 2020, the Quebec Government tabled Bill 66 – An Act respecting the acceleration of certain infrastructure projects. This Bill seeks to facilitate the development of economic recovery programs to compensate from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic through various acceleration measures in terms of public contracts, environment, expropriation and land use planning.
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Government Announcements re CEWS for Furloughed Employees
October 2, 2020
This blog comments on recent developments in respect of the calculation of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy for furloughed employees, including the Canadian Government’s September 25, 2020 announcement to extend the Period 7 (August 30, 2020 – September 26, 2020) treatment to apply to Period 8 (September 27, 2020 to October 24, 2020) as well.
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Canadian Government Extends Wage Subsidy
September 24, 2020
In the Speech from the Throne on September 23, 2020, the Government of Canada announced that it plans to extend the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (“CEWS”) through to the summer of 2021.
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COVID-19: Economic Relief Measures Announced to Date
August 28, 2020
Leading lawyers from across the firm break down the economic relief measures put in place by the federal and provincial governments to date. This article will be regularly updated with new measures as they are announced.
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Release of updated CRA CEWS Calculator and Other CEWS Guidance
August 11, 2020
On August 11, 2020, the CRA released updated CEWS guidance documents and announced that applications for period 5 (i.e., July 5 to August 1) will open August 17, 2020. This alert includes links to the updated CRA guidance and to our Firm’s detailed commentary on the CEWS.
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Minister Extends Time Frame for National Security Reviews
August 7, 2020
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry has issued a Ministerial Order under the Time Limits and Other Periods Act (COVID-19), extending certain periods relating to the national security review process under the Investment Canada Act. This article discusses the key changes to the national security timelines and implications for foreign investments in Canada in the COVID environment.
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CEWS Update – Detailed Tax Commentary on the CEWS Amendments in Bill C-20
August 3, 2020
On July 17, 2020, the government of Canada released details, as well as draft legislative proposals to amend, inter alia, the Income Tax Act (Canada), in respect of a redesigned Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy program. The legislative proposals, in the form of Bill C-20, An Act respecting further COVID-19 measures, received Royal Assent on July 27, 2020, and are now law.
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Alberta Announces Attractive 20% R&D Grant to Boost Tech Sector
July 29, 2020
Alberta’s new Innovation Employment Grant will provide substantial grants to technology companies and start-ups. Part of the Alberta Recovery Plan, the IEG will give qualifying companies 8 – 20% of their base R&D spend.
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Indirect Tax Opportunities in a Precarious Economic Context
July 24, 2020
This article covers indirect tax opportunities provided for under the existing legislation that businesses should consider in the current economic context.
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Bill 197: Ontario’s sweeping COVID-19 recovery legislation — Key Takeaways for your Business
July 21, 2020
On July 8, the Ontario government introduced Bill 197, the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2020. The omnibus bill proposes to amend twenty provincial statutes, with the stated objective of jumpstarting economic growth and laying the groundwork for long-term, sustainable recovery, by simplifying regulatory processes in a number of different statutory contexts.
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COVID-19: Can They do That? Emergency Powers Across Canada
July 20, 2020
In this series, leading lawyers including Eric S. Block and Adam Goldenberg provide a brief overview of the current state of federal and provincial emergency legislation, how our governments are using (and could eventually use) their statutory powers to confront COVID-19, and what the effects of their efforts on Canadian businesses might be. They also canvass some of the constitutional constraints on government action.
Read Part I of the series (Ontario)
Read Part II of the series (Federal)
Read Part III of the series (British Columbia)
Read Part IV of the series (Alberta)
Read Part V of the series (Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan and Yukon)
Read Part VI of the series (Federal) (July 20, 2020)
Read Part VII of the series (Québec)
Read Part VIII of the series (Ontario, Québec, British Columbia, Alberta, Federal)
Read Part IX of the series (Canada wide)
CEWS Update – Federal Government redesigns CEWS for Period 5 and onwards
July 19, 2020
On July 17, 2020, the federal government released details, as well as draft legislation, in respect of a redesigned Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (the “CEWS”) program. In this piece, members of our Tax Group provide a summary of the key changes. Links to the draft legislative proposals and corresponding backgrounder, as well as prior commentary from our Firm on the CEWS, are also provided.
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CEWS Update – Prime Minister says CEWS to be extended to December 2020
July 14, 2020
During a press conference on July 13, 2020, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (the “CEWS”) will be extended to December 2020 (the “December Extension”). No further particulars were provided in respect of the December Extension; however, the Prime Minister indicated that a formal announcement would be forthcoming this week.
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Limits on emergency powers in British Columbia: Ombudsperson concludes that two COVID-19 orders were unlawful
July 6, 2020
The Ombudsperson of British Columbia recently concluded that two of the provincial government’s COVID-19 emergency orders were unlawful: they exceeded the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General’s statutory powers under the Emergency Program Act (the “EPA”).
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Bill 23: the Commercial Tenancies Protection Act
June 19, 2020
Alberta bans, inter alia, Commercial Lease terminations and Evictions During COVID-19 Pandemic, subject to qualifications.
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Seeking Economic Relief - Top 5 Tips
June 16, 2020
Finding ourselves in the throes of an unprecedented global economic crisis, organizations across all sectors are keen to explore economic relief programs offered by the federal and provincial governments. However, it can be difficult to identify which programs apply and how to access them, depending on an organization’s sector, jurisdiction, size, and other important criteria.
Explore what is available to your organization
CEWS Update – CRA Provides Particulars for Period 4 CEWS Extension
June 16, 2020
In this blog, our Tax Group provides a breakdown of a recent announcement by the Government of Canada with respect to the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS).
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Bill 61 : Restart of the Quebec Economy and Mitigation of the Consequences of the Public Health Emergency
June 8, 2020
On June 3, 2020, the Quebec Government tabled Bill 61 – An Act to restart Quebec’s economy and to mitigate the consequences of the public health emergency declared on March 13, 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic (the “Bill”). The Bill is the first of its kind in Canada and is part of a trend of implementing legislation in order to accelerate major infrastructure projects.
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10% Temporary Wage Subsidy Update
May 29, 2020
In this e-alert, our Tax Group provides an update on recently released regulations for purposes of the 10% Temporary Wage Subsidy, and the interaction between that subsidy and the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS).
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Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Update
May 16, 2020
A breakdown of recent changes to the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (the “CEWS”) announced by the Government of Canada.
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COVID-19 Update: Alberta Workplaces Must Develop and Implement COVID-19 Plans and Post Within 7 Days of Re-opening
May 15, 2020
As part of its Relaunch Strategy, the Alberta Government has ordered Alberta workplaces to develop and implement COVID-19 plans to minimize the risk of transmission of infection among persons working at or attending the business. These plans must be posted within 7 days of the public being able to attend the business.
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COVID-19: Steps to Recovery - Ontario Permits the Re-opening and Expansion of Certain Businesses and Activities in Time for the Victoria Day Long Weekend
May 14, 2020
This blog provides an update on Ontario's steps to recovery, detailing the announcements made by the Ontario Government on May 14, 2020 permitting further staged re-opening of certain businesses and activities.
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Climate Change Requirements a Feature of new COVID-19 Federal Loan Program
May 14, 2020
The federal government will require large companies that receive emergency loans to publish annual climate-related disclosure: Here’s what you need to know
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Government of Canada Establishes Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility and Expands the Business Credit Availability Program
May 13, 2020
Businesses in all sectors across Canada are under severe and unprecedented pressure. Due to COVID-19, consumer demand is at an all-time low. Large companies are struggling to obtain access to capital to stay afloat during this difficult time. On May 11, 2020, the Government of Canada announced much-anticipated programs to facilitate financing for large Canadian companies.
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COVID-19 Update: Alberta’s Gradual Re-Opening of the Economy
May 1, 2020
Lawyers from our Calgary office summarize the re-opening measures recently announced by the Alberta provincial government. This article will continue to be updated as further measures are introduced in the province.
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COVID-19 Update: The Government of Ontario Announces a Framework to Re-Open the Economy
April 27, 2020
On April 27, 2020, Premier Doug Ford announced Ontario’s framework for re-opening the economy. This blog provides a summary of the three-stage process proposed by the Government.
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BC Uses Emergency Powers to Secure Supply Chain, Defines “Essential Services”
April 20, 2020
A breakdown of the British Columbia Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General's announcement of a series of unprecedented ministerial orders “to secure critical supply chains and safeguard the most vulnerable”.
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After Much Anticipation, Federal Government Announces Support for the Oil & Gas Sector
April 17, 2020
An international price war, along with a demand slump caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, is having a devastating impact on oil and gas across Canada. This article provide a brief summary of the relief announced by Federal and Provincial governments for Canada’s oil and gas sector.
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COVID-19: Limits on Governments’ Emergency Powers
April 16, 2020
Even in responding to a pandemic, governments cannot act without constraint. In this update, leading litigators Michael Feder, Q.C., Eric S. Block and Adam Goldenberg examine the constitutional and statutory limits on governments’ powers under emergency and public health legislation – and how the courts may ultimately enforce them.
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Canadian Federal Wage Subsidies During the COVID-19 Pandemic
April 15, 2020
In this alert, members of our tax team provide a detailed overview of amendments made to the Income Tax Act (Canada) to implement: (i) the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (“CEWS”) and (ii) the 10% temporary wage subsidy which is separate from (but reduces) the CEWS. This detailed commentary is a companion piece to the more general summary of the CEWS prepared by our labour group
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Alberta Suspends Routine Environmental Reporting Requirements
April 3, 2020
On March 31, 2020 in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, Alberta’s Minister of Environment and Parks by Ministerial Orders modified many routine environmental reporting requirements under Alberta’s key environmental legislation. This step is an acknowledgment of the hardship facing many companies
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Ontario government issues emergency order providing flexibility with respect to shareholder and director meetings
April 1, 2020
Leading lawyers from our Canadian Securities Regulatory Monitor blog, including partners Wendi Locke, Andrew Parker and Patrick Boucher discuss Ontario’s emergency order enacted March 31, 2020 allowing for OCBA corporations to hold virtual or electronic shareholder and directors meetings and extending the deadline by which annual shareholder meetings are to be held.
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US Travel Restrictions Related to COVID-19
March 27, 2020
In an effort to control the spread of COVID-19, the US has implemented sweeping travel restrictions during the last few weeks. Travellers need to be aware of these changes and to continuously keep abreast of updated rules, because travel restrictions and quarantine measures can change at any time.
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Government Grants Relief to Importers In the Midst of COVID-19 Crisis: Deadlines for Payment of Duties and Taxes on Imports Extended
March 27, 2020
In a move intended to ease the financial burden on the Canadian importer community that has resulted from the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the Canadian Government announced today that it would take the extraordinary step of extending the timeframes for the payment of duties and GST on imported products, as well as certain other payments owing to the Canadian Border Services Agency (“CBSA”).
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Municipal Tax Measures in Canada Aimed at COVID-19 Relief
March 24, 2020
Leading lawyers from our National Tax Group break down municipal tax relief measures introduced in cities across Canada to date as a response to COVID-19.
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COVID-19 Update - Federal Government Announces “Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan"
March 18, 2020
This morning, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a new set of economic measures to assist Canadians as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Podcasts
Dans l'épisode 6 (In French only) : Ce que vous devez savoir à propos de la subvention salariale d'urgence, Chrystelle Chevalier-Gagnon discute avec Marie-Soleil Landry, associée au sein du groupe de droit fiscal, de la subvention salariale d’urgence.
*Cet épisode explore un sujet qui intéresse tout le monde, pas seulement les avocats, et bien qu'il puisse contenir des informations juridiques, il ne fournit pas de conseils juridiques.
On Episode 3: Closing Time, Adam Goldenberg speaks to Chad Rogers of Crestview Strategy about the Government of Ontario's decision to order all "non-essential workplaces" to close. How will the government decide which workplaces are "essential" and which are not?
This program qualifies for up to 0.2 hours of CPD credit under the mandatory education regimes in British Columbia and Ontario.
Dans l'épisode 2 (in French only) : La médecine des populations, Emmanuelle Poupart s'entretient avec le directeur de santé publique de l’Estrie, le Dr Alain Poirier, des mesures prises par le gouvernement dans le cadre de l’urgence sanitaire liée à la COVID-19, en précisant comment celles-ci contribuent à freiner la propagation du coronavirus.
Dans l'épisode 1 (In French only) : Faire de l’ordre dans les plus récentes mesures d’urgence du Québec, Chrystelle Chevalier-Gagnon discute avec l’ancien premier ministre du Québec, M. Jean Charest, et un avocat de droit des affaires, M. Clemens Mayr, sur la façon de naviguer les mesures annoncées le 23 mars 2020 par le gouvernement du Québec afin de réduire au minimum l’ensemble des services et activités qui ne sont pas prioritaires dans l’objectif de ralentir la progression de la COVID-19 dans la province.
Ce programme a été reconnu à titre de formation admissible pour une durée de 0,4 heure sous le régime de formation continue obligatoire de l’Ontario.
On Episode 1: Inside the Cabinet Room, Adam Goldenberg is joined by the McCarthy Tétrault Strategic Advisory Group. Together, Jean Charest, Wayne Wouters, and Paul Zed discuss how governments are (or aren’t) using their emergency powers to confront COVID-19 and how businesses should work with government for economic support.
This program qualifies for up to 0.3 hours of CPD credit under the mandatory education regimes in British Columbia and Ontario.