Below are the key government announcements made on May 25, 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
Prime Minister Trudeau announced upcoming discussions with provincial and territorial governments about providing workers with ten (10) days of annual paid sick leave.
The Prime Minister also announced that applications are now open for Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses.
Alberta
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 25, 2020.
British Columbia
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 25, 2020.
Manitoba
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 25, 2020.
New Brunswick
The government announced that personal services businesses (e.g. barbers, hair stylists and estheticians) may resume in-person services if they undertake appropriate precautions and adhere to public health measures.
WorkSafeNB released interprovincial travel guidelines for employees, which recommends that employers include a travel plan in their COVID-19 operating plan for employees travelling out of the province. Additional details regarding the travel guidelines may be accessed on the WorkSafeNB website.
Newfoundland and Labrador
The Premier announced a $25-million Tourism and Hospitality Support Program, through which eligible small and medium-sized tourism operators may apply for a one-time, non-repayable working capital contribution of either $5,000 or $10,000, depending on gross sales. Program eligibility criteria will be announced in the coming days. Applications are to open June 8, 2020.
The Minister of Education and Childhood Development announced that schools will reopen for teachers on June 1, 2020. Schools will not reopen to students. The school year for students will conclude on June 5, 2020.
Nova Scotia
The government issued a Direction of the Minister under a Declared State of Emergency (PDF) relating to village elections.
Ontario
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 25, 2020.
Prince Edward Island
The government established the Council for Recovery and Growth to develop a provincial plan for COVID-19 recovery and growth.
Quebec
Effective May 24, 2020, the government rescinded its orders requiring:
- the closure of retail commercial establishments (including grocery stores) on Sundays; and
- pharmacies, grocery stores and certain establishments providing pharmacy and grocery services to extend their operating hours from Monday to Saturday to meet customer needs.
Premier Legault announced:
- that shopping malls will reopen as of June 1, 2020 except within the Montreal Urban Community; and
- that the government is finalizing financial assistance programs for the provincial cultural sector, to assist the resumption of productions.
Saskatchewan
The government announced that people returning to work can voluntarily be tested for COVID-19. Testing is available to anyone currently working outside the home, or anyone returning to work as part of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan.
Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the Yukon
In Nunavut, the government released its reopening plan Nunavut's Path: moving forward during COVID-19. As of June 1, 2020:
- daycares will be permitted to open up for regular business;
- the size limit for outdoor gatherings will increase to 25 people;
- territorial parks will be allowed to open for outdoor activities only, if local circumstances permit. All park buildings will remain closed; and
- municipal playgrounds will be allowed to open, if local circumstances permit.
Moving forward, the government will assess the situation every 2 weeks and decide which measures can be eased, maintained or if additional restrictions are needed. Travel restrictions are expected to remain in place.
There were no major government updates in the Yukon or the Northwest Territories as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 25, 2020.
