Below are the key government announcements made on April 27, 2020 that touch on workplace issues. Our daily (weekday) and weekend overviews of previous government announcements, employment analyses and other COVID-19 information are available here.
The Federal Government
Applications for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (the "CEWS") opened as previously announced. Employers can now submit a claim for the CEWS through the Canada Revenue Agency at this link. Employers are encouraged to sign up for direct deposit to receive any CEWS payment as soon as possible. The first payments should begin to arrive on May 7, 2020. The Prime Minister stated that almost 10,000 businesses had already applied for the CEWS in the first few hours that applications were open.
The Prime Minister also reminded Canadians that they will not be able to receive both the CEWS and the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (the "CERB"). Employees can receive either CEWS subsidized income from their employer or the CERB, but not both.
Alberta
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on April 27, 2020.
British Columbia
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on April 27, 2020.
Manitoba
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on April 27, 2020.
New Brunswick
As New Brunswick has entered the first phase of the government's recovery plan, the government confirmed that it expects compliance with the strict guidelines released under its revised state of emergency.
Newfoundland and Labrador
The Chief Medical Officer of Health issued the following orders effective April 27, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. N.D.T.:
- all individuals arriving in Newfoundland and Labrador from outside the province must complete a declaration form and submit it to a representative of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador as identified at their point of entry in the province;
- all individuals arriving in Newfoundland and Labrador from outside the province must provide specifics of their plan for complying with the requirement to self-isolate for 14 days following their arrival in the province;
- all individuals arriving in Newfoundland and Labrador by motor vehicle from the province of Quebec must immediately stop at their point of entry when indicated by a representative of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, for the purposes of submitting the declaration form and specifics of their self-isolation plan; and
- all individuals arriving in Newfoundland and Labrador from outside the province must be available for contact with public health officials for the duration of their 14 day self-isolation period.
In addition, employers must submit a 14 day isolation plan for all workers from outside of the country such as seasonal farm workers and critical maintenance personnel effective April 27, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. N.D.T.
Nova Scotia
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on April 27, 2020.
Ontario
The government released its framework for re-opening the province. According to a government press release, the following staged approach will ensure that workplaces open safely:
- "Stage 1:For businesses that were ordered to close or restrict operations, opening select workplaces that can immediately modify operations to meet public health guidance. Opening some outdoor spaces like parks and allowing for a greater number of individuals to attend some events. Hospitals would also begin to offer some non-urgent and scheduled surgeries, and other health care services.
- Stage 2: Opening more workplaces, based on risk assessments, which may include some service industries and additional office and retail workplaces. Some larger public gatherings would be allowed, and more outdoor spaces would open.
- Stage 3: Opening of all workplaces responsibly and further relaxing of restrictions on public gatherings."
Each stage will last two to four weeks. There will be continued protections for vulnerable populations at each stage, as well as a continuing need to practice physical distancing, hand washing and other hygiene measures.
Prince Edward Island
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on April 27, 2020.
Quebec
The Premier announced the gradual reopening of elementary schools and daycare services starting May 11, 2020 for those outside the Greater Montreal area, and May 19, 2020 for those in the Greater Montreal area. Returning to school will not be mandatory and parents who prefer to keep their children at home will be able to do so. Children will be asked to stay two metres away from each other and a class size limit of approximately 15 children will be imposed. Educators will be required to wear masks. Daycare facilities will be limited to 30% of their full occupancy rate.
High schools, CEGEPs and universities will not reopen before the end of August 2020 at the earliest.
The Premier confirmed that social distancing and limits on the size of gatherings will continue to be required as the government reopens Quebec, though measures such as roadblocks may soon be reduced.
The Premier confirmed that the government's reopening plan will be readjusted if the province's COVID-19 situation worsens.
Saskatchewan
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on April 27, 2020.
Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the Yukon
There were no major government updates from the Northwest Territories, Nunavut or the Yukon as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on April 27, 2020.
