LO COVID-19 Resource Hub

Stay at home order issued, effective Jan. 14, 2021

LO's Covid-19 Task Force - Q&A Meeting on the Stay-at-Home Order - Jan. 14, 2021

Important information for Employers

EMPLOYERS

Important information for Employees

EMPLOYEES

NEWS

Jan. 15
Applications are open for the new Ontario Small Business Support Grant, which helps small businesses that are required to close or significantly restrict services under the Provincewide Shutdown effective December 26, 2020. See the eligibility requirements.

Jan. 14
The Ministry of Labour announced an inspection blitz will begin Jan. 16, primarily targeting big box stores. The media release also stated "even if an illness was not definitively contracted at work, employers are reminded to report all illnesses in the workplace, including COVID-19, or report if a claim for an occupational illness has been filed with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. All cases must be reported to the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, the workplace’s joint health and safety committee/representative and trade union." Read the full media release.

Jan. 12
Effective Thursday, January 14, 2021at 12:01 a.m., the government is issuing a stay-at-home order requiring everyone to remain at home with exceptions for essential purposes. Read the announcement.

Jan. 4
Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health issued a Letter of Instruction to all employers in the City of Toronto permitted to be open under the Reopening Ontario Act. Employers permitted to be open are required to take the additional measures set out in this Letter to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Dec. 21
The Ontario government is imposing a Provincewide Shutdown, starting on Saturday, December 26, 2020, at 12:01 a.m. Snow Removal, landscaping services and businesses that produce plants are permitted to operate, while following sector specific health and workplace safety measures. Garden centres are restricted to curbside pickup and delivery. Read the media release.

Dec. 18
For employers with non-unionized employees, the provincial government is extending regulatory changes brought forward under the Employment Standards Act to July 3, 2021.The regulation's changes include putting non-unionized employees on job-protected leave during the COVID-19 outbreak any time their hours of work are temporarily reduced by their employer due to the pandemic to prevent temporary layoffs from becoming permanent. Learn more.

Dec. 14
The provincial government is recommending all businesses create a workplace safety plan. You don’t have to submit your plan to the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, but creating one can help you make the workplace safer for everyone. Learn about workplace safety plans.

Dec. 9
The federal government announced some temporary certificates related to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act will not be renewed after Jan. 31, 2021. Visit the Government of Canada's website for full details.

Dec. 7
Beginning Dec. 4, 2020, eligible businesses facing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic are able to access a second CEBA loan of up to $20,000 – on top of the initial $40,000 that was available to small businesses. Learn more about CEBA.

Dec. 2
In the spirit of keeping everyone safe, WSPS and LO have put together some important information for winter maintenance professionals. If you need any assistance or have some questions, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services would be delighted to help you out. Send an email to dutyconsultant@wsps.ca or call 1-877-494-9777. Learn more.

Nov. 19
The CEWS has been extended to June 2021, including changes to the rates and top-up calculation. Learn more about the changes to CEWS.

Nov. 1
As of September 27, 2020, there are some temporary changes to the EI program.. These changes will be in effect for 1 year. Go to the federal government's website to find the benefit type that applies to your situation.

Oct. 27
The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development has provided some new material in developing your Covid-19 workplace safety plan originally released in June. Revisions include active screening or workers, air flow/ventilation, use of masks and what to do if there is a case of Covid in the workplace. Download the Word template online.

Oct. 24
As of Sept. 26, employers must actively screen every worker before they enter the workplace at the start of their shift.
Read the full instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health.

Oct. 21
Provincial government hosts employment standards webinars
The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, in partnership with organizations across Ontario are hosting webinars to help you understand your employment standards and occupational health and safety rights and obligations as they relate to COVID-19. Learn more at Ontario.ca.

Oct. 5
Links to information on new programs: