Below are the key government announcements made on July 7, 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.
The Federal Government
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 7, 2020.
Alberta
The government introduced Bill 32, the Restoring Balance in Alberta's Workplaces Act. If passed, the Act would make significant changes to both the Employment Standards Code and the Labour Relations Code, including the following changes drafted to take effect August 15, 2020:
- eliminating requirements around group termination notice;
- increasing the permissible length of temporary layoffs (layoffs related to COVID-19 will still be permitted up to 180 consecutive days under the Employment Standards Code); and
- more flexible rules to apply for variances and exemptions.
Further details on the proposed changes can be found here.
British Columbia
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 7, 2020.
Manitoba
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 7, 2020.
New Brunswick
WorkSafeNB published requirements for employers of out-of-province workers. Employers or general contractors must complete and submit an Isolation for Out-of-Province form outlining certain elements of their COVID-19 operational plan. Employers based outside of the province must include a full COVID-19 operational plan for carrying out work that is not at the request of a specific employer in the province. Employers also have the option of providing an enterprise- or corporate-level isolation plan.
The form and COVID-19 operational plan (if applicable) must be sent in at least 15 business days before workers arrive in the province and must be approved before workers enter the province or they will be ordered to self-isolate for 14 days by the Department of Public Safety.
Newfoundland and Labrador
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 7, 2020.
Nova Scotia
The government announced that all non-Atlantic bubble travellers (i.e. travellers entering the province from outside Atlantic Canada) will be required to complete a tracking and self-declaration form (PDF), including contact details where they can be reached during the required 14-day isolation/self-quarantine period. The government has warned that it may contact non-bubble travellers during the 14-day period to ensure their compliance.
Ontario
The government announced proposed legislation that, if passed, would ensure certain emergency measures continue once the provincial declaration of emergency has ended. According to a government press release, Bill 195 Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020, available here, would:
• continue emergency orders in effect under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act ("EMCPA") under the new legislation for an initial 30 days;
• allow the Lieutenant Governor in Council to further extend these orders for up to 30 days at a time, as required;
• allow the Lieutenant Governor in Council to amend certain emergency orders continued under the EMCPA if the amendment relates to:
- labour redeployment or workplace and management rules;
- closure of places and spaces or regulation of how businesses and establishments can be open to provide goods or services in a safe manner;
- compliance with public health advice; or
- rules related to gatherings and organized public events;
• not permit new emergency orders to be introduced through the legislation; and
• allow emergency orders to be rescinded when safe to do so.
The ability to extend and amend orders under the new proposed legislation would be limited to 1 year, unless extended by the legislature. The current declaration of emergency is in place until July 15, 2020, subject to further extension by the government.
Prince Edward Island
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 7, 2020.
Quebec
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 7, 2020.
Saskatchewan
The Chief Medical Health Officer issued a Public Health Order which aligns with the phased lifting of restrictions under the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan, and reflects the expanded visitation guidelines for healthcare facilities. Physical distancing measures and other restrictions remain in place.
Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the Yukon
In the Northwest Territories, the government extended the Public Health Emergency but announced that it was not extending the State of Emergency which expires on July 8, 2020. In addition, the government extended a number of economic relief measures, including the following:
• funding for childcare operators for eligible fixed costs and enhanced cleaning; and
• waiving certain fees, including:
- the Deh Cho Bridge toll;
- truck permits;
- airport landing and concession fees; and
- airport leases and licences.
A summary of the Territory's economic relief measures is available online.
There were no major government updates in the Yukon or Nunavut as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 7, 2020.
