This week’s update on resources shared by law firms addressing the COVID-19 crisis
Law firms across Canada are sharing their insights on how to deal with the rapidly evolving economic and legal landscape due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Below is a roundup of some of these resources.
Hull & Hull LLP
In “Virtual Witnessing of Wills and Powers of Attorney With Less Risk,” the firm provides commentary on the steps suggested by the Lawyers’ Professional Indemnity Company to reduce the risk of estate-law-related malpractice claims. The firm also shares the checklists that it created for the execution of wills and powers of attorney by video.
Pitblado LLP
In “COVID-19 and Family Law-Related Issues,” the firm discusses the impact of the pandemic on family law matters, procedures and proceedings, particularly with regard to court closures, trials, triage conferences, document filings, child support and parenting time, among others.
Other resources:
- COVID-19 and Business Closures
- COVID-19 Quick Guide for Employers
- Manitoba Declares a State of Emergency - COVID-19
ROBIC LLP
In “Diversifying your product offering to combat COVID-19: what are the implications for trademarks?,” the firm explores the issue of trademark protection vis-à-vis the recent diversified offerings of businesses aiming to address the shortage in medical equipment and hygiene products amid the public health crisis.
Other resources:
- Privacy And Covid-19: It’s All About Proportionality!
- Can the COVID-19 crisis be considered a case of superior force?
- Hello Doctor, COVID-19 attacked my data!
Axiom Law
“COVID-19: Preparing Your Legal Department” is a checklist that seeks to assist lawyers and legal departments in navigating the COVID-19-related risks that arise during this period of market uncertainty.
Other resources:
- COVID-19: People-Focused Guidance for Lawyers and Leaders
- COVID-19: Reimagining Remote Work and the Future of Legal Culture
- Imperatives for a New Legal Industry Era
WeirFoulds LLP
In “Freeze (or Re-Freeze): Come Out of the COVID-19 Crisis With Your Hands Up (in a Victory Pose!),” the firm introduces the concept of an estate freeze and lists the potential benefits of using this estate-planning technique, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 crisis.
Other resources:
- Duty to Report and COVID-19
- Construction Site and COVID-19: Health and Safety Resources
- Holding an AGM During the Global Pandemic of COVID-19: New CSA, TSX, TSX-V and Legislative Measures Provide Guidance to Public Companies
Wildeboer Dellelce LLP
In “COVID-19 Considerations for Asset Managers,” the firm identifies a number of operational and compliance-related considerations for asset managers, including investment policies and strategies, pricing methodology and the management of a fund’s liquidity needs.
Other resources:
- The Impact of COVID-19 on Cannabis Retail Stores in Ontario
- Relief from the Regulators - Shareholder Meetings during the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Wildeboer Dellelce COVID-19 Hotline
Harper Grey LLP
In “Your Continued Obligation to Close Your Real Estate Transaction During the COVID-19 Pandemic,” the firm emphasizes the importance of closing real estate transactions instead of adopting a wait-and-see attitude and potentially incurring a contractual breach.
Other resources:
- COVID-19 and Force Majeure: Radical Rethink Required
- Corporate Restructuring Law Primer: Solutions to Assist Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
- Provincial and Federal Benefit Chart
Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP
Given that the pandemic has led some companies in Canada to consider whether they can hold their annual general meetings remotely, in “Guidance for conducting virtual AGMs in response to COVID-19,” the firm lists some key points for these companies to keep in mind. The considerations discussed include the question of whether these meetings can be postponed or adjourned and the issue of what constitutes adequate notice of such virtual or hybrid meetings.\
Other resources:
- Disclosure considerations for reporting issuers as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic
- Federal Government announces assistance for Canada’s oil and natural gas industry
- Restructuring options to encourage business viability in light of COVID-19
Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP
In “COVID-19 Update: Questions and Answers for Municipalities,” the firm explores issues relevant to municipalities in light of the recent orders issued by the Ontario government affecting the operations of municipalities. The firm discusses possible financial support and staff reductions, among other matters.
Other resources:
- Online Portal for CEWS Applications Available on April 27, 2020
- Further Measures Announced in Relation to COVID-19
- COVID-19 and Long-Term Care – Ontario Government Imposes “Single-Employer” Rule for Long-Term Care Employees
Whitten & Lublin PC
In “Your Work Rights Amid COVID-19 Concerns,” the firm answers a number of questions relating to employees’ rights, in light of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Other resources:
