Below are the key government announcements made from September 8 through September 13, 2020 that touch on workplace issues. Our previous daily (weekday), weekend and weekly overviews of past government announcements, employment analyses and other COVID-19 information are available here.
This bulletin is the last in our series of daily, weekend and weekly overviews on COVID-19 government announcements. In addition to our writers, we are grateful to all those who have assisted in the publication of these bulletins since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, including Karen Sargeant, Shane Todd, Justin P'ng, Avneet Jaswal, Andrew Woodhouse, Rachel Kardal, Maria-Cristina Cavicchia, Laurianne Payeur, Conor Cowhig, Kate McLaughlin, Stephanie McMurray, Jenny Robinson, Kimberly Nembhard and Shaneeza Dookhoo.
The Federal Government
The government announced that the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance ("CECRA") for small businesses will be extended by one month to help eligible small businesses pay September 2020 rent. Both existing and new applicants to the CECRA can opt for the September 2020 rent reduction.
Alberta
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on September 13, 2020.
British Columbia
The Provincial Health Officer ordered that liquor sales in all bars, pubs, and restaurants must cease by 10 p.m. P.S.T.
Manitoba
The State of Emergency was extended for an additional 30 days beyond September 10, 2020.
The government announced that a nine (9) emergency orders put in place as part of its COVID-19 response have been renewed until either March or April 2021. These measures include, but are not limited to, orders with respect to education, justice and finance.
New Brunswick
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on September 13, 2020.
Newfoundland and Labrador
The Chief Medical Officer of Health: (1) repealed (PDF) the public health order that prevented staff of personal care homes and long term care facilities from working in multiple locations and from working at another job while also employed in these settings; and (2) amended (PDF) the public health order related to the number of visitors permitted in assisted living facilities as well as the precautions staff must take in those facilities.
Nova Scotia
The government:
- eased some restrictions in long-term care homes to permit designated caregivers to help care for and support residents; and
- eased some self-isolation requirements for out-of-province rotational workers when they return to Nova Scotia.
Ontario
There were no major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on September 13, 2020.
Prince Edward Island
Access to COVID-19 testing was expanded with new drop-in, no-appointment screening clinics.
The provincial public health emergency was extended for a further thirty (30) days effective September 13, 2020.
Quebec
The government issued an order (PDF) that prohibits employers from dismissing, suspending or transferring an employee, practising discrimination or taking reprisals against an employee, or from imposing any other sanction on an employee, if the employee is absent from work for a maximum period for fourteen (14) consecutive days and the absence is due to the fact that the employee is self-isolating pursuant to guidance or order issued by a public health authority and the employee is not able to work.
Saskatchewan
The Chief Medical Health Officer issued a Public Health Order (PDF), effective September 10, 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 Yukon, the government:
- extended the State of Emergency (PDF) until December 9, 2020; and
- repealed some Ministerial Orders (e.g. Self-Isolation Exception for Traditional Activities; Property Tax Relief; Remote Cannabis Sales; Virtual Commissioning, Signing and Witnessing; and Amendment of Government Contract Provisions).
There were no major government updates in Nunavut or the Northwest Territories as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on September 13, 2020.
