Below are the key government announcements made on July 4 and 5, 2020 that touch on workplace issues. We also summarize "in case you missed it" ("ICYMI") stories from the previous week.
Our daily and weekend overviews of previous government announcements, employment analyses and other COVID-19 information are available here.
The Federal Government
No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 5, 2020.
ICYMI: On June 30, 2020, the government announced that travel restrictions at Canadian international border crossings will remain in place until at least July 21, 2020.
Alberta
No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 5, 2020.
ICYMI: As of June 29, 2020, eligible small and medium sized businesses, co-ops and non-profits can apply for up to $5000 in funding from The Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant.
British Columbia
No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 5, 2020.
ICYMI: On July 3, 2020, the Provincial Health Officer issued an amended order respecting industrial camp accommodations.
Manitoba
No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 5, 2020.
ICYMI: There were no major government updates from June 29, 2020 through July 3, 2020.
New Brunswick
The government reminded individuals visiting New Brunswick to print, fill out, and present a roadside questionnaire when arriving at the border, along with current and valid identification.
ICYMI: On June 29, 2020, the government released a COVID-19 dashboard with information and location-specific data on the pandemic throughout New Brunswick.
Newfoundland and Labrador
No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 5, 2020.
ICYMI: Effective July 1, 2020, the Chief Medical Officer of Health extended the provincial public health emergency for a period of 14 days.
Nova Scotia
No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 5, 2020.
ICYMI: On July 2, 2020, the government announced it would extend the deadline for eligible businesses to apply for the Small Business Reopening and Support Grant to July 17, 2020.
Ontario
The government announced the launch of virtual health and safety training courses for job seekers and workers who need to obtain essential qualifications. According to a government press release, available here:
- up to 100,000 job seekers can take free courses through Employment Ontario, which cover a wide array of health and safety topics, including "infection control, conducting health and safety incident investigations, ladder safety, slips, trips and falls prevention, and preventing workplace violence and harassment;" and
- worker and employer members of joint health and safety committees can use video conferencing to take training with qualified instructors from certain approved training providers. The training includes topics such as "how to establish a Health and Safety Committee, resolving health and safety issues, workplace inspections, and accident investigations."
Finally, the government has extended the deadline to complete refresher training for certified health and safety committee members whose certifications would have expired between February 28, 2020 and August 31, 2020. Committee members now have until November 30, 2020 to renew their training.
ICYMI: On June 30, 2020, the City of Toronto approved a bylaw requiring masks or face coverings in all enclosed public places as of July 7, 2020.
Prince Edward Island
No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 5, 2020.
ICYMI: On June 30, 2020, the government announced that on July 8, 2020, provincial park campgrounds will reopen and permit stays of two nights or more.
Quebec
No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 5, 2020.
ICYMI: On June 30, 2020, the government announced that starting July 13, 2020, the use of a mask will be mandatory for users of public transportation aged 12 and over.
Saskatchewan
No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 5, 2020.
ICYMI: On July 3, 2020, the government announced that its public health order will be amended to expand visitation guidelines to facilities, including acute and long-term care, personal care and group home settings, starting July 7, 2020.
Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the Yukon
In the Northwest Territories, the government released its Reopening Schools Safely plan, featuring an overview of the health and safety measures schools will be required to implement for the 2020-21 school year.
There were no major government updates in the Yukon or Nunavut as of 5:00 p.m. EDT on July 5, 2020.
ICYMI: On June 29, 2020, in Nunavut, the government announced that day camps and youth centres can resume operations, and that long-term care facilities can permit up to 2 immediate family member visitors for residents. On June 30, 2020, in the Northwest Territories, the government announced changes to its policy of paying the costs for isolation centres. As of July 1, 2020, the Yukon moved to Phase 2 of its Territorial reopening plan.
