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.
Gowling WLG
In “Changes to environmental obligations during COVID-19,” Gowlings shares recent developments relating to exemptions, delays and regulatory changes in environmental laws in Ontario and at the federal level.
Other resources:
- Quebec Government Update - July 1st to 14, 2020
- SFCR licencing requirements for manufactured food businesses
- Flow-through share spending timelines extended by 12 months
Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
In “Beyond COVID-19 - Adding a Partner to a Franchisee to Improve the Financial Health of the Franchised Business,” Fasken suggests one potential way for franchisees to boost their financial well-being as they emerge weakened from lockdowns and closures.
Other resources:
- Weekend Workplace Wrap-up on COVID-19 for July 17-19, 2020
- Daily Workplace Wrap-up on COVID-19 for July 16, 2020
- Opportunities in Distress - M&A and Investment in Canada’s Oil & Gas Sector
Stikeman Elliott LLP
In “Canada’s Healthcare Industry After COVID-19: Legal, Medical and Business Perspectives (Video),” Mario Nigro, a partner at Stikeman Elliott, leads a discussion on pertinent topics, such as opportunities in investing in healthcare and competition and foreign investment considerations relating to the healthcare sector.
Other resources:
- Quebec Makes the Wearing of Masks Mandatory in Indoor Public Spaces
- COVID-19 Update: CIPO Extends Office Deadline
- Toronto and Other Municipalities Introduce Bylaws Requiring Businesses to Implement Mandatory Mask or Face Covering Policies
McCarthy Tétrault LLP
In “Top 5 Trends in Foreign Investment Review,” McCarthy Tétrault outlines certain foreign investment review trends for businesses to consider, such as a rise in the number of national security reviews and extended review timelines.
Other resources:
- CEWS Update – Federal Government redesigns CEWS for Period 5 and onwards
- CEWS Update – Prime Minister says CEWS to be extended to December 2020
- COVID-19: Ontario Moving to Stage 3 of Regional Re-Opening
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
In “Food Industry Clients Reflect on Insights Learned During COVID-19,” Blakes identifies key lessons learned by businesses in the food, beverage and agribusiness industries during the course of the public health crisis.
Other resources:
- Continuity Podcast: Life Sciences: Liability and Immunity During COVID-19
- Ontario Government Proposes Overhaul of Environmental Assessment Act
- Building on Recovery: Ontario’s Infrastructure-Related Legislative Developments
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
In “Employers: Ready, set, remote work!” BLG explores possible issues for employers as they implement remote and flexible work arrangements in the workplace, such as health and safety obligations and the reimbursement of costs.
Other resources:
- COVID-19: Breaking developments and essential resources
- COVID-19 - Provincial and territorial action plans for reopening
- Mandatory masks and face coverings: What Québec employers need to know
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP
In “Modernization of the courts during COVID-19,” Norton Rose Fulbright considers how courts can further modernize and streamline their processes amid the COVID-19 crisis.
Other resources:
- Employer month 6 pandemic check: Is your re-opening plan compliant and ready for returning employees?
- CIPO extends deadlines – to August 10
- Pandemic screening in Ontario workplaces: checklists, policies, reporting programs, testing and what’s to come
Torkin Manes LLP
In “Brave New World: A Lawyer’s Suggestions for Dentists in the COVID-19 Era,” Torkin Manes sheds light on how dentists and dental specialists can mitigate the risks of maintaining their practice in light of the pandemic.
Other resources:
- What Landlords need to know about Bill 184 and prospective amendments to Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
- How the closed Canada-U.S. border affects binational families
- COVID-19 Insurance and Healthcare Considerations
Lenczner Slaght Royce Smith Griffin LLP
In “Trial Advocacy is (Mostly) the Same Online: Lessons Learned from a Virtual Patent Trial,” Lenczner Slaght provides insight on how virtual trials are different from and similar to in-person trials.
Clyde & Co Canada LLP
In “D&Os must watch Canada’s evolving response to twin challenges of COVID-19 and climate change,” the firm discusses strategies and programs introduced by Canada to address the public health crisis and the climate change crisis.
Bereskin & Parr LLP
In “Repurposed Drugs in the Fight Against COVID-19,” Bereskin & Parr writes about the repurposing of existing or abandoned drugs, a strategy which researchers and pharmaceutical companies can consider to more quickly find a treatment or cure for COVID-19.
Other resources:
- Return to In-Court Hearings in Ontario – New Safety Measures
- The Race to Produce a COVID-19 Vaccine (Part II) - The Pathway to Vaccine Approval, IP and Launch
- The Race to Produce a COVID-19 Vaccine (Part I) - Introduction to Vaccine Development & IP
McLennan Ross LLP
In “Bill 24: COVID-19 Pandemic Response Statutes Amendment Act Receives Royal Assent,” McLennan Ross elucidates Alberta’s Bill 24, which intends to safeguard public health and to support the reopening of the province.
Other resources:
- McLennan Ross Update for Monday
- Summarizing the Commercial Tenancies Protection Act
- COVID-19 Federal Economic Relief Measures
Hull & Hull LLP
In “Estate Litigation and COVID Complications,” Hull & Hull talks about obtaining an order giving instructions, a process which may be more complex in the COVID-19 context.
Other resources:
- When and how can your travel insurance be voided?
- Canada Revenue Agency Update Re: Clearance Certificates During COVID-19
- Going Back to Court: Make Sure You Can Get In
Mann Lawyers LLP
In “Canada’s Care of Businesses During the COVID-19 Pandemic,” the firm summarizes the various steps that Canada has taken to help businesses weather the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis, such as through the introduction of wage subsidies and other government benefits and through the extension of timelines.
Other resources:
