Whether Joe Biden or Donald Trump ultimately wins the White House, the stock market is already a clear winner this week. While there were fears that a longer than usual wait to determine the winner of the U.S. presidential race would lead to wild market volatility, that didn’t come to pass. But signs were there over the […]
In its 2020 budget on Thursday, the Ontario government said it plans to permanently extend the employer health tax payroll exemption from $490,000 to $1 million. The change is expected to save Ontario employers about $360 million in 2021/22 as they endure the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. “When the COVID-19 outbreak struck Ontario, the […]
As the coronavirus pandemic drags on, LinkedIn Corp. and its parent company Microsoft Corp. are removing the asterisk around what the 21st century workplace will look like post-pandemic. Microsoft has introduced guidance for employees on its new flexible working policy in preparation for the future of work after the current crisis is over. The new policy will also apply […]
On the heels of winning re-election in British Columbia, the New Democratic Party’s work is just beginning, particularly in delivering on its promise to extend pensions and benefits to precarious workers across the province. In its re-election platform, the party pledged to develop a government-backed, collective benefit fund for independent contractors, self-employed and part-time workers, […]
Employers are increasingly focusing on the engagement and mental health of employees working remotely as the coronavirus pandemic drags on, according to a webinar hosted by Medavie Blue Cross on Tuesday. “We’ve faced lots of crises in the travel industry, from Sept. 11 to the 2008 economic crash,” said Christophe Hennebelle, vice-president of human resources […]
U.S. stock futures and markets around the world are mostly holding steady or ticking higher in early Wednesday trading, but only after spinning through an election night dominated by surprises and sharp swings. After rallying early this week amid hopes that Election Day’s arrival could clear the uncertainty that’s been weighing on markets, Treasury yields […]
With so many Canadian employees working from home due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Canada Revenue Agency is adding home office furniture to the list of expenses employers can reimburse tax-free. Usually, the CRA only allows employers to reimburse up to $500 of personal computer equipment so that an employee can carry out their employment duties […]
As coronavirus cases rise across the country and some return-to-work plans become return-to-home plans, many employers are wondering how to help their employees adapt once again as the second wave of the pandemic slams into Canada. Will there be another lockdown this year? Will children be expected to learn remotely again while employees work? How can we, as […]
EQ Care is offering free access to its on-demand mental-health support program to help people cope as Canada endures a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic. “Being committed to empathetic and compassionate care for the last 30 years, we recognize the important role EQ Care is privileged to play in improving the health of Canadians during this challenging […]
While the shift from driving to an office in a suit to shuffling to a laptop in slippers was supposed to be a temporary reaction to the global health crisis, the majority of employees want it to be a permanent change. The majority (80 per cent) of U.S. employees said they expect to work remotely at least […]