Up-to-date Sector Information

May 1, 2020 Electricity Costs: Ontario is taking steps to defer a portion of Global Adjustment (GA) charges for industrial and commercial electricity consumers that do not participate in the Regulated Price Plan for the period starting from April 2020. This initiative is intended to provide companies with temporary immediate relief on their monthly electricity bills in April, May and June 2020.

On April 24, 2020, the Government of Ontario amended Emergency Order O. Reg. 107/20 to address a number of issues with respect to virtual meetings and annual meetings for corporations, including condo corporations, co-operative corporations, businesses, and not-for-profits during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Ontario government is partnering with the federal government to provide urgent relief for small businesses and landlords affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. The province is committing $241 million through the new Ontario-Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program (OCECRA). The total amount of provincial-federal relief is more than $900 million, helping to ensure small businesses are ready to reopen their doors when the emergency measures are lifted.

The Lieutenant Governor in Council has amended the order under s. 7.0.2(4), of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act permitting wills and POAs to be witnessed virtually (through audio – visual communication) to allow these documents to be signed in counterpart from the date of the order. 

The Prime Minister announced an investment of $350 million to support vulnerable Canadians through charities and non-profit organizations that deliver essential services to those in need.

The Federal government announced comprehensive support of nearly $9 billion for post-secondary students and recent graduates and also expanded existing federal employment, skills development, and youth programming to create up to 116,000 jobs, placements, and other training.

The Land Registry Office recommends that expropriating authorities submit expropriation plans to the Land Registry Office and wait for review and approval thereof before submitting certificates of approval to the approving authorities for signature.

Health experts say COVID-19 Outbreak has likely peaked in Ontario but continued public health measures remain critical.

The Government of Canada is taking immediate action through Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan to support Canadians and businesses facing hardship as a result of the global COVID-19 outbreak.

The Ministry of the Solicitor General has prepared the attached Process Guide