Temporary Layoffs During COVID-19 — Key Considerations For First Nation Employers

As provinces proceed to shut down non-essential services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, First Nation employers in Canada are facing difficult decisions regarding their workforce, including the difficult decision to temporarily lay off workers.

This blog discusses the key statutory considerations that First Nation employers located in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba should consider before temporarily laying off employees.

As of April 13, 2020 the contents of this blog reflects the current legislation associated with temporary layoffs in each of these jurisdictions. However, in light of the rapidly evolving COVID-19 crisis, the layoff laws and regulations may be subject to change. First Nation employers should note that the statutory temporary layoff provisions described below will need to addressed in conjunction with the employer's obligations under an existing employment contract, collective agreement, or common law. Those obligations