On August 23, 2021, the British Columbia government announced that by order of the Provincial Health Officer, proof of vaccination will be required to access some events, services and businesses in the province.
On August 20, 2021, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health issued a statement effectively mandating that local employers institute a workplace vaccination policy to protect their employees and the public from COVID-19.
On August 17, 2021, Ontario announced that COVID-19 vaccination policies would be mandatory in high-risk settings, and the province’s exit from the Roadmap to Reopen would be put on hold.
On August 19, 2021, the City of Toronto announced that all members of the Toronto Public Service will be required to disclose and provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination status by September 13, 2021.
British Columbia recently announced new public health requirements regarding COVID-19 vaccinations for those working at long-term care and seniors’ assisted living facilities.
A new federal minimum wage of $15 per hour applicable to federally regulated employees in the private sector was included in the Budget Implementation Act, 2021, No. 1. The new wage rate will take effect on December 29, 2021.
On August 11, 2021, Ontario released new guidance providing updated recommendations for case, contact, and outbreak management of fully immunized and previously positive individuals in the province.
In a recent wrongful dismissal action, the court awarded the employee one month more than it would have otherwise because of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on his ability to secure new employment and the degree of uncertainty it caused.
