On January 1, 2021, the new Work Place Harassment and Violence Prevention Regulations (the “Regulation”) and associated changes to the Canada Labour Code (“Code”) came into force.  The Regulation and amendments to the Code place substantial obligations on a federally-regulated employer to implement preventative and protective measures to address workplace violence and harassment. 

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Ontario declared a second provincial emergency under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA), effective January 12, 2021.  This declaration of emergency will automatically terminate in 14 days unless terminated earlier or extended.  The declaration of a provincial emergency allows the Government to make new emergency orders under the EMCPA, including the enactment of a new enforcement order.