Below are the key government announcements made on June 6 and 7, 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 June 7, 2020.
ICYMI: On June 3, 2020, Transport Canada announced expanded requirements for the use of face coverings in the transportation sector.
Alberta
No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on June 7, 2020.
ICYMI: On June 5, 2020, 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.
British Columbia
No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on June 7, 2020.
ICYMI: On June 1, 2020, the government issued an Order which limits the ability of landlords to evict employer or commercial tenants.
Manitoba
No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on June 7, 2020.
ICYMI: On June 3, 2020, the government announced increased investment in the Canada-Manitoba Job Grant program.
New Brunswick
The government partially reversed its directive on face coverings delivered on June 5, 2020. Individuals in public areas must wear a face covering that covers their nose and mouth where physical distancing cannot be maintained, but the government will no longer require individuals to wear a face covering when entering a building open to the general public (e.g. a business, such as a store).
ICYMI: 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 when outside of the home where physical distancing of 2-metres is not possible.
Newfoundland and Labrador
No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on June 7, 2020.
ICYMI: On June 4, 2020, the government announced that it will begin gradually increasing the number of public service employees in physical workspaces starting June 8, 2020.
Nova Scotia
No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on June 7, 2020.
ICYMI: On June 2, 2020, the government announced that licensed childcare centres and family daycare homes will reopen June 15, 2020.
Ontario
The government announced the extension and amendment of a number of emergency regulations, including those governing:
- the closure of non-essential businesses and the prohibition on public events and certain gatherings, which have been extended to June 19, 2020. A copy of the order extending the regulations is available here; and
- the suspension of limitation periods and procedural time periods in legal proceedings, which have been extended until September 11, 2020. The relevant orders extending and amending the regulation are available here and here.
ICYMI: On June 2, 2020, the government published a list of employees eligible for its temporary pandemic pay program.
Prince Edward Island
No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on June 7, 2020.
ICYMI: On June 1, 2020, Phase 3 of the Renew PEI, Together plan commenced, with the reopening of provincial parks (for day use) and libraries, and the extension of the hours of operation of liquor stores.
Quebec
No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on June 7, 2020.
ICYMI: On June 4, 2020, the government announced the gradual resumption of outdoor team sports training, with physical distancing restrictions, starting June 8, 2020.
Saskatchewan
No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on June 7, 2020.
ICYMI: The government announced an Order effective June 5, 2020that provides temporary commercial eviction protection for small business tenants during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the Yukon
In the Yukon, the government announced that Phase II of its updated reopening plan will start on July 1, 2020. The government also stated that restrictions will be eased for critical and essential workers entering the Territory from British Columbia effective July 2, 2020, and published updated guidance for critical and essential workers.
There were no major government updates in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on June 7, 2020.
ICYMI: On June 1, 2020, in Nunavut, the government started to implement its reopening plan. On June 4, 2020, in the Northwest Territories, the government announced that Highway 8 (the Dempster Highway) would reopen on June 6, 2020, subject to river and weather conditions. On June 5, 2020, in the Yukon, the government announced various measures to support businesses holding a liquor licence.
