COVID-19 Resource Centre
As the world continues to adapt to the ongoing challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, we wish to assure you that Watson Goepel has taken a proactive approach from the start, ensuring business continuity for our valued clients. Our first priority has always been the health and well being of our clients, professionals, and communities. With strict adherence to WorkSafeBC guidelines, we are now able to confidently meet with clients in our office.
Throughout the pandemic, we have enacted measures to ensure continuity of service, and want to reassure our clients that our strict attention to confidentiality has not and will not be compromised and that you will continue to have access to your lawyer and matter-related information as usual.
We have created a dedicated COVID-19 email contact, so we can respond more quickly to your related questions. Please do not hesitate to reach out. Our team of dedicated professionals is working tirelessly to remain apprised of all regulatory changes as they develop, and are ready to answer your pressing questions and provide the guidance you need to move forward with confidence.
Firm News
- Announcing our new West Vancouver office location, to serve you closer to home. – June 30, 2020
- Lawyers included as an “essential service” – March 26, 2020
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update – March 15, 2020
As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, we will provide regular firm updates.
Employment Law
- COVID-19 Vaccinations: Mandatory in the Workplace?
- COVID-19 as an “Occupational Disease”
- Temporary layoffs, CERB, and CEWS: A COVID-19 update – August 20, 2020
- Protected leave and sick leave: What counts as “reasonably sufficient proof”?
- Employee rights to refuse unsafe work during COVID-19
- COVID-19 has shuttered my business. Can I lay off my workers? Should I abandon my lease?
- Federal COVID-19 supports: To CERB or to CEWS…that is the question
- Updating employment and workplace policies during COVID-19: Why it matters
- Government supports for your workplace during COVID-19
- Workplace “Privacy Tips” during COVID-19
- Employment Obligations During the COVID-19 Crisis
- Temporary Immigration Status in Canada during COVID-19
Among the many issues created by this public health emergency are the significant workplace disruptions that British Columbia employees and employers are now required to navigate. While these frustrations will be temporary, workers and employers have important roles to play in maximizing public health and protecting business throughout this crisis.
Wills, Estates & Trusts
- Updating your will just got easier: B.C. legislates electronic witnessing
- Contactless wills: Bill 21 to allow electronic wills in BC
- Estate Planning in times of uncertainty: COVID-19 and protecting your loved ones
Given the current climate of uncertainty, with many of us concerned with the health and well-being of our loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic, thoughts naturally go to what we can be doing to make sure our affairs are in order and that those we care about are protected.
Business and Immigration Law
- Federal rent subsidy for businesses impacted by COVID-19: Effective today
- Canada’s immigration system remains open and active during COVID-19
- Force majeure, frustration, and fairness: Navigating contractual disputes in the COVID-19 pandemic
- Federal and BC provincial tax measures for economic relief during COVID-19
- Temporary Immigration Status in Canada during COVID-19
Both the federal and provincial governments have introduced various new measures to provide economic relief to Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Litigation & Dispute Resolution
- How to issue a complaint against your Canadian bank during COVID-19
- COVID-19 and the BC construction industry: Builders liens
While all levels of court in British Columbia have suspended their regular operations, our litigation team continues to provide strategic advice and timely responses. We ensure that our quality of representation remains excellent throughout the pandemic. Certain matters may be urgent, in which case the court may allow a hearing to proceed by telephone. In other matters, we remain able to advance litigation and dispute resolution interests through a wide variety of means, including electronic document filing and other remote working solutions.
Family Law
- Divorce in pandemic times: Arbitration as a potential answer
- Divorce law during a pandemic: the rise of arbitration
- COVID-19 and parenting time: making it work
Negotiating family law matters can be particularly challenging during a pandemic. Our Family Law Group understands that this is a heightened time, and is able to quickly provide guidance and support for all your family law needs. Consultations can be conducted, while respecting social distancing guidelines, through the use of technology including telephone, video-conferencing, electronic document filing, and e-signatures.
Real Estate
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the Canadian way of life in ways that our citizens and residents have not experienced since World War II. Mobility has been restricted to unprecedented levels, but commerce, including real estate transactions, continue, albeit conservatively.
Useful Links
Health Agencies
Government Health Sites
- BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)
- Government of British Columbia COVID-19 Provincial Support and Information
- Government of Canada Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) General Information
- Government of Canada Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Outbreak Update
- Public Health Ontario
- Health Care in Ontario
Legal and Business Resources