Below are the key government announcements made on June 5, 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 Prime Minister announced the creation of a National Workplace Accessibility Stream through the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities (the “Opportunities Fund”), among other COVID-19 supports for Canadians with disabilities. The Opportunities Fund will provide community organizations with resources to improve workplace accessibility and access to jobs, including helping employers set up accessible and effective work-from-home arrangements.
Alberta
The government announced that it will be offering up to $200 million in new financial supports for small and medium sized employers affected by COVID-19. Businesses with less than 500 employees will be eligible for a one-time payment of up to 15% their monthly sales revenue, up to a maximum of $5,000, in order to offset a portion of their re-launch costs. The funds can be used for implementing measures to minimize the risk of virus transmission, (such as physical barriers, personal protective equipment and disinfecting supplies), rent, employee wages or replacement of inventory. Specific details of the program and the application process are expected to become available in the coming weeks.
British Columbia
The government announced that it would increase funding for “Buy BC” e-commerce products, which includes farm, food, and agricultural products.
A Ministerial Order was extended permitting health-care workers, schools, and other public sectors to utilize certain software and technology in compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
Finally, the government announced that hospitality licensees who have suspended their operations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, will be able to sell liquor stock to other businesses.
Manitoba
The government announced forthcoming reduced mark-ups for micro-producers of wine, mead, and cider and for craft distillers. Producers will be exempt from markups when selling on-premises, at outdoor markets, or at other temporary locations.
New Brunswick
The government announced that the provincial State of Emergency has been renewed. Effective June 5, 2020, face-coverings that cover an individual’s mouth and nose are required when:
- entering a building open to the general public; and
- outside of the home where physical distancing of 2-metres is not possible.
Children under 2 years of age, any child attending licensed early education and childcare facilities, and individuals unable to wear a face covering due to a medical issue are exempt from these requirements.
Newfoundland and Labrador
On June 8, 2020, the province will move from Alert Level 4 to Alert Level 3 under its COVID-19 Alert Level System. Alert Level 3 includes the following:
- retail stores, including those in shopping malls, can open with restrictions;
- retail stores can sell scratch and break open lotto tickets;
- personal services establishments, including: spas, esthetic services, hair salons, body piercing, tattooing and tanning salons can open in accordance with guidelines;
- animal grooming facilities can resume operations;
- daycare operations will be further expanded; and
- restaurants can re-open at reduced occupancy (buffets remain prohibited).
A list of all activities permitted under Alert Level 3 can be found here.
Nova Scotia
The government released guidelines relating to community and school celebrations for 2020 student graduates.
Ontario
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. EDT on June 5, 2020.
Prince Edward Island
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. EDT on June 5, 2020.
Quebec
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. EDT on June 5, 2020.
Saskatchewan
The government announced an Order effective June 5, 2020 that provides temporary commercial eviction protection for small business tenants during the COVID-19 pandemic. The moratorium on evictions applies to landlords that are eligible to apply for the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) program, but choose not to. The Order was not yet published by 5:00 p.m. EDT on June 5, 2020.
The government also announced amendments to The Mineral Tenure Registry Regulations that grant certain relief to the mining sector in response to impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, including a waiver of certain expenditure requirements.
Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the Yukon
In the Yukon, the government announced various measures to support businesses holding a liquor licence, including:
- a 25% discount on the retail price of liquor; and
- a 50% refund on licence fees for the year.
There were no major government updates in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut as of 5:00 p.m. EDT on June 5, 2020.
