Below are the key government announcements made on May 11, 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
The government announced new measures to support businesses impacted by COVID-19, including:
• expanding the Business Credit Availability Program to mid-sized companies with significant financing needs. Support for mid-market businesses will include loans of up to $60-million per eligible company, and guarantees of up to $80-million; and
• establishing a Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility ("LEEFF") to provide bridge financing to eligible large employers whose needs are not being met through conventional financing mechanisms. The LEEFF program will be open to large for-profit businesses (with the exception of financial sector businesses) as well as certain not-for-profit businesses (e.g., airports) whose annual revenues are generally $300-million or more. While many LEEFF details remain unknown, the government stated that the following "guiding principles" will apply:
- protection of taxpayers and workers:
- fairness; and
- timeliness.
According to the government, businesses must be seeking financing of about $60-million or more and have significant operations or workforce in Canada in order to qualify for LEEFF. Businesses involved in active insolvency proceedings are ineligible.
Alberta
The government released a new resource for Alberta businesses and employers as part of its relaunch strategy. Employers can now consult Alberta Biz Connect for:
- general workplace guidance for business re-opening and continuing operations;
- specific sector guidance;
- tips for reopening plans, including for retail, restaurants, and daycare and out of school care businesses; and
- occupational health and safety resources.
British Columbia
The government amended the Employment and Assistance Regulation to, among other things, temporarily exempt amounts received from the Canada Emergency Response Benefit from disentitling or affecting recipients' entitlement to provincial employment assistance.
The government also announced publication of a report from the provincial Innovation Commissioner intended to facilitate the innovation and growth of BC companies.
Manitoba
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 11, 2020.
New Brunswick
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 11, 2020.
Newfoundland and Labrador
The province entered Alert Level 4 effective Monday, May 11, 2020.
Under Alert Level 4, a number of public health measures have been relaxed to allow more social and business activities. A list of the business, health care and recreational activities that are permitted under Alert Level 4 can be found here.
The Chief Medical Officer of Health reminded employers that, even under Alert Level 4, they have an ongoing responsibility to ensure appropriate measures are in place such as:
- increased cleaning and ventilation;
- maintain physical distancing in the workplace; and
- work from home policies where possible.
Nova Scotia
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 11, 2020.
Ontario
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 11, 2020.
Prince Edward Island
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 11, 2020.
Quebec
The government passed an order-in-council permitting certain professionals, including dentists and hygienists, to perform COVID-19 screening tests.
Saskatchewan
The government announced that the city of Lloydminster may proceed with Phase 2 of the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan on May 19, 2020.
Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the Yukon
The Government of the Northwest Territories announced that it will waive rent on existing surface dispositions on public land for the fiscal year 2020-21. The rent relief will apply retroactively from April 1, 2020 until March 31, 2021.
There were no major government updates in Nunavut or the Yukon as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 11, 2020.
