Below are the key government announcements made on June 12, 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 announced that temperature screening is now required for all air passengers flying within or to Canada. Temperature screening will be introduced through a phased approach. The three phases are aimed at arriving international travellers, and departures from Canadian airports which serve the vast majority of air travellers in Canada. In addition, all employees and personnel that enter or work in restricted areas of applicable airports, and are screened through a Canadian Air Transport Security Authority point, will be subject to temperature screening. More information is available here.
The government also announced a $77.5-million Emergency Processing Fund for food producers, processors, and manufacturers, with two stated objectives:
- “Emergency COVID Response” to assist companies to implement changes required by COVID-19 to ensure the health and safety of workers. This funding will assist with:
- plant retrofits or adjustments to existing operations to accommodate changes to processes and production; and
- increasing capacity for herd management.
- “Strategic Investments” to assist companies to improve, automate, and modernize facilities needed to increase Canada’s food supply capacity.
Eligible applicants include for-profit organizations, cooperatives, and indigenous groups. Information on the application process is available here.
Alberta
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. EDT on June 12, 2020.
British Columbia
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. EDT on June 12, 2020.
Manitoba
As part of Manitoba Access Awareness Week, the government is hosting a free webinar addressing workplace accessibility during COVID-19, including employee safety, new accessibility requirements, and accessing goods and services. Organizations can register for the webinar here.
New Brunswick
The government announced its plan for the 2020-21 academic year in the public school system. Further details may be viewed here.
Newfoundland and Labrador
The government announced the following temporary amendments to the Labour Standards Act:
- the period that an employee can remain temporarily laid off is extended to 26 weeks in a period of 33 consecutive weeks (increased from 13 weeks in a period of 20 consecutive weeks); and
- the time period for making a complaint to the Director of Labour Standards is extended to 12 months (increased from 6 months).
Both extensions are retroactive to March 18, 2020 and will end on September 18, 2020.
Nova Scotia
The government released the COVID-19 Return to Day Camp Guidelines (PDF). Based on these guidelines, all day camp operators must have a plan in place to address, among other things:
- increased cleaning;
- staggered pick up and drop off times;
- screening staff and campers;
- limiting group sizes to 10, keeping the same groups of children together; and
- increased hand washing and minimizing sharing of equipment.
Ontario
The government announced that individuals may now create social circles of up to 10 members, including those outside their immediate household. According to a government press release, “… the rules for social circles are different from the proposed expansion of social gatherings from five to 10 people. Social gatherings can be any 10 people from outside your household, but where physical distancing of at least two metres should be maintained.”
The government announced $15-million in supplemental Agri-food Workplace Protection Program funding for health and safety measures on farms and in food processing facilities. According to a government press release, this funding will help farmers purchase personal protective equipment and implement workplace modifications and other measures to improve health and safety for their workers.
Prince Edward Island
The Chief Health Officer announced that Phase 4 of Renew PEI Together plan will start on June 26, 2020.
Quebec
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. EDT on June 12, 2020.
Saskatchewan
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. EDT on June 12, 2020.
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. EDT on June 12, 2020.
