Living with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (“GAD”) can be an overwhelming challenge. The persistent worry, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating—compounded by the pressures of maintaining employment and earning income—can significantly affect an individual’s well-being. In recent years, GAD has become an increasingly recognized as a disability in Ontario, allowing employees to assert specific rights and protections that […]
The federal government of Canada is extending Employment Insurance sickness benefits to 26 weeks. Previously, an eligible applicant was only entitled to receive 15 weeks of sickness benefits under the Employment Insurance Act. The extended Employment Insurance sickness benefits will be effective for any applications starting on December 18, 2022. Extended Employment Insurance sickness benefits […]
After more than two years, Ontario’s temporary layoff measure implemented when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, has finally ended. On March 19, 2020, the Ontario government created a new leave under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (“ESA”), called the Infections Disease Emergency Leave (“IDEL”). Under the ESA, layoffs have always been permissible for a period of […]
As the majority of the workforce transitions back to in-office work, employees’ mental health in the workplace can no longer be ignored. Bram Lecker (“Mr. Lecker”), principal of Lecker & Associates, recently addressed this issue in an article, Disability claims involving employees suffering from mental illnesses are rising: lawyer, in the Canadian Lawyer. Specifically, he […]
Disability claims involving employees suffering from mental illnesses are rising: lawyer This article is part of a series addressing popular topics and questions that clients and the public may have about the legal profession. How employers respond to mental health challenges in their workforce has become an even more salient question since the COVID pandemic […]
The Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit (CWLB) gives temporary income support to employed and self-employed people who cannot work due to a COVID-19 lockdown. The CWLB is only available when a COVID-19 lockdown order is designated for your region. If you are eligible for the CWLB, you can receive $300 ($270 after taxes withheld) for each […]
Many Canadian employees feel the security and comfort of having disability income protection included as part of their employment benefits package. Unfortunately, new hires are so enamoured with the initial contract, usually described in a glossy benefits booklet that they do not bother to read the fine print. In so many cases, if tragedy strikes […]
The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound effects on Canadians’ mental and physical health. An Ipsos poll conducted earlier this year found that 56 percent of those surveyed reported increased feelings of social isolation, depression, and anxiety due to the pandemic and related lockdowns. We are beginning to learn that those who have contracted the virus […]
A Primer on IDEL Legislation. Wrongful Dismissal or Layoffs In response to the health and economic effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Ontario government introduced Infectious Disease Emergency Leave (“IDEL”) legislation on June 1, 2020. It allowed employees, who were affected by COVID-19 illness, to pursue a protected leave of absence while tending to their […]
By Jordan Reiner, Partner – Lecker & Associates When it comes to the COVID-19 vaccination, some employers are mandating that their employees be vaccinated before returning to the office. If you as an employee find yourself in a similar situation, you may be asking yourself, “can my employer force me to be vaccinated,” “what are […]