Below are the key government announcements made on June 17, 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 June 17, 2020.
Alberta
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on June 17, 2020.
British Columbia
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on June 17, 2020.
Manitoba
The government announced the final details for Phase Three of its reopening plan, including:
- Public Gatherings: Public gatherings of up to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors will be permitted with distancing of 2-metres and compliance with applicable public health guidelines. Larger group sizes are allowed where distinct groups of 50 people for indoor gatherings or 100 people outdoors can be separated to prevent contact with other groups, up to a maximum of 30% of the site's capacity.
- Self-Isolation: Residents of Western Canada (British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan) and Northwestern Ontario (west of Terrace Bay) do not need to self-isolate for 14 days when entering Manitoba if they are asymptomatic and have no known exposure to COVID-19. Travellers from all other Canadian jurisdictions must continue to self-isolate after arriving in Manitoba.
- Professional Sports Teams: People employed by or affiliated with a professional sports team may enter Manitoba without self-isolating for 14 days if they have self-isolated for 14 days before arriving in Manitoba and follow appropriate hygiene measures while travelling.
- Childcare Services: Childcare facilities can return to their regular licensed capacity, provided that measures can be taken to comply with public health guidelines.
- Day Camps: Day camps may continue to operate with a maximum of 50 children per group.
- K-12 Schools: Classroom learning remains suspended for the remainder of the year; however, schools are open for staff and specific programs, including summer school and day camp programming.
- Post-secondary institutions and vocational colleges: Post-secondary institutions and vocational colleges may provide learning in settings where learning and/or research requires hands-on experience (such as laboratories).
- Film Production: Cast and crew members, and others employed by or affiliated with a film production, may visit Manitoba for work without self-isolating for 14 days if they have self-isolated for 14 days before arriving in Manitoba, are asymptomatic and have no known exposure to COVID-19.
- Retail Businesses: Occupancy limits of 50% of normal business levels or one person per 10 square metres are removed for retail businesses.
- Restaurants, Bars, Beverage Rooms, Brew Pubs, Microbreweries and Distilleries: These businesses may fully operate if they implement measures to ensure that members of the public are reasonably able to maintain a separation of at least 2-metres from others. Standing service is not allowed. Dance floors remain closed.
- Therapeutic or Health Care Businesses: Occupancy limits are lifted for all health professions.
Phase Three is scheduled to commence on June 21, 2020. The full details of Phase Three are available here.
New Brunswick
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on June 17, 2020.
Newfoundland and Labrador
The Chief Medical Officer of Health announced that the province will move to Alert Level 2 on June 25, 2020. A list of business and other activities permitted under Alert Level 2 can be found here.
The Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour released additional information and details on the Essential Worker Support Program.
The government announced that the expiry date for Fuel Tax Exemption Permits (which allows permit holders to purchase tax-exempt marked gasoline and light fuel oil) that were originally set to expire on March 31, 2020 have been further extended to August 31, 2020.
Nova Scotia
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on June 17, 2020.
Ontario
The government announced the extension (PDF) of all emergency orders under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act until June 30, 2020.
In addition, the government announced up to $10-million in emergency assistance available for beef and hog farmers. According to a government press release, the funding is intended to help cover the increased costs of feeding market ready cattle and hogs due to COVID-19 related processing delays.
Prince Edward Island
The government, in partnership with the PEI Seafood Processors Association, is rolling out a labour program for individuals interested in the seafood processing industry.
Quebec
The government announced that indoor sports facilities and beaches will be permitted to reopen, and lifeguard training will be permitted, on June 22, 2020. The CNESST will publish guidelines for the reopening.
The coroner's office ordered a public inquiry into COVID-19 deaths in long-term care homes.
Saskatchewan
The government announced that indoor gatherings of up to 30 people will be permitted so long as 2-metre distancing is maintained, effective June 22, 2020.
Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the Yukon
In the Northwest Territories, businesses making investments aligned with the Territorial reopening plan can now apply for funding from the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development Program. Eligible investments associated with COVID-19 include:
- structural changes required to protect employees (i.e. Plexiglas shields);
- capital improvements (i.e. drive-through windows or outdoor patios for restaurants);
- investments related to shifting operations online; and
- purchases of personal protective equipment for employees.
There were no major government updates in the Yukon and Nunavut as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on June 17, 2020.
