Below are the key government announcements made on July 23, 2020 that touch on workplace issues.
The Federal Government
On July 22, 2020, the government published amendments to the Canada Labour Standards Regulations which extend the maximum allowable length for a leave of absence related to COVID-19 under the Canada Labour Code from 16 weeks to 24 weeks. This amendment matches the extension of the maximum eligibility period for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.
Alberta
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 23, 2020.
British Columbia
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 23, 2020.
Manitoba
The government announced that phase 4 of its reopening plan, which we reported on here, has been amended following public consultation. The changes that will come into effect on July 25, 2020 include the following:
- allowing stage performances and movie theatres to open to a maximum of 30% of the site's capacity (with an overall maximum of 500 people);
- allowing casinos to open at a maximum of 30% of the site's capacity; and
- allowing retail businesses and indoor recreation sites to use non-permeable barriers when distances of two metres cannot be maintained.
However, the other proposed changes will be deferred to a later date. These include:
- changes to indoor and outdoor gathering sizes;
- relaxing self-isolation requirements for those travelling from eastern and southern Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada; and
- walk-up counter service in bars, beverage rooms, brew pubs, microbreweries and distilleries.
The full details of the phase 4 reopening plan are available here.
New Brunswick
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 23, 2020.
Newfoundland and Labrador
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 23, 2020.
Nova Scotia
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 23, 2020.
Ontario
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 23, 2020.
Prince Edward Island
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 23, 2020.
Quebec
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 23, 2020.
Saskatchewan
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 23, 2020.
Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the Yukon
Public Health Emergencies were extended in:
- Nunavut (until August 6, 2020); and
- the Northwest Territories (no expiry date provided).
In the Northwest Territories, the government announced that all Income Assistance COVID-19 relief measures will remain in place until at least September 2020 (e.g. exemption of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit and of the Canada Emergency Student Benefit).
In the Yukon, the government announced that Phase 3 of its reopening plan is expected to begin on August 1, 2020.
