Below are the key government announcements made on May 28, 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 published additional details on its Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy ("CEWS") consultations. The government is seeking information and feedback from businesses, labour representatives, not-for-profits, and charities on eight questions. Feedback may be provided by taking a short online survey, or by sending an e-mail to fin.cews-succ.fin@canada.ca. Comments must be submitted by June 5, 2020.
Alberta
The Chief Medical Officer of Health issued CMOH Order 24-2020, allowing preschool programs to resume operations, provided they meet applicable legal requirements, including:
- implementing practices to minimize the risk of transmission of infection;
- providing procedures for rapid response if a person develops symptoms of illness while working or while in attendance;
- ensuring that persons working or in attendance maintain high levels of sanitation and personal hygiene; and
- complying, to the extent possible, with any applicable Alberta Health guidance.
British Columbia
The provincial health officer published an Order affecting episodic vending markets. Vendors must not provide samples and must sell food and alcohol in sealed retail containers. Managers must encourage customers to maintain a 2-metre distance in any line, and post signs reminding customers to maintain a 2-metre distance from one another.
WorkSafeBC published guidance documents regarding hazardous process facilities, such as oil and gas refineries, pulp and paper mills, breweries, and power generation facilities. The document contains a checklist of issues for employers to consider, including in the development of their COVID-19 Safety Plans.
Manitoba
The government announced the launch of a web portal, called Student Jobs MB, matching students with employers. The portal is available to private-sector employers, not-for-profit organizations, and governments.
New Brunswick
The government announced the extension of the provincial State of Emergency to June 11, 2020.
Newfoundland and Labrador
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 28, 2020.
Nova Scotia
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 28, 2020.
Ontario
On May 26, 2020, the government issued a new directive under the Health Protection and Promotion Act to allow regulated health professionals (e.g., dentists, optometrists, massage therapists, chiropractors, physiotherapists, psychologists, dieticians and denturists) to gradually reopen. The reopening must be carried out in coordination with and adherence to guidance from regulatory colleges and other specified requirements.
The government announced that it is extending the mandate of the Incident Management System Long-Term Care Table to coordinate operational support to long-term care homes.
Prince Edward Island
The government introduced Bill 38, An act to amend the Employment Standards Act (No.3) on May 26, 2020. If enacted, Bill 38 would create a new emergency leave of absence for qualifying employees under the Employment Standards Act.
The province will proceed to Phase 3 of the Renew PEI plan as of June 1, 2020, with the additional relaxation of certain restrictions on child care, gatherings, long term care visitations, indoor dining in restaurants and recreational activities.
Quebec
Premier Legault announced that the hourly wage of public sector beneficiary attendants will increase from $21 to $26, and that the government plans on assisting with an hourly wage increase for private sector beneficiary attendants.
The Minister of Justice announced the gradual resumption of court activities starting June 1, 2020, including the use of 136 new virtual courtrooms.
Saskatchewan
The government announced new funding for caregivers of people with intellectual disabilities. This funding provides $100/month from June to September 2020 for respite or respite activities.
Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the Yukon
There were no major government updates in the Yukon, the Northwest Territories or Nunavut as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 28, 2020.
