Extension of current Emergency Orders
As of June 17, 2020, thirty-seven (37) Regulations under the EMPCA (filed as "Emergency Orders") were extended in duration until the end of the current declared State of Emergency, and are now set to expire on June 30, 2020. The province's existing Regulatory framework under the EMPCA will continue to support its broader public health and safety initiatives.
At present, it is expected that several of the province's Regulations will be revisited, and audited for currency and effectiveness before June 30, 2020, on a case-by-case basis. We are actively monitoring this situation, as it may affect employers and businesses in certain industries, to the exclusion of others.
Gowling WLG Focus
The province's decision to extend all current Emergency Orders brings their expiry dates in line with the end of the current declared State of Emergency, which is also set to expire on June 30, 2020. At present, although no official statements have been published, the Premier has suggested that a subsequent extension of both the declared State of Emergency and existing Emergency Orders will be requested.
Additionally, the province's recent Regulatory filing will not affect its ability to administer its Framework for Reopening the Province ("Framework"). Starting on June 12, 2020, parts of the province entered Stage 2 of the Framework, in thirty-one (31) Public Health Unit regions. Refer to our previous coverage of relevant announcements made on June 8, 2020, and June 15, 2020. The extension of the province's Emergency Orders will have no immediate impact on the status quo under the Framework.
We are continuing to monitor all legal aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on employers across Ontario.
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