Below are the key government announcements made on July 15, 2020 that touch on workplace issues.
The Federal Government
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 15, 2020.
Alberta
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 15, 2020.
British Columbia
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 15, 2020.
Manitoba
The government announced an expansion of the Back to Work Program, which will reimburse half of the wages of up to 10 new workers hired on or after July 16, 2020 by an eligible business, to a maximum of $5,000 per new worker hired and an overall cap of $50,000 per eligible business. The Back to Work Program applies to eligible wages paid between July 16 and October 31, 2020. Further information and the application process (which will be available at noon on July 16, 2020) can be found online.
New Brunswick
The government announced the Explore NB Travel Incentive program, which will provide permanent residents of New Brunswick a 20% rebate on eligible expenses (on individual claims up to $1,000) made while vacationing in the province between July 15 and September 20, 2020. Applications must be received by October 30, 2020 and will be reviewed on a first come first served basis until the $3 million fund is exhausted. Further details are available on the Explore NB Travel Incentive program website.
Newfoundland and Labrador
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 15, 2020.
Nova Scotia
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 15, 2020.
Ontario
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 15, 2020.
Prince Edward Island
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 15, 2020.
Quebec
The government announced that as of July 18, 2020, private employers not currently permitted to do so will be permitted to return workers to their workplaces, subject to a 25% occupancy limit. Notwithstanding this, the government continues to encourage working from home.
Wearing a mask will be mandatory in all common areas of private employers' establishments.
Saskatchewan
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 15, 2020.
Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the Yukon
In the Yukon, the government increased COVID-19 testing of Territory residents. As of July 15, 2020, any resident experiencing one of the following symptoms can be tested: fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, runny nose, sore throat, loss of sense of taste or smell, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and/or muscle aches.
There were no major government updates in Nunavut or the Northwest Territories as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 15, 2020.
