In Ontario, the vaccination campaign is well underway. In our recent webinar, a common question that was asked was whether an employer could force an employee to get vaccinated. Click here to watch the webinar that deals with that question.

A concerning impact of COVID-19 is the impact on child access arrangements. Naturally, parents have their children’s best interests in mind, and this extends to minimizing the possibility that children will be exposed to the COVID-19 virus. In a nuclear family, ensuring minimal contact with the virus would require keeping children at home. But this solution is more complicated for families where biological parents are living apart.

In our December post, we provided information on laws that you may see in 2020. As we celebrate our 10th year, we're detailing the ten laws that already have or will definitely change this year.

Federal Tax Changes
 The basic amount that most Canadians can earn tax- free increased on January 1 to $13,229 from $12,298, which may result in tax savings of up to $140 in 2020.

Changes to the Divorce Act
The majority of changes will be effective July 1, 2020. The changes include updated criteria to determine a child’s best interests in custody cases and measures to address family violence when making parenting arrangements.

Amendment to the Canada Business Act to include Diversity
Public corporations incorporated under this Act are required to report diversity of directors and senior management, which includes visible minorities.

Virtual Currency Dealers Must Register with the Federal Government: By June 1, 2020, they must meet the same client identification, record keeping, and reporting requirements as banks and credit unions.

Amendments to Comparison Countries Regarding Drug Pricing
By July 1, 2020, Canada will remove countries such as the United States and Switzerland for comparing and determining drug pricing and will add countries with similar populations such as Spain and Australia.

Ontario Wide

No more out of country health insurance
Those who become ill while travelling cannot claim the $400 a day maximum covering of emergency care or the $50 a day maximum for emergency outpatient services such as an MRI.

Restrictions on vaping products
Convenience stores and gas stations are banned from promoting vaping products.

Cancel Increase in Minimum Wage
By October 1, 2020, Ontario’s $14 minimum wage will be adjusted to the rate of inflation, but will not increase to the predetermined $15.

Dogs on Restaurant Patios
Restaurants and bars are permitted to allow dogs on patios where low-risk foods such as beer are served.

Phasing out the red and white health cards
As of July 1, 2020, the red and white health cards will be phased out. When photo ID cards were announced in 1994, it was estimated that $65 million in fraudulent health claims were made each year using red and white cards. Now, it is estimated that roughly 300,000 red and white health cards remain in circulation. If you are still in possession of a red and white health card, you should take the steps below:

1. Download, print and complete a Health Card Re-Registration Form and bring this to a ServiceOntario centre.
2. Bring your red and white health card and three separate documents – one from each of the following categories:
3. • proof of Canadian citizenship or OHIP-eligible immigration status, such as a Canadian passport, Canadian birth certificate or permanent resident document;
   • proof of residency in Ontario, such as a driver’s licence;
   • proof of identity, such as a credit card or utility bill.

Tanya Walker obtained her law degree from Osgoode Hall at York University in 2005 and her Honours Bachelor of Commerce with a minor in Economics from McMaster University in 2002. She was called to the Ontario Bar in 2006. Tanya is currently serving a term as Bencher of the Law Society of Ontario; elected by her peers as not only the first Black elected female Bencher from Toronto, in the 220-year history of the Law Society, but also as one of the youngest sitting Benchers.

Tanya is a frequent speaker on legal issues to the Toronto Community and regularly appears on the CTV Show, Your Morning as a legal expert. She has also been named in the 2017 and 2018 Lexpert Guides as one of the Leading Lawyers to Watch in Corporate/Commercial Litigation and is also the recipient of the 2018 Women’s Business Enterprise of the Year Award.



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2020 is likely to bring in some new laws and amendments that could affect everything from internships to a crackdown on parking spots and a possible reversal on pit bull ownership in Ontario.

The federal government recently implemented a number of changes to the Canada Labour Code which largely favours federal employees in certain industries such as banks, fisheries, telecommunications, and interprovincial transportation companies.

Many people are surprised at the conclusion of their lawsuit when they receive a bill from their lawyer that is much higher than they expected. If you receive a bill from your lawyer that you believe is unfair, there is a process in place to address your concerns called an assessment hearing.

In February 2019, the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion published a report addressing the important role senior management and leaders play in promoting diversity and inclusion.

Ontarians are spending vast sums of money renovating and repairing their residential properties. A 2017 report published by the Altus Group indicates that Ontarians spent $24.1 billion on alterations, improvements and conversions while an additional $7.5 billion was spent on repairs. Behind each repair and renovation is a contractor.

Ontarians are spending vast sums of money renovating and repairing their residential properties. A 2017 report published by the Altus Group indicates that Ontarians spent $24.1 billion on alterations, improvements and conversions while an additional $7.5 billion was spent on repairs. Behind each repair and renovation is a contractor.

On December 12, 2017, Bill 142, the Construction Lien Amendment Act, 2017, became law in Ontario (“the Act”).