Below are the key government announcements made on July 16, 2020 that touch on workplace issues.
The Federal Government
The Prime Minister announced $19-billion in funding for the provinces and territories under the "Safe Restart Agreement." The funding allocation is based on seven priority areas, including testing, contact tracing, and personal protective equipment. Approximately $1.1-billion will be used to fund a temporary national sick leave program providing 10 days of paid sick leave to employees who do not already have paid sick leave.
Further, Canada and the United States have agreed to extend the current border measures by another 30 days , until August 21, 2020.
Alberta
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 16, 2020.
British Columbia
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 16, 2020.
Manitoba
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 16, 2020.
New Brunswick
WorkSafeNB issued a new version of its COVID-19 guide (PDF) for workplaces.
Newfoundland and Labrador
The Minister of Health and Community Services extended (PDF) the provincial public health emergency for a period of 14 days effective July 16, 2020.
Nova Scotia
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 16, 2020.
Ontario
The government announced the extension of most emergency orders currently in force under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act until July 29, 2020, including the orders regarding Stage 1 and Stage 2 closures. A full list of emergency orders currently in effect can be found here. The regulation extending the emergency orders was not published as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T.
Prince Edward Island
On July 20, 2020, provincial public libraries will reopen with certain service reductions and safety measures in place.
Quebec
The government issued an order (PDF) effective July 18, 2020, that requires operators of the following places to ensure entrants are wearing a mask or “tightly fitting cloth around the nose and mouth”, subject to certain exceptions and operation or activity-specific rules:
(a) a retail business, a shopping centre, or a building or room where a service enterprise is operated, including a personal care or beauty care enterprise;
(b) a restaurant or a bar;
(c) a place of worship;
(d) a place where activities or services of a cultural or entertainment nature are offered;
(e) a place where sports are played or recreational activities are carried on;
(f) a rental hall or other place used to hold events, including conventions and conferences, or to hold receptions;
(g) a place where municipal or government services are available;
(h) a common area, including an elevator, of a tourist accommodation establishment;
(i) a building or room used by an educational institution, excluding an institution providing preschool education services or elementary or secondary school general education instructional services for youth;
(j) a train or bus station, a ferry terminal, a subway station or an airport; and
(k) a private health consulting room or office.
Saskatchewan
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 16, 2020.
Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the Yukon
There were no major government updates in Nunavut, Yukon or the Northwest Territories as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 16, 2020.
