Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the federal government’s emergency wage-subsidy program will be extended beyond its early-June endpoint. The program covers 75 per cent of worker pay up to $847 a week to try to help employers keep employees on the job in the face of steep declines in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic. […]
It is very quiet at the Regina Airport these days. Regina Airport Authority President and CEO James Bogusz knew his facility would be hit hard when travel restrictions were announced by the federal government in mid-March, but the effects of that decision are now starting to show. “It’s very quiet in here right now.” Bogusz […]
It is good news for parents who will be going back to work on Monday as the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan begins. The provincial government says anyone working now or returning to work under Phase 1 and 2 of the plan will have access to licenced child-care services located within schools. Following the closure of school-based […]
The Cargill meat-packing plant in southern Alberta announced Monday it is temporarily shutting down as the result of COVID-19. The High River facility, which employs about 2,000 workers, has been linked to more than 350 cases of the novel coronavirus. A company spokesman called it a difficult decision as the plant is considered an essential […]
The Bank of Canada is keeping its key interest rate target on hold at 0.25 per cent, saying this morning that it is effectively as low as it can go to combat the economic impacts of COVID-19. The central bank says the downturn tied to COVID-19 will be the worst on record. Preliminary data from […]
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the federal government is willing to send money to provinces that want to provide salary top-ups to workers deemed essential. The extra cash would be designed as a financial incentive to keep those workers on the job. He says a number of provinces are looking at following Quebec’s model of […]
The new reality of COVID-19 has meant some changes to employment legislation. David Stack, a senior partner with the McKercher LLP, has been researching and keeping clients up-to-date on legislation changes. Stack mentioned that under the Saskatchewan Employment Act, an employer has a general duty to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their worker. […]
The Trudeau government has struck a deal with opposition parties to swiftly approve a massive $73-billion wage subsidy program aimed at helping businesses and workers survive the economic ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Passage of legislation needed to implement the program was assured Saturday after Conservatives dropped their attempt to tie the bill to the […]
WestJet Airlines Ltd. says roughly half of its 14,000 employees will leave the company — some temporarily — due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 6,900 departures comprise early retirements, resignations and both voluntary and involuntary leaves after WestJet asked staff to choose one of those options or reduce their hours or pay, said CEO Ed […]
West Wind Aviation has made layoffs to deal with the impact of COVID 19. Stephen Smith, Acting President and CEO says that like almost all airlines in Canada, and worldwide, West Wind Aviation has seen demand for its services drop dramatically. As a result, the company has reduced its schedules by two thirds at least […]
