Below are the key government announcements made on April 18 and 19, 2020 that touch on workplace issues. We also summarize the "in case you missed it" ("ICYMI") stories in each province 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

Over the weekend, Prime Minister Trudeau announced that Canada and the United States have agreed to extend the closure of the border to all but essential travellers for another 30 days.

The government also announced new measures requiring all air passengers to have a non-medical mask or face covering to cover their mouth and nose during travel. These measures come into effect at 12:00 p.m. E.D.T. on April 20, 2020.

Based on an agreement reached in mid-March, Parliament is expected to resume on April 20, 2020.

ICYMI: On April 14, 2020, the Prime Minister announced that effective Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at midnight, any Canadian who returns from abroad and is not able to explain a "credible quarantine plan" will be required to quarantine in a location determined by the government, such as a hotel.

Alberta

No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on April 19, 2020.

ICYMI: On April 17, 2020, the government issued Ministerial Order 625/2020 to allow the Chief Medical Officer of Health to require a health care facility operator to provide information for the purpose of restricting the movement of staff members among health care facilities.

British Columbia

The Solicitor General announced that police and other enforcement officers will be empowered to issue fines of up to $2,000 for:

  • price gouging;
  • reselling of medical supplies and other essential goods;
  • exceeding the quantity limits on sale of specified items; and
  • failing to comply with the requirement for hotel and lodging operators to provide accommodation at the request of the government to serve as self-isolation facilities, or to support essential workers.

ICYMI: On April 17, 2020, the Provincial Health Officer published an order requiring that personal services businesses, including services related to hair, skin, nails and others part of the body, body modification, floatation tanks, cosmetic laser services and electrolysis, cease operating until further notice.

Manitoba

No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on April 19, 2020.

ICYMI: On April 16, 2020, the government introduced its previously announced public health emergency leave for employees.

New Brunswick

No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on April 19, 2020.

ICYMI: On April 13, 2020 the Minister of Health and Community Services announced, effective immediately, that all long-term care home employees are to be allocated to a single site and remain working at that site (to the exclusion of all other sites) for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Newfoundland and Labrador

No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on April 19, 2020.

ICYMI: On April 14, 2020, Newfoundland and Labrador's Chief Medical Officer of Health officially issued an order prohibiting operators of personal care homes and long term care facilities from permitting staff to work across multiple personal care homes and long term care facility locations, unless required in exceptional circumstances and where an exemption has been granted.

Nova Scotia

No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on April 19, 2020.

ICYMI: On April 15, 2020, the government released guidance for Temporary Foreign Workers employed in the agriculture and seafood sectors.

Ontario

On April 18, 2020, the government announced $20-million in funding through the COVID-19 Rapid Research Fund. The finding is intended "to advance medical research and develop tools and resources to combat COVID-19." According to a government press release, its new website Ontario Together is the portal through which "research institutions, in addition to individuals, corporations and other entities, [can] submit ideas about how to expand health care capacity and knowledge, better utilize artificial intelligence, and build Ontario's current and future supply chain capacity." Those submissions will be accepted until April 24, 2020.

ICYMI: On April 14, 2020, the government extended its declaration of emergency under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act for 28 days, ending May 12, 2020.

Prince Edward Island

No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on April 19, 2020.

ICYMI: On April 14, 2020, the government announced a new initiative to create and subsidize employment and economic opportunities for high school and post-secondary students. The government expects its new initiatives will support the creation of 1,000 jobs for youth.

Quebec

No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on April 19, 2020.

ICYMI: On April 13, 2020, Premier Legault announced the expansion of the province's list of essential services and commercial activities. He said that, amongst other activities, residential construction will be allowed in order to prevent a housing crisis.

Saskatchewan

No major government updates as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on April 19, 2020.

ICYMI: On April 13, 2020, the government provided additional details regarding the Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment.

Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the Yukon

No major government updates from the Northwest Territories, Nunavut or the Yukon, as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T. on April 19, 2020.

ICYMI: On April 14, 2020, the federal government announced that it will provide $129.9-million in COVID-19 related funding to the Yukon, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.