Below are the key government announcements made from July 31 through August 3, 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.
This is our final weekend overview. We will begin publishing weekly overviews and special announcement overviews, with the first publication expected on August 10, 2020.
The Federal Government
The Prime Minister announced that following the expiration of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, recipients will transition to Employment Insurance (EI). For those who are ineligible for EI, such as gig or contract workers, the Prime Minister announced that a "transitional, parallel benefit" would be made available. Further, a sickness and caregivers benefit would be made available for Canadians who are not covered by their employer if they contract COVID-19 or need time off to care for children or parents with COVID-19. More details are expected this month.
The Prime Minister also announced that the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program would be extended for the month of August.
The federal government announced the launch of COVID Alert, a free and voluntary national mobile app that is designed to help notify users if they may have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
The federal government also announced the details of its investment of $58.6 million in the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program to strengthen health and safety measures and address the impact of COVID-19 on farms. Part of the funding will go towards enhancing the employer inspections regime. Mandatory requirements for employer-provided accommodations will also be developed in consultation with stakeholders. Further details are available here.
Alberta
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on August 3, 2020.
British Columbia
The government introduced priority boarding for BC Ferries passengers travelling for medical reasons and prohibited travel to Haida Gwaii other than travel for an essential purpose.
The Provincial Health Officer ordered more stringent rules for operators of restaurants, bars and similar establishments.
Manitoba
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on August 3, 2020.
New Brunswick
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on August 3, 2020.
Newfoundland and Labrador
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on August 3, 2020.
Nova Scotia
The government released further information regarding the mandatory use of masks in public spaces, as previously reported, here.
Ontario
The government announced additional measures for restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments able to re-open under Stages 2 and 3. According to a government press release, the measures include:
- all patrons will be required to be seated at all times, in both indoor and outdoor areas, with limited exceptions; and
- bars and restaurants (and also tour boat operators) will be required to keep client logs for a period of 30 days and to disclose the client logs to the medical officer of health or an inspector under the Health Protection and Promotion Act on request, which will support case and contact tracing.
The amended orders related to these measures are available here (Rules for Areas in Stage 3) and here (Rules for Areas in Stage 2) and take effect on August 7, 2020.
The government also announced the extension of the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance for small businesses by one month.
Prince Edward Island
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on August 3, 2020.
Quebec
By Ministerial Order, the permissible cap on outdoor public gatherings was increased by 50 individuals to 250 individuals.
Saskatchewan
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on August 3, 2020.
Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the Yukon
In the Yukon, the government launched a new internship program. Yukon businesses, not-for profit organizations and municipalities can apply to be matched with post-secondary students who will research COVID-19's impact on their operations and help develop plans to overcome those challenges. Information is available online.
In the Northwest Territories, the government extended expiration dates on driver's licences, general identification cards and motor vehicle certificates of registration until September 1, 2020
There were no major government updates from Nunavut as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on August 3, 2020.
