pandemic

Legal Framework Amid Covid-19 Fears

May 17, 2020
Susan Kootnekoff

What legal framework governs B.C.’s response to covid-19? The Emergency Program Act (EPA), passed in 1993, is the principal legislation for responding to disasters and emergencies in British Columbia. If the Minster of Public Safety, or the entire cabinet, is satisfied...

Covid-19 Related Changes to Employment Standards Act, B.C.

April 15, 2020
Susan Kootnekoff
Photo: "Corona Virus" by danielfoster437 is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

British Columbia’s Employment Standards Act (ESA) has been amended in response to concerns regarding covid-19. The amendments are now in effect. They include two new job protected unpaid leaves of absence: a covid-19 related leave; and an unpaid illness or injury leave. BC’s...

8 Basic Employment Law Concepts During Times of Mass Hysteria

March 18, 2020
Susan Kootnekoff

Some readers might remember the SARS outbreak of 2002. They may remember H1-N1 and various other outbreaks over the years. During the Spanish flu of 1918, all events in Kelowna with more than 10 people were cancelled. Now it is COVID-19,...