Various industries in Canada are now feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic with significant disruptions to business operations. At present many employers have started to temporarily lay-off their employees to cope with the impacts of the novel virus. This post serves to inform you better as to what a temporary lay-off is, and what your rights are under these circumstances.In Alberta, temporary lay-offs are governed by the Employment Standards Code, which defines the temporary lay-off procedure as well as its length. During this temporary lay-off, although employees are not entitled to pay, their employment remains preserved. As a result of the pandemic, on April 6, 2020, the Alberta government extended the period for temporary lay-offs from 60 days to 120 days, retroactive to March 17, 2020, so that employees remain attached to a job longer. If employees are temporarily laid off for more than 120 days, they are deemed to...