Below are the key government announcements made on July 27, 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 27, 2020.
Alberta
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 27, 2020.
British Columbia
On July 23, 2020, WorkSafeBC announced that it had approved amendments to Schedule 1 of the Workers Compensation Act, adding communicable viral pathogens which are the subject of a BC-specific emergency declaration to the list. As a result, workers who contract COVID-19 in certain employment circumstances will be presumed to have contracted the disease through their employment. The amendment is scheduled to come into effect on October 26, 2020, however the provincial legislature is currently in the process of considering amendments to the Act that could expedite or backdate the effective date of this presumption.
On July 23, 2020, WorkSafeBC also provided an update regarding its Certificate of Recognition process, which allows participating employers to undergo annual audits by third-party certified partners in exchange for consideration for financial incentives on insurance rates. For those certificates set to expire on or before August 31, 2020, WorkSafeBC is allowing participating employers to request an audit waiver that would result in a one-year extension. WorkSafeBC is intending to continue with the program as normal for those certificates expiring after September 1, 2020.
On July 27, 2020, the Provincial Health Officer announced an amended Order regarding mass gathering events, limiting the size of gatherings in short-term vacation rentals such as hotel rooms and cottages. Occupancy for these venues will be limited to the capacity of the space plus no more than five (5) visitors, and enforcement will be the responsibility of the property owner. The owner will also be responsible for collecting and retaining contact information for guests and visitors. A written Order was not yet published by 5:00 p.m. E.D.T..
Manitoba
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 27, 2020.
New Brunswick
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 27, 2020.
Newfoundland and Labrador
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 27, 2020.
Nova Scotia
The government renewed (PDF) the State of Emergency until August 9, 2020.
Ontario
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 27, 2020.
Prince Edward Island
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 27, 2020.
Quebec
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 27, 2020.
Saskatchewan
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 27, 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 27, 2020.
