Below are the key government announcements made on May 2 and 3, 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
Late on May 1, 2020, Bill C-15: An Act respecting Canada emergency student benefits (coronavirus disease 2019), the legislation that implements the government's Canada Emergency Student Benefit ("CESB"), became law. Under the CESB, eligible post-secondary students and recent graduates will receive $1,250 a month from May to August 2020, while those with dependents or disabilities will receive $2,000 per month (an increase from the originally announced $1,750). Applications for the benefit are expected to be available by mid-May 2020.
In addition, the Prime Minister announced an investment of $240.5-million to develop, expand, and launch virtual care and mental health tools to support Canadians. This investment will be used to create digital platforms and applications, improve access to virtual mental health supports, and expand capacity to deliver health care virtually.
ICYMI: On April 30, 2020, the federal government issued regulations (SOR/2020-88 and SOR/2020-89) to expand eligibility for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.
Alberta
No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 3, 2020.
ICYMI: On April 30, 2020, the Premier announced Alberta's relaunch strategy.
British Columbia
The government published new guidelines (PDF) for operating hotel, motel and other travel accommodation businesses, which include:
- guidelines for physical distancing;
- guidelines for hygiene and environmental cleaning;
- guidelines for accommodating guests in self-isolation; and
- guidelines for providing food and beverage services to guests.
ICYMI: On April 29, 2020, the government extended the provincial State of Emergency until May 12, 2020.
Manitoba
The government announced that starting on May 4, 2020, all Manitobans returning to work are eligible to access the province's temporary childcare system.
The government updated its multi-phased roadmap for restoring services to clarify inconsistencies between the roadmap and recent public health orders.
ICYMI: On May 1, 2020, applications opened for small and medium-sized businesses to apply to receive a one-time, lump-sum payment of $6,000 through the government's previously announced Manitoba Gap Protection Program
New Brunswick
No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 3, 2020.
ICYMI: On April 29, 2020, the government published a regulation applicable to its new COVID-19 Emergency Leave.
Newfoundland and Labrador
The Minister of Health and Community Services published the previously-announced order(PDF) extending the provincial public health emergency for another 14 day period, effective May 2, 2020.
ICYMI: On April 28, 2020, the Chief Medical Officer of Health issued an amended order to operators of personal care homes and long term care facilities.
Nova Scotia
No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 3, 2020.
ICYMI: On May 1, 2020, the government extended the provincial State of Emergency until May 17, 2020.
Ontario
The government published the regulation(PDF) required for the previously announced reopening of certain businesses on May 4, 2020.
ICYMI: On April 27, 2020, the government released its framework for re-opening the province.
Prince Edward Island
No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 3, 2020.
ICYMI: On April 28, 2020, the government announced its 4-phase plan to re-open the economy and ease public health restrictions.
Quebec
No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 3, 2020.
ICYMI: On April 28, 2020, Premier Legault addressed the government's plan to reopen Quebec during May 2020.
Saskatchewan
The government updated the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan(PDF) with further information, including:
- guidelines for drive-in or remote worship;
- more information for retail stores;
- clarification for golf course operators;
- information for greenhouse operators;
- guidance on outdoor individual recreational activities; and
- information about parks, campgrounds and fishing access.
Phase 1 of the government's Re-Open Saskatchewan plan is proceeding as scheduled on May 4, 2020. Phase 1 of the plan provides specific guidelines related to parks and campgrounds, boat launches, fishing and golf courses, and permits previously restricted medical services, including dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, optician services, podiatry, occupational therapy and chiropractic treatment.
The plan's lifting of restrictions will not apply to the communities of La Loche and Lloydminster, which are currently managing outbreaks of COVID-19 cases.
ICYMI: On April 30, 2020, the Chief Medical Health Officer announced an updated public health order imposing tighter travel restrictions to the Northern Saskatchewan Administrative District.
Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the Yukon
In the Yukon, the government made the following three new Ministerial Orders:
- the Civil Emergency Measures Limitations Periods and Legislated Time Periods (COVID-19) Order(PDF), which suspends some civil court limitation periods;
- the Civil Emergency Measures Leases, Approvals and Regulatory Timelines (COVID-19) Order(PDF), which provides deputy ministers with the authority to extend (i) leases, licences, certificates, permits and other approvals issued under Yukon law for up to 90 days after the territory's state of emergency ends, and (ii) legislative timelines set out in Yukon laws for up to 90 days after the state of emergency ends; and
- the Civil Emergency Measures Amendment of Government Contract Provisions (COVID-19) Order(PDF), which provides authority for deputy ministers to alter the terms of government contracts in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
There were no major government updates in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 3, 2020.
ICYMI: On April 28, 2020, in the Northwest Territories, the Public Health Emergency and State of Emergency were extended until May 12, 2020. On April 29, 2020, in the Yukon, the government announced it was planning the reopening of the economy and the easing of public health restrictions. On April 30, 2020, in Nunavut, the government restricted all travel to and from the municipality of Pond Inlet, except for cargo and emergency travel.
