Below are the key government announcements made on July 8, 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
On July 7, 2020, the government announced the gradual reopening of up to 90 Service Canada Centres across the country. According to the government press release, Canadians should continue to use online services whenever possible, including the eServiceCanada portal.
Canadians can now apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) through the secure SIN online portal.
Alberta
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 8, 2020.
British Columbia
The government extended the provincial State of Emergency to July 21, 2020.
Manitoba
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 8, 2020.
New Brunswick
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 8, 2020.
Newfoundland and Labrador
The Chief Medical Officer of Health amended the Special Measures Order (General Alert Level 2) to clarify the requirements applicable to bars. The Special Measures Order (Bar Establishment Amendments) provides that businesses that hold a license under the Liquor Control Act, whose primary purpose is the consumption of beer, wine, or spirits may open and operate at 50% of the approved capacity provided physical distancing may be maintained. Dance floors are prohibited.
Nova Scotia
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 8, 2020.
Ontario
The government announced proposed legislation, Bill 197, the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act, 2020. According to a government press release, the proposed legislation "lays the foundation to restart jobs and development, strengthen communities, and create opportunity for people in every region of the province" and, among other things, will "restart jobs and development to get Ontario's economic engine roaring again by getting key infrastructure projects built faster, attracting more jobs and investment, and cutting red tape to help businesses adapt to the new environment." The government's summary of the proposed legislation is available here.
The government also announced a pilot program to give truck drivers access to voluntary COVID-19 testing at locations where there is high volume truck traffic or through a mobile option.
Prince Edward Island
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 8, 2020.
Quebec
The government launched a public consultation on a proposed mobile phone tracing application (or "app") that would notify people if they have been near an anonymous individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 within the previous 14 days. According to the government, the app would exclude any form of GPS geolocation and would not share any personal information.
Saskatchewan
The government announced the extension of the provincial State of Emergency effective July 8, 2020.
Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the Yukon
In Nunavut, the government issued new guidelines for non-residents wishing to enter the Territory for economic activities (e.g. prospecting or mineral exploration, academic research, lodge or cabin maintenance). The Chief Public Health Officer will assess entry requests for non-residents who wish to:
- transit or spend time in any hamlet, municipality, or populated area, subject to a 14-day isolation at one of the government's isolation locations prior to entering the Territory; and
- enter remote or non-populated areas via private transportation without prior isolation, provided certain criteria are met.
There were no major government updates in the Yukon or Northwest Territories as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on July 8, 2020.
