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    Doing Business in Ontario During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond Just Became Easier and Safer

    COVID-19 business amendments

    On May 12, 2020, Bill 190, COVID-19 Response and Reforms to Modernize Ontario Act, 2020 (the “Act”) was passed to address social distancing concerns faced by businesses in carrying out their statutory responsibilities. The legislation addresses these concerns two ways.

    Firstly, the Act amends the Business Corporations Act, the Co-operative Corporations Act, the Condominium Act, 1998 and the Corporations Act to temporarily suspend the requirement for corporations, including business corporations, not-for-profit corporations and condominium corporations, to hold in person meetings during the declared emergency and for a period of 120 days thereafter. In addition, provisions are made for the calling and holding of virtual meetings and the deferral of annual meetings.

    Secondly, the Act enacts the Alternative Filing Methods for Business Act, 2020 and amends the Business Corporations Act, the Business Names Act, the Co-operative Corporations Act, the Corporations Information Act, the Corporations Act, the Extra-Provincial Corporations Act and the Limited Partnerships Act, to provide for certain documents previously required to be filed by in-person delivery or by mail, to now be filed by alternative methods. The amendments also permit electronic signatures and electronic copies in respect of certain documents. Unlike the temporary suspension of in-person meetings, these amendments are expected to stay in place, making the signing and filing of documents by businesses much easier now and in the future.

    If you have any questions regarding Bill 190 please contact the business lawyers at Merovitz Potechin LLP.

    The content on this website is for information purposes only and is not legal advice, which cannot be given without knowing the facts of a specific situation. You should never disregard professional legal advice or delay in seeking legal advice because of something you have read on this website. The use of the website does not establish a solicitor and client relationship. If you would like to discuss your specific legal needs with us, please contact our office at 613-563-7544 and one of our lawyers will be happy to assist you.

    Posted By: Timothy J. Grieve of Merovitz Potechin LLP

    Partner

    When it comes to sophisticated estate and succession planning, Tim Grieve is noted for his attention to detail, his ability to analyze complex situations, and his knack for explaining legal scenarios to his clients in everyday language. Tim thoroughly understands the needs of high net worth clients, entrepreneurs and professionals. His practice includes wills, trusts and estates, business and corporate law, franchising, commercial real estate and not-for-profit corporations.

    Tim is one of the founding members of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners Ottawa branch and is the chair of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (Canada).

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