Below are the key government announcements made on May 23 and 24, 2020 that touch on workplace issues. We also summarize "in case you missed it" ("ICYMI") stories from the previous week. Our daily and weekend overviews of previous government announcements, employment analyses and other COVID-19 information are available here.
The Federal Government
No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 24, 2020.
ICYMI: On May 22, 2020, the government announced a new online tool, "Find financial help during COVID-19", to help individuals and businesses determine which government benefits programs best meet their needs.
Alberta
No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 24, 2020.
ICYMI: On May 21, 2020, the Minister of Children's Services issued Ministerial Order No. 2020-06 which allows day care, out-of-school care and innovative child care programs to reopen retroactive to May 14, 2020.
British Columbia
The government amended its Order prohibiting gatherings of more than 50 people in order to permit more than 50 people to be gathered in the following circumstances:
- employees engaged in work activities;
- customers of malls and retail operations; and
- individuals attending an episodic vending market.
The amended Order prohibits "drive in events" from:
- having more than 50 vehicles in attendance;
- selling food or drink; and
- allowing patrons to leave their vehicles, except to use washroom facilities.
The Provincial Health Officer issued an amended Order to restaurants, retail liquor establishments, and places where food and/or drink is prepared and served. Establishments which:
- collect information for the purpose of making reservations or seating guests must collect and retain first and last names, as well as telephone numbers or email addresses of at least one patron from each party of guests; and
- retain the information for 30 days.
ICYMI: On May 19, 2020, the government announced it will provide a Pandemic Pay Premium for employees in health, social services and corrections operations.
Manitoba
No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 24, 2020.
ICYMI: On May 22, 2020, the government increased the limit on indoor gatherings to 25 people and outdoor gatherings to 50 people.
New Brunswick
No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 24, 2020.
ICYMI: On May 22, 2020, the government announced the easing of several restrictions effective May 22, 2020, including the extension of the two-household bubble.
Newfoundland and Labrador
No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 24, 2020.
ICYMI: On May 22, 2020, the Minister of Service announced a number of regulatory, fee, licensing and training measures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nova Scotia
The province has expanded its list of COVID-19 symptoms. If an individual has one of the following, 811 Nova Scotia should be consulted to determine if further testing is necessary:
- fever (i.e. chills, sweats);
- cough or worsening of a previous cough;
- sore throat;
- headache;
- shortness of breath;
- muscle aches;
- sneezing;
- nasal congestion/runny nose;
- hoarse voice;
- diarrhea;
- unusual fatigue;
- loss of sense of smell or taste; or
- red, purple or blueish lesions on the feet, toes or fingers without clear cause.
ICYMI: On May 20, 2020, the government announced that currently-paused healthcare services will begin to gradually restart, commencing with clinic-based day and short-stay surgeries on May 25, 2020.
Ontario
No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 24, 2020.
ICYMI: On May 19, 2020, the government announced that public schools will be closed for the remainder of the school year.
Prince Edward Island
No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 24, 2020.
ICYMI: On May 20, 2020, the government announced that Phase 2 of the government's Renew PEI plan would start on May 22, 2020 with, among other things, further easing of restrictions and the permitted reopening of certain retail, indoor, childcare and non-urgent healthcare businesses and services.
Quebec
No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 24, 2020.
ICYMI: On May 22, 2020, the government announced museums, libraries' circulation desks as well as drive-in movie facilities will be able to reopen under certain conditions on May 29, 2020.
Saskatchewan
No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 24, 2020.
ICYMI: On May 21, 2020, the government announced Phase 3 of its Re-Open Saskatchewan plan is targeted to begin June 8, 2020.
Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the Yukon
In the Yukon, the following services are allowed to reopen provided that they put in place an appropriate COVID-19 Operational Plan:
- childcare services;
- restaurants (beginning May 29, 2020); and
- personal services (beginning May 27, 2020).
The government introduced the following two new programs which may be used simultaneously:
- the Yukon Essential Workers Income Support Program will provide low-income essential workers with a wage subsidy of up to $4.00 per hour to a maximum of $20.00 per hour for up to 16 weeks; and
- the Staffing Up Labour Market Funding Program will provide $750,000 in funding to help Yukon employers create new summer employment for graduating and postsecondary students in critical and essential services. The program's details are available online.
There were no major government updates in Nunavut or the Northwest Territories as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 24, 2020.
ICYMI: On May 21, 2020, in the Yukon, the government extended the Yukon Business Relief Program to July 23, 2020.
