Pandemic Policy Document Sample
The downloadable document is only an example of a COVID-19 policy for employees. View/download link: COVID-19Policy
Ontario Enabling Financial Relief for Businesses
The Ontario Government is enabling $1.9 billion in relief for employers to reduce the financial strain on business brought on by COVID-19. The measure, which will run through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), will see premium payments deferred for six months for all businesses in the province. Click here to read more. Press release dated March 26, 2020.
Working From Home: Tips
Working from home can be tricky and something that we’re not all used to doing. Go to our WFH page for some tips.
Government introduces Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) For Workers & Businesses
In a press release on March 25, 2020, in order to support workers and help businesses keep their employees, the government has proposed legislation to establish the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). This taxable benefit would provide $2,000 a month for up to four months for workers who lose their income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CERB would be a simpler and more accessible combination of the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and Emergency Support Benefit.
Letter to the Premier of Ontario, March 24, 2020
The following letter was sent to the Ontario Premier, Mayor Tory (City of Toronto Mayor), and the Ministry of Labour. It has also been sent to Directors in other select municipalities.
The Ontario Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA Ontario) is a non-profit organization representing over 1,100 arborists and tree care companies in Ontario, Canada. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have experienced numerous federal, provincial, and local health or business closures affecting our members. While the jurisdictions, business activities affected, and length of time for the closure may differ, most will exempt essential businesses or essential business activities that directly relate to public safety… <Full letter: ISA Ontario – Essential service>
Financial Assistance | General & COVID-19 Related
The following document lists resources of financial assistance available for Canadian workers and employers. View/download here.
Cancelled Events & Venues
The following events\venues have been cancelled:
ISA Ontario’s TRAQ, Stouffville
ISA Ontario’s Re-TRAQ, Stouffville
ISA’s ETCC
ISA’s APTCC
Stop the Spread Business Information Line Now Open
The province has launched a toll-free line 1-888-444-3659 to provide support to Ontario businesses who have questions about the province’s recent emergency order to close at-risk workplaces following recommendations by Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.
Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19 and how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Webinars: Attend from the comfort of home
Visit our Webinar page for a list of resources.
Fact Sheet from Public Health Ontario
Public Health Ontario has provided a fact sheet providing guidance on cleaning and disinfection of public settings, including schools, transit, colleges/universities and other workplaces in Ontario.
Click here to download.
All Member Communication Emailed March 17, 2020
Dear ISA Ontario Members,
I know that all of you have been following the steady drumbeat of news on the rapidly evolving situation with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). It is understandable that recent news reports about the spread of the virus, government-imposed travel restrictions, quarantines, and other actions may be cause for concern.
These are, unfortunately, extraordinary times. We are getting new information about the transmission of coronavirus, every day and the spread of the virus continues to have an escalating impact on our daily lives and on the lives of our loved ones. While the circumstances on the ground are evolving rapidly, we must make decisions now that prepare us for the days, weeks, and months ahead. In situations like this, we need to pull together, look out for one another, and do all we can to protect each other and the most vulnerable among us. With this in mind, we will be implementing a ‘social distancing’ policy to reduce exposure to the virus and improve our ability to serve you. These steps are not taken lightly, we know that they will have an impact on members, but we believe that these measures are consistent with the guidance of health experts and necessary in order to slow down the spread of the virus and reduce the risk to our employees and our communities.
In the days ahead, ISA Ontario employees will begin working exclusively from home; therefore the physical office will be closed. As would be expected with the office closure, we will be unable to keep the bookstore operational. If members require books immediately, they should order directly from ISA International at: Catalogue available HERE; Bookstore link HERE
You can still reach the office by phone and email:
Phone:1-888-463-2316 or 416-493-7022
Email: [email protected]
Further to this, we are cancelling our March / April TRAQ & reTRAQ workshop in Whitchurch-Stouffville. We believe this is a responsible and fair course of action considering the current circumstances. Any further courses being held by ISA Ontario will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, as time goes on and the situation becomes clearer.
I hope that all of you feel as we do: ISA Ontario is a family, and families take care of each other. Throughout all of this, please remember to look out for the physical and mental well being of your colleagues and if you need any support or services, please reach out to us, so we can put you in touch with the appropriate agencies. Your health and safety are our top priorities.
Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Warm regards,
Ken Gillies
President
ISA Ontario