I have been seeing comments and questions from employers who are facing the cancellation of benefits from the provider, on the grounds that the employees are “laid off” and no longer eligible for benefits (due to 13 weeks of layoff). The Ontario Government announced in late May that the “Infectious Disease Emergencies Leave” had been implemented. Under the IDEL, all workers covered under the Employment Standards Act (but not those covered by a union) are considered to be on a protected leave, and not laid off, retroactive to March 1, 2020. Absences from work are eligible for coverage under this Continue Reading »