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A Further Update on COVID-19 – Stay-At-Home Order Lifted – Paid Sick Leave Reimbursement Applications Open

June 4, 2021
by Israel Foulon LLP

Summary

On June 2, 2021, the government of Ontario lifted the provincewide stay-at-home order. Practically speaking, it is status quo, the Emergency Brake remains in effect, and all regions remain subject to the Shutdown Zone public health restrictions. The restrictions are currently scheduled to remain in effect until at least June 16, 2021.

The online application for eligible businesses to apply for reimbursement for providing paid Infectious Disease Emergency Leave (IDEL) through the Worker Income Protection Benefit program is now open.

Work From Home

Under the provincewide Emergency Brake, all businesses must ensure that any employee who can work from home does work from home unless the nature of their work requires them to be present at the workplace. We recommend that employers carefully review the nature of their employees’ work and require individuals to work from home wherever possible.

You can review the entire list of temporary public health restrictions HERE.

Worker Income Protection Benefit – Reimbursement Application

Eligible employers may now apply to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) to be reimbursed for payments made to an employee under the Worker Income Protection Benefit program. Businesses may be eligible to recoup up to a maximum of $200 per day for up to three (3) days per employee. Applications must be completed within 120 days of the paid leave and must be received by no later than January 25, 2022.

To fill out the application you will need the following:

  • Your business registration details such as legal name, trade name, CRA number and business bank account details
  • If you are a WSIB registered employer, you will need:
    • Schedule 1 employers: Premium Remittance Statement;
    • Schedule 2 employers: Monthly Statement
  • Your 6-digit NAICS industry classification code
  • Business address/worksite address
  • Details of paid sick leave coverages already available to the employees under their existing employment agreements/collective bargaining agreements; and
  • Employee details: contact information, address, SIN, Date of Birth, and paystubs;

You can access the Application Form HERE.

Israel Foulon Wong’s Response to COVID-19

Israel Foulon Wong is assessing the situation as it evolves, and is taking all necessary precautions within its workplace. To slow the spread of COVID-19 and for the health of our team and clients, absent extraordinary circumstances we are working remotely until further notice whenever possible. However, please be aware that our offices remain open and are fully functioning. In the circumstances, we encourage our clients to contact us by phone and email to the extent possible. Voicemail messages left at our office phone numbers are immediately forwarded via email. All messages will be promptly responded to. We remain steadfast in our commitment to our clients and would be more than happy to assist you with concerns regarding COVID-19 or any other employment or labour matters.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice, which in all circumstances must be tailored to the specific facts of any problem. You should obtain a proper legal consultation in order to determine how this article applies to your specific situation. Please feel free to contact Israel Foulon LLP to learn more at 416-640-1550.