Below are the key government announcements made on July 29, 2020 that touch on workplace issues. Our daily (weekday) and weekend overviews of previous government announcements, employment analyses and other COVID-19 information are available here.
Our final daily overview will be published on July 31, 2020, and our final weekend overview will be published on August 4, 2020. We will publish weekly overviews and special announcement overviews starting thereafter, with the first publication expected on August 10, 2020.
The Federal Government
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 29, 2020.
Alberta
The City of Edmonton Council has implemented a temporary face coverings bylaw effective August 1, 2020. The bylaw will require individuals to wear a face covering (i.e. mask) in all "public places". This includes retail stores, entertainment venues, recreation centers, restaurants, transit, taxis, and city buildings.
Exceptions to the face coverings bylaw include:
- those who cannot put one on or remove it without assistance;
- children under two years of age;
- persons who are unable to wear a face covering because of mental or physical concerns or protected reasons under the Alberta Human Rights Act;
- persons consuming food or drink in designated seating areas or as part of a religious ceremony;
- persons engaged in water activities or physical exercise;
- persons providing care or assistance to a person with a disability when wearing a face covering would affect that service;
- persons engaging in services that require the temporary removal of a face covering;
- schools, hospitals and health care facilities, child care facilities or areas where employees have a physical barrier between themselves and the public.
British Columbia
The government released an updated K-12 Return to School Plan. In September 2020, all schools will reopen in Stage 2 of the five-stage framework. Stage 2 is a full return to in-class instruction for all students but within learning group limits. School districts and independent school associations are required to develop and submit a Stage 2 Restart Plan before the 2020/21 school year begins. Updated COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools has been released, and more guidelines are expected to come in August.
Manitoba
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 29, 2020.
New Brunswick
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 29, 2020.
Newfoundland and Labrador
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 29, 2020.
Nova Scotia
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 29, 2020.
Ontario
The government announced that additional regions will enter Stage 3 of the provincial reopening plan. The City of Toronto and Peel Region (which includes Mississauga) will move to Stage 3 effective July 31, 2020 at 12:01 a.m. Windsor-Essex County Health Unit region will remain in Stage 2.
The government also announced the launch of an independent commission into COVID-19 in long-term care. According to a government press release, the commission will provide the government with guidance on how to protect residents and staff from future outbreaks.
Prince Edward Island
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 29, 2020.
Quebec
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 29, 2020.
Saskatchewan
The Chief Medical Health Officer issued a Public Health Order, effective July 28, 2020, which aligns with the staged lifting of restrictions under the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan. Physical distancing measures and other restrictions remain in place.
Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the Yukon
In the Northwest Territories, the government extended its wage top-up program to October 3, 2020, to match the federal extension of the Canada Emergency Relief Benefit (CERB). More information regarding the program is available online.
There were no major government updates from Nunavut and the Yukon as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 29, 2020.
