Ernst Ashurov Law
85 Eleanor Circle L4C6K6 Richmond Hill, ON, Canada

Does CEBA help your business? The Canadian Government introduced Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) which provides an interest-free loan of up to $40,000 until December 31, 2022 to qualified businesses. If repaid by then, up to $10,000 or 25% of the loan is subject to forgiveness. At first glance, this appears to be a great response to financial hardship faced by small businesses as a result of economic shut down brought about by COVID-19 pandemic. However, to qualify... for CEBA, your business must have a payroll of between $50,000 and 1,000,000 in 2019. In fact, the application for CEBA requires you to enter the amount which appears in box 14 of your T4 summary. But what if your business relies on independent contractors and has no employees (which is often the case in construction, trucking and other family owned and operated businesses)? The sad answer is that your business does not qualify for this otherwise great government initiative, although you also must pay rent and have other non-deferable expenses which the CEBA loan is designed to assist you with. It remains to be seen if and when the Canadian Government will come up with relief for those businesses which rely on independent contractors rather than salaried employees, but so far the exclusion of such businesses for CEBA eligibility seems to be grossly unfair. #CEBAwontsaveus

You can now execute your Will and Power of Attorney virtually. As of April 7, 2020, the Ontario Government introduced emergency measures which now allow you to have your Will or Power of Attorney executed via audio/video technology, meaning that these documents can be signed in front of the witnesses, one of whom must be a lawyer licensed to practice in Ontario, while these witnesses are watching you do so via audio/video link. The original document signed by you must then b...e transferred to these witnesses (by courier or other delivery method) for their signature. Prior to COVID-19, Wills and Powers of Attorney for property and personal care had to be executed in physical presence of two qualified witnesses, however, the pandemic made it either unsafe and difficult or, in some circumstances, impossible to do so. The emergency measures are designed to make it possible for individuals to put their affairs in order while practicing physical distancing during the pandemic.

My office is still open and I continue to provide legal services during COVID-19. Navigating through the justice system without a lawyer is difficult in the best of times. Today, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is even harder if not impossible. This is why the Ontario Government has deemed lawyers to be an essential service. During this unprecedented time, I am proud to be at your service and want you to know that my office remains open.... Whether you have been charged with any criminal offence, your friend or relative is in custody charged with a crime and needs help to get out on bail, you have a family case or want to prepare a separation agreement, marriage contract, a Will or Power of Attorney, I am here for you and offer my 20 years of legal experience to assist you with your problem. To ensure your safety, remote appointments via phone or video link are available, including during evenings and weekends, however, in-person appointments can easily be arranged if you feel comfortable to visit my office. Please rest assured that during this time when everyone feels financial crunch, I will never charge you more than my regular rates and will try to make my services affordable to those with limited means. I also accept Legal Aid certificates for criminal cases. Please contact me by phone or text at 416-831-7319 or via email at [email protected] if I can be of assistance. Please visit my website www.ernstashurovlaw.com for more information about me and my practice.