Below are the key government announcements made on May 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
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 27, 2020.
Alberta
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 27, 2020.
British Columbia
On May 26, 2020 WorkSafeBC announced it will be waiving premiums for employers who have been approved to receive the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy ("CEWS"). The waiver will apply to premiums payable for workers on leave with pay or partial pay. The waiver will be retroactive to March 15, 2020 and will continue for the duration of the CEWS program.
The Solicitor General extended the provincial State of Emergency until June 9, 2020.
Manitoba
The government announced Phase Two of its Restoring Safe Services plan, which includes the resumption of certain services, businesses, and travel, will begin on June 1, 2020.
New Brunswick
The government announced the Campbellton region will immediately transition back to Phase 2 of the provincial COVID-19 recovery program. As a result, in the region:
- the two-household bubble can continue, if both households mutually agree. Individuals are not permitted to have close contact with anyone else outside their household or two-household bubble;
- non-regulated health professionals and businesses (e.g. acupuncturists and naturopaths) are prohibited from operating; and
- personal services businesses (e.g. barbers, hair stylists, spas, estheticians, manicurists, pedicurists, and tattoo artists) are prohibited from operating.
Newfoundland and Labrador
The government released guidance for personal services businesses and campground owners in advance of the expected move to Alert Level 3 next week under the COVID-19 Alert Level System.
Under Alert Level 3, the following personal services businesses are permitted to operate:
- hair salons/barber shops;
- spa and esthetic services;
- tattooing and piercing services; and
- tanning salons.
In addition, provincial, municipal and private campgrounds are permitted to open under Alert Level 3 for limited overnight camping, with restrictions.
Nova Scotia
The government announced that the following businesses may reopen as of June 5, 2020, subject to meeting required reopening protocols:
- restaurants for dine-in, takeout and delivery;
- bars, wineries, distilleries and taprooms (lounges are not permitted to open);
- personal services, such as hair salons, barber shops, spas, nail salons and body art establishments;
- fitness facilities, such as gyms, yoga studios and climbing facilities;
- veterinarians;
- dentistry and other self-regulated health professions such as optometry, chiropractic and physiotherapy; and
- unregulated health professions such as massage therapy, podiatry and naturopathy.
Further, the government announced a new $25-million Small Business Reopening and Support Grant program for certain businesses, non-profits, charities and social enterprises. The program is expected to begin June 1, 2020.
Finally, the government announced $230-million in stimulus spending for the province.
Ontario
The government announced the extension of all emergency orders currently in place under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, including the restrictions on social gatherings of more than 5 people and the closure of non-essential businesses, until June 9, 2020. A copy of the amending regulation is available here.
The government also announced additional actions relating to long-term care homes, including the deployment of inspection teams to conduct investigations over the next 21 days.
Prince Edward Island
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 27, 2020.
Quebec
On May 25, 2020, the government announced that 1,000 officers from several government departments and agencies will visit workplaces throughout the province (with a focus on Montreal). These officers will work in conjunction with the Commission on standards, equity and occupational health and safety ("CNESST") to educate workplace parties on COVID-19 health and safety standards. They intend to visit more than 200,000 businesses across 20 industry sectors, including retail, finance, manufacturing, construction and personal care.
The government announced a forthcoming recruitment, hiring and training campaign for beneficiary attendants. Training for those hired will run from mid-June until mid-September 2020. Those who take part in training will be paid $21/ hour. Following the training, those hired will start at an annual salary of $49,000.
Saskatchewan
The government announced the extension of the provincial State of Emergency, effective May 27, 2020. The legal instrument required to extend the State of Emergency was not published by 5:00 p.m. E.D.T.
Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the Yukon
In the Northwest Territories, the Public Health Emergency and the State of Emergency were both extended until June 9, 2020.
There were no major government updates in the Yukon or Nunavut as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 27, 2020.
