Below are the key government announcements made on May 30 and 31, 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 31, 2020.
ICYMI: On May 28, 2020, the government published additional details on its Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy consultations.
Alberta
On June 1, 2020 the cities of Calgary and Brooks will complete the gradual implementation of Stage 1 of the provincial relaunch strategy, and:
- places of worship will be permitted to offer in person services and faith based activities for up to a maximum of 50 people, or 1/3 of building capacity, whichever is less. Further government guidance regarding recommended measures can be found here (PDF); and
- day camps and pre-schools can operate under the guidance documents (PDF) issued by the government.
The government released guidance for organized outdoor sport, physical activity and recreation which can be found here (PDF).
ICYMI: On May 28, 2020, the Chief Medical Officer of Health issued CMOH Order 24-2020, allowing preschool programs to resume operations, provided they meet applicable legal requirements.
British Columbia
The Provincial Health officer published an Order (PDF) prohibiting overnight camps for children and youth.
ICYMI: On May 27, 2020, the Solicitor General extended the provincial State of Emergency until June 9, 2020.
Manitoba
No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 31, 2020.
ICYMI: On May 27, 2020, the government announced Phase Two of its Restoring Safe Services plan, which includes the resumption of certain services, businesses, and travel, would begin on June 1, 2020.
New Brunswick
The government announced the delayed implementation of the following activities/reopening of operations in regions currently in Phase 3 of its reopening plan:
- outdoor public gatherings of 50 or fewer people;
- indoor religious services (including weddings and funerals) of 50 people or fewer; and
- low-contact team sports;
- waterparks, swimming pools and saunas;
- gyms, yoga and dance studios;
- indoor recreational facilities and rinks; and
- pool halls and bowling alleys.
ICYMI: On May 28, 2020, 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.
Newfoundland and Labrador
No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 31, 2020.
ICYMI: On May 27, 2020, the government released guidance for personal services businesses and campground owners in advance of the expected move to Alert Level 3 under the COVID-19 Alert Level System.
Nova Scotia
No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 31, 2020.
ICYMI: On May 26, 2020, the government launched a website with instructions and guidance on, among other things, requirements for reopening including the reopening plans required from certain industry associations.
Ontario
The government announced a regulation requiring retirement homes, among other things, to report infectious disease outbreaks to the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority.
ICYMI: On May 29, 2020, the government published a regulation which, among other things, deems certain temporary reductions or cessations in hours due to COVID-19, or any temporary layoffs due to COVID-19, which began on or after March 1, 2020 not to trigger constructive dismissal claims or the deemed termination and severance provisions under the Employment Standards Act, 2000.
Prince Edward Island
No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 31, 2020.
ICYMI: On May 25, 2020, the government established the Council for Recovery and Growth to develop a provincial plan for COVID-19 recovery and growth.
Quebec
No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 31, 2020.
ICYMI: On May 28, 2020, 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.
Saskatchewan
No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 31, 2020.
ICYMI: On May 29, 2020, the government announced that on June 8, 2020, places of worship, operators of child care facilities, restaurants, licensed establishments, gyms, and fitness facilities can prepare to open as part of Phase 3 of Re-Open Saskatchewan.
Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the Yukon
There were no major government updates in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories or the Yukon as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on May 31, 2020.
ICYMI: On May 26, 2020, in the Yukon, the government released a joint statement with the premiers of British Columbia and Manitoba in support of the federal government's May 25, 2020 announcement regarding a paid sick leave program. On May 29, 2020, in Nunavut, the Public Health Emergency was extended until June 11, 2020. In the Northwest Territories, the government announced that it will invest approximately $4.4-million in the tourism industry over the summer of 2020, and that it will waive tourism insurance requirements and licensing fees for the 2020-21 season.
