On March 25, 2020, the federal government announced the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (“CERB” ) which provides support of $2,000 per month for Canadians who are out of work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of the nature of how artists earn their living, many are left out of the benefit.

Frequently asked questions for employees during the COVID-19 pandemic, including temporary lay-offs, constructive dismissal, severance pay, family care obligations, and job protections for employees.

In most workplaces an employer has no legal right to temporarily lay an employee off or to reduce their salary. The only exception to this would be if you have a written employment agreement that states that the employer may reduce your hours, reduce your pay, or lay you off. Most contracts have no such clause. They are the exception, rather than the rule. Any major change can result in a constructive dismissal claim by the employee, which must be carefully considered.

On March 23, 2020, the BC Legislature passed an amendment to the Employment Standards Act codifying protections for workers who are absent from their workplace as a result of COVID-19.