The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 made us all think about how employers, governments and society should respond to public health emergencies that affect the workplace. In many ways, this crisis has forced employers to rethink their business practices while complying with legislation and government orders. Many experts believe the pandemic will usher in a new normal and a workplace that will be dramatically changed for the foreseeable future. As businesses emphasize the post-pandemic return to work, it is important to learn from the coronavirus in planning for future pandemics and other public health emergencies.

This book is meant for employers and their representatives, as well as for employees, including unionized employees, and their representatives. The purpose of this book is to review the various legal and moral obligations of an employer, and to discuss the many employment issues that are affected by medical emergencies, providing guidance for all types of workplaces on how to be better prepared for the next public health emergency. Although this book is written primarily with reference to Ontario legislation, it should be of general application in all Canadian jurisdictions.

New in This Edition:

• Updated and expanded commentary and legislative coverage relating to COVID-19
• Information on government programs for employers and employees introduced as a result of the coronavirus
• Expanded coverage on work refusals due to fears of contracting pandemic illnesses
• Updates on the human rights implications of pandemic illnesses and the duty to accommodate
• Information on various statutory leaves of absence and government benefits introduced as a result of COVID-19
• Updated commentary on the federal Quarantine Act, privacy implications, the Ontario Health Protection and Promotion Act, vaccination issues, telecommuting best practices, travel policies, government orders, workers compensation claims and provisions relating to temporary layoffs, constructive dismissal and termination of employment

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