COVID-19: Breaking developments and essential resources

Federal government extends relief for Registered Pension Plans and deferred salary leave plans

• On May 20, 2021, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, announced a one-year extension of draft regulations, initially released on July 2, 2020, to help employers who sponsor a registered pension plan (RPP) or deferred salary leave plan (DSLP) manage and maintain benefits for their employees through the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Read the full news release here. 

Federal government's updated travel requirements (current to April 22, 2021)

• The Government of Canada has suspended entry into Canada of all commercial and private passenger flights from India and Pakistan for 30 days, effective 23:30 EDT April 22, 2021.
• Requirements related to COVID-19 testing upon arrival in Canada and a mandatory stay of up to 3 nights at a government-authorized accommodation are in effect for air travellers.
• Air travellers 5 years of age or older travelling to Canada are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular test taken no more than 72 hours before the aircraft's initial scheduled departure time.
• Travellers entering Canada at land borders are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular test taken in the U.S. within 72 hours of arrival at the border.
• Air and land travellers who have previously tested positive for COVID-19 must provide proof of a positive COVID-19 molecular test conducted between 14 and 90 days prior to departure, instead of a negative COVID-19 molecular test.
• Canadians who must travel abroad should consider how they will meet these requirements before departure, and make plans for the possibility of needing to extend their stay. Travellers who receive a negative test result and are authorized to enter Canada must still complete the full, mandatory 14-day quarantine.
• Read the detailed notice here.

Government expands travel restrictions and COVID-19 test requirements

• As of Feb. 15, 2021, travellers coming to Canada by land must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test, taken in the States within 72 hours of arrival.
• They may also show proof of a positive test taken 14 to 90 days prior to arriving at the land border.
• Starting Feb. 22, 2021, anyone arriving in Canada by air or land must take a COVID-19 test upon arrival at the airport or border crossing. 
• Air travellers will also be required, with limited exceptions, to book a three-night stay in a government-authorized hotel before their departure.
• Read the full announcement.
• Read further information about the new requirements.

Federal government introduces further travel restrictions

• The federal government recently introduced a number of further COVID-19-related travel restrictions.
• Effective Jan. 31, 2021, every Canadian airline will be suspending flights to and from Mexico and the Caribbean, until April 30, 2021.
• Beginning Feb. 3, 2021, the majority of flights into the country can only land at four airports: Trudeau International Airport in Montréal, Toronto's Pearson International Airport, Calgary International Airport and Vancouver International Airport.
• Additionally, those travelling by air for non-essential reasons will have to take a COVID-19 test upon arrival in Canada (at their own expense, and in addition to the required pre-departure test), and reserve a room in a hotel approved by the federal government for three days, also at their own expense, while waiting for their test results.
• Travellers are still required to complete a 14-day quarantine when they arrive in Canada.
• Read about the new testing and quarantine requirements.
• Learn more about the expanded restrictions on international flights.

Air travellers to Canada must have negative COVID-19 test

• Starting Jan. 7, 2021, anyone flying to Canada over the age of five must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of their flight
• Unless exempt under the Quarantine Act, travellers are still required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Canada
• Read the government announcement
• Read our article on the new requirement

Health Canada approves Pfizer-BioNTech COVID vaccine

• On December 9, two months after receiving Pfizer's submission, Health Canada approved its application allowing the COVID vaccine to be used on Canadians.
• Read the full announcement.
• Learn more about Health Canada's COVID-19 vaccine review and authorization process.

Canada set to receive COVID-19 vaccine before end of 2020

• On December 7, the federal government announced that, contingent on Health Canada approval, Canada will receive up to 249,000 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
• The Public Health Agency of Canada is working to have 14 locations across the country ready to receive the vaccine this month.

Government expands business loan program

• On December 4, the Canadian government announced its expansion of the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loans program.
• Eligible businesses impacted by COVID-19 can now apply to receive a $20,000 loan, in addition to the $40,000 they were originally eligible for under the program.
• Half of the additional loan - up to $10,000 - will be forgivable if it is repaid by the end of December 2022.

Tax Court of Canada cancels in-person hearings

• On Nov. 26, 2020, the Tax Court of Canada announced that it is cancelling all in-person hearings scheduled from Nov. 30, 2020 to Jan. 15, 2021, in response to the rising numbers of COVID-19 cases in cities across Canada.
• The Notice to the Public and the Profession indicated that the Chief Justice would continue to monitor the situation and reassess whether further sittings would have to be altered during the week of Jan. 4, 2021.
• Matters scheduled to be heard by conference calls will not be affected and all registry offices remain open except for Hamilton. Other court timelines have not yet been altered.

Travel for international students

• Starting October 20, learning institutions with COVID-19 readiness plans approved by their provincial or territorial government can welcome more international students back to their schools
• The institutions are expected to specify how they will provide information to international students on health and travel requirements before they come to Canada, help students with quarantine plans and offer guidance or assistance in acquiring necessities (e.g., food and medicine) during quarantine.
• Read more about the required readiness plans.

Canadian passport services gradually resume

• As of July 31, Canadians can once again apply for passports by mail. 
• If there is an immediate need for a passport, or an individual is travelling in less than 30 days, they can request an in-person appointment.
• Applicants renewing their passport can now use the simplified renewal process up to two years after their passport expires, rather than one, if it expired on or after Feb. 1, 2019.

Government of Canada shares legislative proposals to address issues relating to legislative time limits and deadlines

• The draft legislative proposals outline potential solutions that the government could implement to address these important issues. Read the news release.

Competition Bureau issues statement on competitor collaborations

• The Competition Bureau has said it will refrain from enforcement action related to short-term, good faith business collaborations necessary to supply critical products and services. Read the full statement.

Competition Bureau cracking down on deceptive marketing claims related to COVID-19

• The Competition Bureau is warning all businesses against making false or misleading claims that their products and services can prevent, treat or cure COVID-19.
• The Bureau has issued direct compliance warnings to a variety of businesses across Canada to stop potentially deceptive claims, including warnings against:
  • making claims that herbal remedies, bee-related products, vitamins, vegetables or other food and drink products can prevent COVID-19 infections; and
  • making claims—without first conducting the testing required by law—that certain UV and ozone air sterilization systems, as well as certain air filters or air purifiers, will effectively kill or filter out the virus.
• Businesses could face severe financial penalties and jail time if their marketing practices do not comply with the law.

Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Government of Canada launch Canadian Business Resilience Network

• This new initiative focuses on providing businesses with the tools they need to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on them, the economy and communities across the country. 
• View the program website.

CRTC extends deadlines and postpones certain hearings

• The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has extended deadlines and postponed public hearings for certain proceedings. The latest changes can be found on the CRTC open proceedings page and in the Secretary General's letters. 

CBSA issues Customs Notice for commercial importation of medical supplies

• Read more.

CRA releases Q&A related to minimum RIF withdrawal for 2020

• The CRA has released Q&As relating to the previously announced reduction in the minimum RIF withdrawal for 2020 (as part of the COVID-19 relief package).

Corporations Canada provides guidance on virtual meetings and AGM delays for corporations and NFPs

• Depending on corporate by-laws, corporations can opt to hold virtual meetings or partially virtual meetings, and not-for-profits can apply to delay the calling of their annual general meeting. Read more. 

Federal pensions regulator announces changes

• Effective March 27, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions of Canada has put a full freeze on portability for defined benefit provisions of pension plans. Read more.
• The deadline for listed annual filings in respect of a pension plan with a plan year ending between September 30, 2019 and March 31, 2020 has been extended from six months after the plan's year-end to nine months after the plan's year-end.
• Read BLG's update here (April 1, 2020).

CSA streamlines at-the-market distribution regime

• On June 4, the CSA published final amendments that streamline at-the-market distributions in Canada, and reduce regulatory burden for issuers, exchanges and investment dealers. Read more.

CSA providing investment funds and non-investment fund issuers with temporary relief

• On May 20, the CSA published two blanket orders that provide investment funds and non-investment fund issuers with temporary relief from certain regulatory filings and delivery obligations.
  • Investment funds receive a 60-day extension for certain filing, delivery and prospectus renewal obligations normally required to be made between June 2 to September 30, 2020.
  • Non-investment fund issuers receive a 45-day extension for certain filing, delivery and base shelf prospectus renewal obligations normally due or required to be made during the period from June 2 and August 31, 2020.
• Investment funds and non-investment fund issuers that have already used the prior relief to extend any filing, delivery or prospectus renewal deadline occurring on or before June 1, 2020 cannot use this relief to further extend the deadline.

CSA providing public companies with blanket relief from certain AGM requirements

• On May 1, the CSA announced it is proving public companies with temporary blanket relief from certain filing and delivery requirements, generally tied to the sending of materials for annual general meetings (AGMs).
• Public companies have until December 31, 2020 to file their executive compensation disclosure. Public companies also have temporary relief from requirements to send, or send upon request, copies of their annual or interim financial statements and management's discussion and analysis (MD&A) to investors within certain time periods.
• Earlier, the CSA issued guidance on conducting virtual AGMs.

CSA temporarily increases short-term borrowing limits for mutual funds investing in fixed income

• On April 17, the CSA issued temporary blanket relief that permits mutual funds to engage in additional short-term borrowing from April 17 to July 31, 2020.

CSA publishes updated FAQ regarding blanket relief for regulatory filings

• On May 29, the CSA announced it is providing a further 60-day extension for periodic filings normally required to be made between June 2 and September 30, 2020 by registrants. The conditions are substantially the same as the previous 45-day extension granted.

CSA encourages reporting issuers to apply for a MCTO if filing delay anticipated

• Read more.

CIPO extension

• In response to the disruptive circumstances attributable to COVID-19, the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) has advised that most time limits affecting patents, trademarks and industrial designs that fall on "designated dates" will be considered to have been met if the required action is taken by the next "non-designated date".
• Based on CIPO's last Notice, deadlines that fall between March 16, 2020 and Friday August 21, 2020 (the designated dates) will be considered to have been met if the required action is taken by Monday August 24, 2020 (the next non-designated date). Because the situation is evolving so rapidly, we encourage you to check the CIPO website here for the latest status. CIPO has also posted answers to frequently asked questions on the extension here.
• Although reliance on this extraordinary extension is an available option for addressing certain patent, trademark and industrial design deadlines, we recommend that all original deadlines be met. Please contact our Intellectual Property Group if you wish to extend a deadline falling in the designated dates, or if you wish to check on the eligibility of the extension for a missed deadline.

Province to ease some COVID-19 restrictions

• Starting February 8, Alberta will ease some of its health measures.
• Changes are coming to children's sports, indoor fitness and restaurants.
• Read the full list and details of the eased measures.

Alberta expands social gathering, masking measures

• Effective immediately, Alberta has banned all indoor and outdoor public and private social gatherings and extended its indoor public masking requirement province-wide.
• Close contacts are limited to members of the same household, with up to two close contacts (that must remain the same) allowed for those who live alone.
• The expanded masking requirement applies to all indoor workplaces and public spaces and facilities.
• Effective December 13, new restrictions and closures will be in place for retail, restaurants and bars, places of worship and more.
• Read the full list of updated measures and closures.

COVID-19 exemptions for jury duty

• On Nov. 25, 2020, Court of Queen's Bench Alberta announced exceptions for those summoned to jury duty.
• Read the full announcement.

City of Calgary State of Local Emergency

• The City of Calgary entered a State of Local Emergency on November 25.
• Read what Calgary is doing to respond to COVID-19.

Alberta launches COVID-19 tracing app

• ABTraceTogether is a mobile contact tracing app that helps to let you know if you've been exposed to COVID-19 – or if you've exposed others – while protecting your privacy.
  Read more.

Alberta reopening update

• On June 12, Alberta entered Stage 2 of its relaunch plan. Read more.
• In Stage 2, more business are permitted to open (with some restrictions), such as:
  • Child care and out-of-school care
  • Hair salons and barbers
  • Non-essential health services
  • Personal services
  • Restaurant, cafes, pubs and bars
  • Retail services
  • Wellness services
• View the full list of restricted and non-restricted services.

Alberta corporate registry allows postponement of meetings and annual return filings

• Effective March 19, Alberta corporations, non-profit companies and societies may postpone any upcoming annual general meetings until such time as provincial and local gathering restrictions as a result of COVID-19 have been lifted.
• In addition, the Alberta Corporate Registry System processes which automatically dissolve corporations and strike registrations for failure to file annual returns will be suspending indefinitely beginning April 2, to allow Alberta corporate entities additional time to file outstanding annual returns.

City of Edmonton reopening updates

• The City of Edmonton ended its State of Local Emergency on June 5.
• Changes to city services and venues include:
  • Opening of select indoor recreation facilities, fitness centres and gyms and aquatic facilities. Read more.
  • Resuming fare payment on Edmonton Transit Service as of June 15. Read more.
  • Permits to allow business to temporarily expand patios, sidewalk cafes and outdoor retail spaces. Read more.
  • City Hall remains closed to the public until further notice to ensure the health and safety of Council, City employees and the public.
• View Edmonton’s Economic Recovery Program.
• Find further COVID-19 updates here.

BC closes nightclubs, banquet halls

• Following a resurgence in COVID-19 cases in the province, as of September 8 all nightclubs and standalone banquet halls are closed until further notice
• Liquor sales in bars, restaurants and pubs must stop at 10 p.m. each night and they must close at 11 p.m., unless providing full meal service
• Read more.

Applications for extension to COVID-19 temporary layoffs due August 25

• The maximum length of a temporary layoff related to COVID-19 was extended to 24 weeks, ending on or before August 30, 2020. Employers with reasonable plans to recall employees by a specific date that falls after August 30, 2020 can apply to extend the temporary layoff through a variance to the Employment Standards Act with the Employment Standards Branch (ESB).The deadline for variance applications is Tuesday, August 25.
• Read more.

BC reopening updates

• On June 24, BC entered Phase 3 of its reopening plan. Read about what that means for residents in the provincial government's announcement.
• On May 19, BC entered Phase 2 of its reopening plan. Under Phase 2, the following businesses were allowed to reopen under operating guidelines from WorkSafeBC:
  • Personal services like hair salons and barbers
  • Restaurants, cafes and pubs
  • Museums, art galleries and libraries
  • In-person counselling
  • Medical services, like chiropractors and massage therapists
  • Child care
• View list of reopened businesses under Phase 2 here.
• View BC’s Restart Plan here.

BC announces Emergency Program Act

• As of March 26, 2020, the province is using the Emergency Program Act to issue a set of orders that include:
  • Establishing a new Provincial Supply Chain Coordination Unit to co-ordinate goods and services distribution; taking a more active role in co-ordinating essential goods and services movement by land, air, marine and rail; and suspending any bylaws that restrict goods delivery at any time of day.
  • Banning the secondary resale of food, medical supplies, personal protective equipment, cleaning and other essential supplies; and restricting quantities of items purchased at point of sale.
  • Enabling municipal bylaw officers to support enforcement of the provincial health officer’s orders for business closures and gatherings, in line with offences under the Public Health Act with fines of over $25,000 or jail.
  • Ensuring all passenger and car-ferry services provide minimum service levels and priority access for residents, and essential goods and workers.
  • Making it easier to support critical services for vulnerable people, like food banks and shelters.
  • Evictions due to loss of income related to COVID-19 that would otherwise be allowed under the Residential Tenancy Act will be prevented or suspended.
  • Suspending local states of emergency specific to the COVID-19 pandemic, except for the City of Vancouver; giving municipal councils the ability to hold more flexible meetings to expedite decisions; and co-ordinating potential use of local publicly owned facilities, like community centres, for self-isolation, testing, medical care, warehousing and distribution.
  • On the direction of the Province, a hotel operator or commercial lodging operator must provide accommodation services for the purposes of self-isolation, supporting essential workforces or for other purposes identified by the Province.
• The province has announced it will allow strata corporations to hold meetings electronically. Read more.
• The province has announced it will allow virtual-only shareholder meetings. Read more. 
• The Provincial Health Minister issued an order under the Public Health Act prohibiting the gathering of people in excess of 50 people at a place of which a person is the owner, occupier or operator, or for which they are otherwise responsible.  
• The Province has made two significant changes to the Employment Standards Act
  • Workers are able to immediately take unpaid, job-protected leave if they are unable to work for reasons relating to COVID-19 without putting their job at risk, with leave able to be retroactive to Jan. 27, 2020
  • There will be three days of unpaid, job-protected leave each year for people who cannot work due to illness or injury. This is a permanent change to the act and brings B.C. to alignment with the other Canadian provinces

BC Registries allows remote commissioning of affidavits

• Read more.

BC allows companies, societies and co-operatives to meet electronically during State of Emergency

• Order overrides requirements under the Business Corporations Act, Societies Act and Cooperative Association Act that prohibit electronic meetings, including a corporation's own articles, bylaws or rules. Read more.

BC Supreme Court resumes trials

• On June 5, the Supreme Court of British Columbia announced trials would resume June 8 in a number of locations, with a number of protective measures in place. Read more here.
• Visit the BC Courts site for a full breakdown of COVID-19 measures and services being offered at the Appeal, Supreme Court and Provincial Court levels. 

BC Ministry of Finance delays transparency register deadline to October 1, 2020

• More information on how to create the transparency register.

BC Financial Services Authority announces response to the COVID-19 pandemic

• Read more.
• For more information on the capital treatment of loans under the Business Credit Availability Program, please see the BCFSA's announcement. 

BC government issues guidance to mining and smelting operations during COVID‐19

• BC's Public Health Officer is directing all mines and smelters to take additional precautions to minimize the risks of COVID-19 transmission and illness to their employees.
• See the full list of guidelines.

Temporary exemption from certain reporting requirements for regulated entities carrying on business in BC

• Read more.

The BC Securities Commission grants temporary exemption from certain corporate finance requirements (51-515)

• Read more.

City of Vancouver reopening updates

• The City of Vancouver is taking a phased approach to reopening under its Restart Smart Vancouver plan.
• The city has rescinded the state of emergency order as of May 19, 2020, including the order prohibiting customers from eating inside licensed premises and limiting the number of customers in any place to no more than 10 people.
• The Vancouver Park Board is opening four outdoor pools, 10 spray parks, and staffing nine Vancouver beaches with lifeguards this summer.
• The Temporary Expedited Patio Program allows businesses to convert on-street parking to patios through the new permit application. Read more.
• View all updates here.

Manitoba circuit court suspended

• Starting November 12, all circuit court sittings in Manitoba are suspended until at least December 11.
• Read more.

Court of Appeal hearings go remote

• On November 2, the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region moved to Critical Level (Red).
• As a result, effective November 3 all appeals will be heard by remote videoconferencing. All motions or applications will be heard remotely by teleconferencing.
• Read the full announcement.

Increased fines for failure to follow emergency orders

• On October 21, Premier Brian Pallister announced an increase in fines for individuals and corporations that do not follow public health and emergency orders.
• For individuals, the fine increases from $486 to $1296. For corporations, it increases from $2542 to $5000.

COVID Alert app now available

• Effective October 1, Manitobans can download COVID Alert, Canada's COVID-19 exposure notification app.
• COVID Alert helps notify app users if they've been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19.

Manitoba reopening updates

• Manitoba entered Phase Three of its recovery plan on June 21. This allows for increases to group sizes and public gatherings (indoor and outdoor), relaxing travel restrictions and removing retail business occupancy limits. Read more.
• View Manitoba’s Pandemic and Economic Roadmap for Recovery (released May 4).

Manitoba ‘Back to Work’ subsidy program

• On Sept. 14, the province extended the “Back to Work' program by two months until Dec. 31 and announced employers are now able to rehire students previously hired through the Manitoba Summer Student Recovery Jobs Program, Canada Summer Job Program and Green Team Program. The province confirmed new start-up companies are eligible, providing they have a business number. Read more. 
• The provincial government expanded its ‘Back to Work’ wage subsidy program in July, where it will reimburse businesses up to $5000 for up to 10 new employees, to a maximum of $50,000 per business. Read more.

Manitoba state of emergency

• The Manitoba government extended the province-wide state of emergency under The Emergency Measures Act. The extension goes into effect at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 10 for a period of 30 days.
• On July 14, the government of Manitoba extended its state of emergency for 30 days. It was first declared on March 20.

Moncton region enters Orange level

• The region (zone one) returns to the Orange level after COVID-19 cases doubled in less than six days
• Outbreaks in vulnerable settings, where there is risk of community transmission, and reports of individuals going against public health measures, are also cited as reasons for returning to Orange level
• Learn what this means for the Moncton region

Changes to self-isolation rules

• As of November 19 at midnight, workers returning to New Brunswick from outside the Atlantic bubble are required to isolate for 14 days, unless they volunteer to take a COVID-19 test.
• This measure does not apply to truckers or daily commuters.
• Read the full announcement.

Face masks to become mandatory at Service New Brunswick

• Starting October 1, customers are required to wear face masks while at Service New Brunswick centres.
• Read more.

COVID Alert app launches

• Effective September 18, the COVID Alert app is available for download in New Brunswick.
• COVID Alert lets individuals know if they come in contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19. The app is free and use is voluntary.
• COVID Alert is available for download through the App and Google Play stores.

New Brunswick forms "travel bubble" with Atlantic provinces

• As of July 3, residents of New Brunswick can travel to the other Atlantic provinces without needing to self-isolate for two weeks, as long as they:
• have not travelled outside the Atlantic provinces in the past 14 days
• have not been advised to self-isolate
• are not waiting for COVID-19 test results
• do not have at least two COVID-19 related symptoms.

Read the full announcement for more.

New Brunswick announces recovery plan

• On April 24, the government of New Brunswick released its phased plan for reopening its economy.
• The province is currently in Phase Yellow, which allows for outdoor public gatherings of less than 50 people and the reopening on non-regulated health services and personal services, such as hair salons, spas, and tattoo parlours. Read more.

New Brunswick declares state of emergency

• On March 19, the Government of New Brunswick declared a provincial state of emergency and closed a number of services.

Atlantic travel bubble suspended

• Starting November 25, Newfoundland is temporarily removed from the travel bubble with the other Atlantic provinces.
• All travelers to Newfoundland, including ones from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, are required to isolate for 14 days.
• Read the full announcement.

Newfoundland forms travel bubble with Atlantic provinces

• As of July 3, residents of the Atlantic provinces can travel amongst them without needing to self-isolate for 14 days.

Newfoundland announces plan for living with COVID-19

• On April 30, the government of Newfoundland & Labrador announced its plan for living with COVID-19, which includes five alert levels. Public restrictions will be relaxed depending on the alert level the province is in, as decided by the Chief Medical Officer of Health.
• On June 25, the province entered alert level 2, allowing for public gatherings of up to 50 people for weddings, funerals and burials. Places of worship, gyms and fitness facilities, and arenas are allowed to reopen, with restrictions.

Newfoundland declares state of public health emergency

On March 18, Newfoundland declared a state of public health emergency. As of July 16, the emergency was extended for two weeks, until the end of the month.

Northwest Territories eases public health measures

• On May 15, the government of the Northwest Territories announced it was entering phase two of eased public health measures, allowing some businesses to reopen under new health and safety measures, as well as outdoor gatherings of up to 50 people as long as physical distancing is maintained. Travel restrictions will remain in place for some time, along with other emergency measures. Organized outdoor activities, including sports, may occur.
• On June 12, the government further relaxed its phase two measures, allowing outdoor gatherings of more than 50 people for outdoor plays and outdoor farmer’s markets, with prior approval. Restaurants and bars are allowed no more than 25 customers indoors and no more than 50 people outdoors. Kindergarten to grade 12 classes are allowed to open, with prior approval from the Chief Public Health Officer.

Northwest Territories declares provincial state of emergency

On March 18, the Northwest Territories declared a provincial state of emergency. The state of emergency was extended on July 7.

Nova Scotia forms "travel bubble" with Atlantic provinces

• As of July 3, residents of the Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island) can travel with those borders without needing to self-isolate for 14 days. Read the full announcement.

Nova Scotia takes steps to reopen economy

• On June 5, many businesses were permitted to reopen, including restaurants for dine-in service, bars and wineries, personal services such as salons and spas, fitness facilities, and veterinary clinics. Private campgrounds were also allowed to reopen.
• Restaurants and licensed liquor establishments in Nova Scotia are now allowed to operate at 100 per cent capacity and stay open until 1 a.m. as part of the newly announced easing of restriction measures in the province.
• Effective July 3, if a recognized business or organization is planning an event outdoors, 250 people can attend with physical distancing rules in place. For an indoor event, the limit is 50 per cent capacity to a maximum of 200 people, again with physical distancing.

Nova Scotia declares provincial state of emergency

• On March 22, Nova Scotia declared a provincial state of emergency. This has been extended until July 26.

Nunavut declares state of public health emergency

• On March 18, 2020, Nunavut declared a state of public health emergency. As of June 29, the limit for outdoor gatherings has now been increased to 50 people and the limit for indoor gatherings has been increased to 10 people.
• See current COVID measures in the territory.
• Effective July 20, all licensed establishments in Nunavut are allowed to open with regular hours.
• The territory is also extending its travel bubble to include Churchill, Manitoba only.

Ontario releases Roadmap to Reopen plan; eases some outdoor restrictions starting May 22, 2021

• While Ontario remains under a Stay-at-Home Order until June 2, 2021, the government will expand outdoor limits for social gatherings and organized public events as of Saturday, May 22 as follows:  

• Gatherings of up to five people from different households will be permitted outdoors. Indoor socializing will still remain off-limits.
• Some outdoor recreational amenities are permitted with restrictions, including golf courses, tennis courts, skateboarding parks, sports fields, BMX and skate parks, shooting ranges and archery ranges, and horse riding.

• The government also released its three-step Roadmap to Reopen plan for gradual reopening and easing of public health measures. Ontario is expected to enter Step One of the Roadmap the week of June 14, 2021.
• Starting at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, May 22, outdoor gatherings of up to five people from different households will be permitted outdoors. Indoor socializing will still remain off-limits. Some outdoor recreational amenities are permitted with restrictions, including golf courses, tennis courts, skateboarding parks, sports fields, BMX and skate parks, shooting ranges and archery ranges, and horse riding.Read the Roadmap document for further details. 

Ontario employees entitled to up to three paid sick days due to COVID-related reasons

• The COVID-19 Putting Workers First Act was passed in the Ontario legislature on April 29, 2021.
• The legislation requires employers to provide employees with up to $200 of pay for up to three days if they miss work because of COVID-19-related reasons.
• Paid leave is available for certain reasons related to COVID-19, including: going for a COVID-19 test; staying home awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test; being sick with COVID-19; going to get vaccinated; experiencing a side effect from a COVID-19 vaccination; having been advised to self-isolate due to COVID-19 by an employer medical practitioner or other authority; taking care of a dependent who is sick with COVID-19 or has symptoms of COVID-19 or is self-isolating due to COVID-19.
• Employees won't have to take the three days off consecutively.
• The program will be retroactive to April 19, 2021 and effective until September 25, 2021.
• Read the government new release for further details. 

Ontario declares state of emergency, issues stay-at-home order effective Thursday, April 8, 2021

• The Stay-at-Home order is in place until May 19, 2021, as the province continues to deal with the impacts of COVID-19. Restrictions include: 
  • Remote learning for all publicly funded and private elementary and secondary schools.
  • Indoor and outdoor organized public events and social gatherings are not allowed, except with members of the same household (the people you live with).
  • Capacity limits of 25% are in effect for retailers that primary sell food, pharmacies and big box stores (for sale of certain items only).
• Read the full government news release for further details. 

Ontario declares second state of emergency, issues stay-at-home order effective Jan 14, 2021

• On Jan. 12, 2021, the Ontario government declared a second provincial state of emergency, and introduced further restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19. The new stay-at-home order, effective Jan. 14, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., requires everyone to remain at home with exceptions for essential purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services, for exercise or for essential work. The order will remain in effect for at least 28 days. Some of the enhanced restrictions are as follows:
  • Outdoor gatherings are further restricted to maximum five people, with limited exceptions.
  • Any employee of a business or organization that remains open will work remotely, with limited exceptions – including, for example, if the nature of their work requires them to be on-site.
  • All non-essential retail stores, including hardware stores, alcohol retailers and those offering curbside pickup or delivery, must not open before 7 a.m. and close by 8 p.m.
  • Non-essential construction is further restricted, including below-grade construction. However, land surveying and demolition services are exempt from this restriction.
  • Schools in Toronto, York Region, Hamilton, Peel Region and Windsor-Essex will not return to in-person learning until Feb. 10, 2021. Schools in Northern Ontario will remain open for in-person learning.
• Read our article for further detail on the state of emergency.
• Read the full government news release.

Province-wide shutdown extended

• The provincial government has extended the shutdown in Northern Ontario by another two weeks; previously it was scheduled to last two weeks
• Elementary school students in Southern Ontario will now attend school online until at least January 25
• Read the full announcement

Province-wide shutdown coming to Ontario

• Starting December 26, the entire Province of Ontario is going into lockdown.
• The restrictions will last for at least two weeks in Northern Ontario and at least four weeks in Southern Ontario.
• Read the full announcement to learn about the updated restrictions.

Ontario regions move to new restriction levels

• Effective December 14, several of Ontario's public health regions moved to new levels in the province's COVID-19 Response Framework:
• Grey (lockdown)
  • Windsor-Essex County Health Unit
  • York Region Public Health
• Red (control)
  • Middlesex-London Health Unit
  • Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
  • Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health
• Orange (restrict)
  • Eastern Ontario Health Unit
• Yellow (protect)
  • Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit

Public health units will stay at their levels for a minimum of 28 days.

Three Ontario regions get further COVID restrictions

• As of December 7, three public health regions of Ontario moved to new levels in the province's COVID-19 Response Framework:
  • Middlesex-London Health Unit and Thunder Bay District Health Unit moved to the Orange-Restrict level.
  • Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit moved to the Yellow-Protect level.
• Learn what each Response Framework level means.

Peel, Toronto going into lockdown

• Effective November 23, Toronto and Peel are moving from the province's Red level to lockdown. Measures in effect under lockdown include:
  • Retail stores may stay open for delivery and curbside pickup only.
  • Grocery stores, pharmacies, hardware stores, wine and liquor stores may remain open, with 50 per cent capacity allowed inside.
  • Indoor and outdoor dining is prohibited.
  • Weddings, funerals and religious services are limited to 10 people.
  • Schools and daycares remain open.
• Also effective November 23, Durham and Waterloo Regions move into the Red - Control level.
• Huron Perth Public Health, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, Southwestern Public Health and Windsor-Essex County Health Unit move to the Orange - Restrict level.
• Chatham-Kent Public Health; Eastern Ontario Health Unit; Grey Bruce Health Unit; Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Public Health, Peterborough Public Health and Thunder Bay District Health Unit move to the Yellow - Protect level.
• Learn what the different COVID-19 levels mean here.

Reopening Ontario orders extended

• On November 20, the province extended all orders currently in effect under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 until December 21.
• Read the full announcement.

Ontario announces resumption of limitation periods and timelines for court actions

• On August 20 the Ontario government announced that the Limitations Period Order will end and suspended time periods will resume running on September 14, 2020. 
• Litigants and potential litigants should take careful notice of the manner in which time periods are calculated under the Order. For example, if a two year limitation period would otherwise have expired three days into the suspension period, then according to the Order, that period will expire three days after the resumption of the running of the limitation period, or on September 17, 2020. Similarly, if the deadline to defend a claim would otherwise have passed 12 days after March 20, 2020, that deadline will instead pass on September 26, 2020, and litigants that miss that deadline may be noted in default as a result.
• Read more

COVID Alert app launches

• Effective July 31, Ontarians can download the new COVID Alert app, which will let them know if they come in contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19.
• COVID Alert is available for download through the App and Google Play stores
• The federal government is working to roll out the app to the rest of the country in the weeks and months to come.

Ontario courtrooms to gradually reopen

• Ontario courts started resuming in-person proceedings on July 6
• To start, 149 courtrooms in the Superior and Ontario courts of Justice are reopening in 44 locations
• Additional courtrooms will reopen by September, with the rest scheduled to reopen by November 1

Safe operation guidelines for essential businesses

• The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development have released a guidance document on safe practices in construction project sites.
• Ontario has extended construction hours for essential construction projects, like critical projects in the health care sector, to 24 hours a day. Work on new hospital builds, expansions, and COVID-19 assessment centres will be able to continue any time of the night or day in order to help accelerate the construction of these important projects.
• The province has launched a toll-free line, 1-888-444-3659, to provide support to Ontario businesses who have questions about the province's recent emergency order to close at-risk workplaces following recommendations by Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health. This information line will be open from Monday to Sunday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Emergency order legislation

• Failure to comply with an emergency order could carry punishments of up to one-year imprisonment or a fine of up to $100,000 for an individual, $500,000 for a director of a corporation, or $10 million for a corporation itself if a provincial offences officer charges the individual by issuing a summons.
• See Ontario’s news release for more information.
• See tip sheets offering guidance to workplaces that are staying open.
• See FAQ to assist individuals and businesses with questions related to Ontario's mandatory closure of all non-essential businesses. 

Declaration of emergency in Ontario

• On July 16, Ontario extended all emergency orders currently in effect to July 29. The province’s state of emergency is currently in effect until July 24.
• On May 12, the Ontario Legislature passed Bill 190: COVID-19 Response and Reforms to Modernize Ontario Act, 2020 in order to help people conduct business while practicing social distancing by, for example, enabling corporations to call and hold meetings virtually, and extending the time period in which annual meetings must be held in specific circumstances; and allowing for regulations to set out the parameters for remotely commissioning or notarizing a document.
• Ontario, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, has extended all emergency orders currently in force until July 15, 2020 and the suspension of limitation periods until September 11, 2020.
• On June 19, the Office of the premier announced its plan for the safe reopening of schools in the 2020-2021 school year. View full details of the plan here.
• Effective April 14, the Planning Act was amended to allow municipalities to suspend certain planning decision timelines during the state of emergency. These changes will temporarily pause the need for municipalities and planning boards to make planning decisions within specified timelines without the risk of appeal. If municipalities choose to process planning applications, they may still do so by holding virtual/electronic public meetings and making decisions on planning matters during the COVID-19 outbreak. On April 15, O. Reg. 149/20 (under the Planning Act) came into force. This new regulation exempts the Planning Act (and s. 114 of the City of Toronto Act) from the suspension of limitation periods ordered by Ontario under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. As such, limitation periods and other procedural time periods under the Planning Act will run as if they were never suspended. That said, the regulation also contains specific rules for the purposes of counting the time periods and giving notices under certain provisions of the Planning Act.
• Effective April 14, 2020, the Development Charges Act was amended to allow municipalities with an expiring development charge by-law to use their existing by-law during the current emergency and for six months following the end of the emergency declaration, so they can continue to charge fees on new construction.

Ontario announces changes to business meetings and operations

• On October 1, 2020, the Ontario government passed O. Reg. 544/20: Extension Of Temporary Suspension Period, extending the Temporary Suspension Period to May 31, 2021 for some of the Temporary Amendments related to the ability to hold director and member meetings electronically and the manner of voting at such meetings. Read more. 
• The government of Ontario announced it is providing greater flexibility around meetings and business operations to support corporations and other businesses during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. These changes allow corporations to call and hold virtual meetings and defer annual meetings, among other measures. Read more.

FSRA adjusts policies for pensions

• The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) has provided further details for pension administrators in need of relief and filing deadline extensions. Read more.
• On April 24, the FSRA issued new guidance to provide clear information to pension plan sponsors, administrators and their agents on how they can meet regulatory requirements during this disruption, and to plan members who may have questions. See the FSRA Pension Plan Emergency Management Response.

FSRA and OSC update timeline for transfer of oversight of syndicated mortgages

• On April 16, the FSRA and OSC provided an updated timeline for the transfer of regulatory oversight of the syndicated mortgage regime, which is now expected to be effective January 1, 2021.

FSRA issues update on mortgage administrator invoicing

• On March 27, FSRA issued an update on Changes to Regulatory Requirements due to COVID-19. The organization has updated the information provided regarding invoice payment terms for mortgage administrators. Read more here.

FSRA announces changes to regulatory requirements due to COVID-19

• Read more.

Auto insurance industry response to COVID-19

• The Ontario government has made regulatory changes to enable auto insurance companies to provide temporary insurance premium rebates to drivers.
• The FSRA released guidance to support insurers in providing this relief.

Tribunals Ontario fee increases deferred to July 1, 2020

• On March 31, Tribunals Ontario announced that application fee increases for the Assessment Review Board, Landlord and Tenant Board and Licence Appeal Tribunal were deferred until July 1. Read more.

Time extension for annual meetings of Ontario corporations

• Read more.

The Ontario government suspends limitation periods and procedural time periods

• Read more.

OSC provides temporary exemption from certain reporting requirements for regulated entities

• Read more.

OSC temporarily waives all late fees

• The OSC is waiving all late fees that accumulate between April 17 and June 1, 2020. On May 29, they announced they would be extending this relief until September 30, 2020. Read more.

TSX provides blanket relief from provisions of the TSX Company Manual

• Read more.

Ontario extends licences of beef cattle dealers, grain dealers and grain elevator operators

• The Ontario government has amended regulations under the Financial Protection Programs to extend licences of beef cattle dealers, grain dealers and grain elevator operators for 90 days after the Emergency Order is lifted.

Real estate industry developments

• On May 7, Brookfield Asset Management Inc. announced it is planning to invest $5 billion to help struggling retailers. The Toronto-based firm has launched a “retail revitalization” program that will focus on taking minority stakes in retail businesses that have been hit hard by the pandemic.
• On May 7, Alphabet's Sidewalk Labs announced that it was pulling out of Toronto’s Quayside project, as a result of the global economic upheaval and uncertainty caused by COVID-19. Toronto awarded Sidewalk Labs 12 acres of development along its waterfront in October 2017 to design a high-tech smart city development that would provide an example of how to incorporate buildings, autonomous vehicles, and state-of-the-art wood-frame towers into an urban development.
• On May 19, Reitmans Canada Ltd. obtained preliminary approval to seek bankruptcy protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act, the latest retailer seeking to restructure its operations as the COVID-19 pandemic causes prolonged store closures.
• More retailers announced layoffs and store closures at their Canadian operations as they continue to grapple with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Canada Goose Holdings Inc. announced that it would lay off 125 employees, or about 2.5% of its more than 5,000-person workforce. Meanwhile, American retailer L Brands announced that it will reduce the number of company-owned Victoria’s Secret stores and close about 250 stores in the U.S. and Canada this year. 

Declaration of emergency in City of Toronto

• On April 30, the Toronto City Council unanimously voted to extend Mayor John Tory’s State of Emergency declaration in Toronto until the COVID-19 municipal emergency has ended.
• On March 23, Mayor John Tory declared an Emergency in the City of Toronto. The declaration of a municipal emergency is part of Toronto’s ongoing efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 and will ensure the municipal government can continue to act and respond quickly to the pandemic and any other events that arise in the weeks ahead.
• On April 1, it was announced that to arrest COVID-19 more quickly, save lives, protect the healthcare system and ensure the economy and society can rebound more quickly, various measures will take effect:
• On March 31, 2020, Toronto announced that it will cancel all Toronto-led major mass participation events, festivals, conferences and cultural programs, and all Toronto permits for major mass participation events organized by external groups at civic centres and squares, parks, public spaces (including road closures), Toronto-operated museums and cultural centres through June 30. Among the major events impacted by the announcement are Doors Open Toronto, Indigenous Arts Festival, Pride Toronto, and NXNE Music and Gaming festival.
• On May 15, Toronto announced that to slow the spread of COVID-19, it is extending the cancellation of Toronto-led and Toronto-permitted major festivals and events with attendance of more than 250 people through July 31, 2020, and those with attendance of 25,000 or more through August 31. The resumption or cancellation of professional sporting events is not included in this decision. To mitigate the impacts of these cancellations, Mayor John Tory announced that the City will repurpose grant funding that was previously approved by City Council, in order to support festivals that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• On July 13, the city announced its extension of cancelling city-led and city-permitted outdoor events through September 30, including Nuit Blanche.
• It also cancelled all outdoor special event permits through to September 30, including the one for the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon on October 18.

PEI enters "Circuit Breaker" phase

• Effective December 7, PEI has entered a COVID-19 circuit breaker phase for two weeks.
• Restrictions in this phase override all other existing public health guidance, and include, among others:
  • No personal gatherings;
  • Gyms, fitness facilities, bingo halls, casinos, museums and libraries are closed;
  • Takeout and delivery only for restaurants; and
  • Reduced capacity in stores.

Atlantic travel bubble suspended

• Starting November 24, PEI is temporarily removed from the travel bubble with the other Atlantic provinces.
• All travelers to PEI, including ones from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, must have pre-travel approval from the province and a 14-day self-isolation plan before they may enter PEI.
• Read the full announcement.

Prince Edward Island forms travel bubble with Atlantic provinces

• As of July 3, residents of the four Atlantic provinces (PEI, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland) can travel amongst the provinces without needing to self-isolate for 14 days.
• Residents outside the Atlantic Canada region still must apply for pre-approved travel to PEI and have a 14-day self-isolation plan in place.

PEI reopening update

On June 26, Prince Edward Island entered phase four of reopening. View the full list of current restrictions and business opening recommendations.

Québec extends "red zone" restrictions

• Québec announced it is extending restrictions in the province's "red zones" until November 23.
• The restrictions were initially set to expire October 28.
• View the full list of red zone restrictions.

COVID Alert app now available

• Effective October 5, COVID Alert, Canada's COVID-19 exposure notification app, is available to residents of Québec.
• COVID Alert helps notify app users if they've been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19.

Québec tightens COVID-19 restrictions

• Under the province's COVID-19 alert system, Montréal, Québec City and Chaudière-Appalaches have become "red zones" and will be placed under restrictions as of October 1. The restrictions will last 28 days.
• Under the red zone designation, private gatherings are prohibited and bars, taverns, restaurant dining rooms, cinemas, theatres, and museums are being forced to close for a 28-day period. View the full red zone restrictions.
• Non-compliance could carry a $1000 fine.
• View the map of COVID alert levels by region and the corresponding restrictions.

Fines for individuals not wearing masks 

• Effective September 12, any individual not wearing a mask in an indoor public space in Québec is subject to a fine
• This measure follows a recent spike in COVID-19 cases in the province
• Previously, only business owners - not individuals - faced fines for failing to enforce mask-wearing rules

Gradual reopening of the Québec economy

• The Québec government is authorizing the reopening of all economic activity sectors, except regular vacation camps with accommodation. Read more. 
• On June 26, the Government du Québec updated its plan for gradually reopening various sectors and businesses. The reopening will occur in phases according to the areas of activity and geographic zones.
• Starting May 11, all construction industry worksites were able to resume their activities. The reopening covers all sectors of the construction industry, and supply chains. Read more.
• Starting May 11, all manufacturing companies in all regions were able to resume their activities with limitations to the number of workers on site at a time.
• Starting May 25, manufacturing companies in all regions were able to resume operations with no restriction on the number of employees present. All employees who can engage in telework must continue to do so.

Mandatory masks and face coverings

• On July 18, the government made it mandatory to wear a face mask or covering in enclosed or partially enclosed public places
• Read our Q&A article about how this new measure works

New COVID-19 measures in effect

• Effective November 27, the Government of Saskatchewan is introducing new measures as COVID-19 cases continue to increase.
• These measures will be in effect until December 17, and include:
  • 30 people maximum allowed in casinos, bingo halls, arenas, etc.
  • Indoor banquets, conferences, weddings and funerals in public venues are limited to 30 people maximum. Food and beverages may not be served.
  • Masks are required during all indoor fitness activities, with the exception of swimming and other aquatic activities.
• Read the full list of new measures.

Masks now mandatory indoors

• As of November 19, it is mandatory to wear a mask in all indoor public spaces across Saskatchewan.
• Until November 19, wearing masks indoors was only mandatory in communities of more than 5,000 people.
• Read more about the new masking rules and where they do and do not apply.

Government reduces size of indoor gatherings

• Starting November 19, a maximum of five people are allowed at private indoor gatherings (homes and buildings on private property).
• Visits to long-term care and personal care homes are also suspended, with exceptions made for compassionate reasons.
• Read more on Saskatchewan's new policies for private gatherings and long-term care homes.

COVID Alert app launches

• Effective September 18, the COVID Alert app is available for download in Saskatchewan.
• COVID Alert lets individuals know if they come in contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19. The app is free and use is voluntary.
• COVID Alert is available for download through the App and Google Play stores.

 

Saskatchewan crop insurance deadline extended

• For more information, please see: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2020/march/30/crop-insurance-deadline-extension

Yukon reopening update

On July 1, Yukon entered phase 2 of reopening. Phase 2 includes eased travel restrictions from other provinces and allows for public gatherings of up to 50 people. View a full list of Phase 2 measures. As part of phase 2, travellers from British Columbia, Nunavut and Northwest Territories only can visit without having to isolate for 14 days.

Updated supports for businesses

• On October 9, the government announced new and updated supports to help businesses and other organizations impacted by COVID-19.
• The new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy provides rent and mortgage support for qualified organizations until June 2021.
• The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy has been extended to June 2021, helping businesses avoid laying off employees and rehire ones who were laid off.
• The expanded Canada Emergency Business Account will allow businesses and non-profits eligible for CEBA loans, who continue to be impacted by COVID-19, to access an additional interest-free loan of up to $20,000 on top of the original $40,000 loan. 

COVID-19 Emergency Response Act

• On March 25, Bill C-13, the COVID-19 Emergency Response Act (the Bill) received Royal Assent. The Bill allows the Government to provide up to $52 billion in direct support to Canadian workers and businesses, plus an additional $55 billion through tax deferrals, for a total $107 billion.
• As of the evening of April 13, nearly 5.4 million Canadians are receiving emergency federal aid, with hundreds of thousands more claims waiting to be processed.
• The Bill supports Canadian businesses through the Business Development Bank of Canada (the BDC) and Export Development Canada (the EDC) by temporarily providing the Minister of Finance more flexibility to determine their capital limit, among other things, allowing them to provide further financial support to Canadian businesses when they need it.
• In order to support the mortgage financing market in Canada, the Bill enhances the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) access to capital, and increasing its insurance-in-force and guarantees-in-force legislative limits, so it can continue to provide stable funding to banks and mortgage lenders in support of continued lending to Canadian businesses and consumers.
• The Bill provides the Minister of Finance with flexibility to respond expeditiously to COVID-19 developments, by amending the Financial Administration Act to temporarily remove the requirement for the Minister of Finance to receive Governor in Council’s authorization in order to use emergency powers.
• On May 22, the federal government launched a web-based benefits finder tool, "Find financial help during COVID-19," to help people living in Canada determine which government benefits programs best meet their needs.
• For more information on this, please see Canada’s economic response plan.
• Further resources available to Canadian businesses and more resources here.
• The Canadian Chamber’s pandemic preparedness guide to assist business planning and continuity efforts.

Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility

• On May 11, the federal government announced that it is establishing the Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF) to provide bridge financing to Canada’s largest employers, whose needs during the pandemic are not being met through conventional financing, in order to keep their operations going.
  • LEEFF will be open to large Canadian employers who (a) have a significant impact on Canada’s economy, as demonstrated by (i) having significant operations in Canada or (ii) supporting a significant workforce in Canada; (b) can generally demonstrate approximately $300 million or more in annual revenues; and (c) require a minimum loan size of $60 million.
  • Large for-profit enterprises in all sectors, except for those in the financial sector, can apply for funding under LEEFF. Certain not-for-profit enterprises, such as airports, could also be eligible.
  • The loan will be provided by way of two loan facilities: an unsecured facility equal to 80 per cent of the aggregate loan and a secured facility equal to 20 per cent of the aggregate loan amount. The minimum aggregate loan will be $60 million. The loan will be advanced in tranches over 12 months. On May 20, 2020, Finance Minister Bill Morneau said there is no upper cap on the loans, which will be based on the cash flow needs of companies for the next 12 months. Each applicant will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
    • The duration of the unsecured facility will be five years. The duration of the secured loan facility will match that of the borrower’s existing secured debt. The borrower may prepay the loan at any time without penalty.
  • In addition to the security interest on the secured facility and the interest rate charged for the loans, if the borrower is a Canadian public company (or the private subsidiary of a Canadian public company), the borrower must issue warrants with the option to purchase the borrower’s (or parent public company’s) common shares totaling 15 per cent of the principal amount or receive cash consideration equivalent to the value of the warrants. Privately held companies will pay the same in fees.
  • Rules on access to the money will place limits on dividends, share buy-backs and executive pay. Any companies convicted of tax evasion won't be eligible for the money. Companies applying for the loans will also be required to disclose their environmental plans.
  • This program will be delivered by the Canada Development Investment Corporation (CDEV), in cooperation with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and the Department of Finance.
  • As of May 20, 2020, applications for financing under LEEFF are open.
  • More information, including additional key loan terms.

Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance

• On September 8, the federal government announced the extension of CECRA for another month, so small businesses can pay their rent for September.
• On July 31, Bill Morneau announced a further one-month extension to the CECRA program, helping small businesses pay rent for the month of August.
• On June 30, Finance Minister Bill Morneau announced a one-month extension to the CECRA program. Rents for small businesses will be covered for July.
• On May 25, the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) program portal launched. Since the program has come into effect many provinces have announced moratoriums on evictions for tenants that are eligible to receive rental relief through the program. Generally:
  • CECRA will provide forgivable loans to qualifying property owners to cover 50 per cent of monthly rent payments in April, May, and June that are payable by eligible small business tenants who are experiencing financial hardship. The loans will be forgiven if the property owner agrees to reduce the small business tenant’s rent by at least 75per cent for the three corresponding months under a rent forgiveness agreement. Such agreement must include a term that the tenant will not be evicted while the agreement is in place. The tenant is liable for the remainder of the rent.
  • The breakdown for responsibility of rent payment is as follows: (i) Federal and Provincial Government: 50 per cent; (ii) Tenant: 25 per cent; and (iii) Property Owner: 25 per cent.
  • To qualify for CECRA for small businesses, the commercial property owner must: (i) own or be the landlord of the commercial real property which is occupied by one or more impacted small business tenants; (ii) enter (or have already entered) into a rent reduction agreement for the periods of April, May, and June 2020, reducing an impacted small business tenant’s rent by at least 75 per cent; (iii) ensure the rent reduction agreement with impacted tenants includes a moratorium on eviction for the period of April, May and June 2020; and (iv) have declared rental income on your tax return (personal or corporate) for tax years 2018 and/or 2019. “Commercial real property” is defined as commercial properties with small business tenants. Commercial properties with a residential component and multi-unit residential mixed-use properties would equally be eligible with respect to their small business tenants.
  • A tenant that is a business, including a non-profit and charitable organization, will qualify if (i) they pay less than $50,000 per month in gross rent per location (as defined by a valid and enforceable lease agreement); (ii) generate no more than $20 million in gross annual revenues, calculated on a consolidated basis (at the ultimate parent level); and (iii) have experienced at least a 70 per cent decline in pre-COVID-19 revenues. To measure revenue loss, businesses can compare revenues in April, May and June of 2020 to that of the same month of 2019. They can also use an average of their revenues earned in January and February of 2020. For registered charities and non-profit organizations, the calculation would include most forms of revenue, excluding revenues from non-arm’s length persons. These organizations would then be allowed to choose to include revenue from government sources as part of the calculation.
  • If rent has been collected for April and May, upon agreement with the tenant, that rent can be held and applied as a credit for July and August.
  • CECRA does not apply to any federal, provincial, or municipal-owned properties. There are certain exceptions where there are long-term commercial leases with third parties to operate the property including airports, post-secondary institutions, hospitals, a pension fund, First Nation and any indigenous organizations and governments, and Crown corporation with limited appropriations, designated as eligible under CECRA by CMHC.
  • The online application process will include both fillable fields and templates of the documents required. Property owners will need to provide information to prove eligibility including: (i) proof of an existing rent reduction agreement; (ii) moratorium on eviction, and (iii) small business tenant financial hardship (i.e. attestation of 70 per cent decline in revenue). On May 19, 2020, CMHC published the attestations and agreements that property owners and tenants must complete in order to participate in CECRA. You can access these agreements here. 
  • This program is expected to be operational in the second half of May 2020, with owners lowering the rents for April and May (retroactively) and June. On May 19, 2020, CMHMC announced that a staggered approach will be taken to the application process. CMHC will be asking property owners to register on specific days after the application process has opened. Ontario property owners with 10 or more tenants should register on day two; all other Ontario property owners should register on day three. The application portal opened at 8 a.m. EST on May 25, 2020.
  • Property owners may still apply for assistance once the 3-month period has ended if they can prove eligibility during those months. Funds will be transferred to the property owner’s financial institution. Property owners must refund amounts paid by the small business tenant for the period.
  • CMHC’s website allows businesses interested in CECRA to sign-up to receive more information on the program as it becomes available.
  • The deadline to apply for CECRA is August 31, 2020.
  • On May 5, the federal government said it is working to fix a gap in CECRA that bars landlords from applying if they don’t have mortgages, after this gap was highlighted by two members of Parliament during a meeting of the House of Commons government operations committee. CMHC has confirmed that CECRA will be administered undifferentiated for properties with mortgages, other forms of debt, or no mortgages at all.
  • Further details are expected in the future, as final terms and conditions have not been finalized.
  • Ontario is committing $241 million to partner with the federal government and deliver more than $900 million in urgent relief to small businesses and their landlords through a new program, the Ontario-Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program (OCECRA).
  • On April 30, the Globe and Mail reported that a coalition of Canada's largest retailers and commercial property owners is lobbying the federal government for a rent relief package that could see major landlords slash rent by one-third for their distressed tenants, while providing loans to retailers to cover the rest of their rent. The proposal is designed to help large retailers that aren't covered by CECRA. The group is proposing that landlords provide an abatement on one-third of the rent for 10 months to retail tenants whose revenues have declined significantly. The companies have also asked the federal government to establish a low-interest loan program to help retailers cover the other two-thirds of the rent. It is not yet clear when the federal government will announce a plan for large tenants, and whether it will include terms the coalition has proposed.
  • As a point of context, in Canada’s enclosed regional malls – a category that includes Toronto’s Eaton Centre and Pacific Centre in Vancouver – only 20 per cent to 25 per cent of tenants paid rent in April, according to brokerage firm JLL Canada. Big box shopping centers and community strip malls took in only a little over half their expected rent.

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy

• On April 8, the federal government released further details on the eligibility criteria for businesses to access the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), and on April 11, Bill C-14, the COVID-19 Emergency Response Act, No. 2, received Royal Assent, bringing this measure into law. The CEWS is anticipated to cost $73 billion. Online applications will open April 27 and officials expect to have processed 90 per cent of claims by May 4, 2020, with payments landing later that week.
• Online applications opened on April 27, with about 30,000 applications being filled out on the first day of the program. All claims that are approved through the CRA’s automated verification process were sent for payment on May 5, so that payments being made through direct deposit have begun to appear in employers’ accounts as of May 7.
• Businesses will now have the option of using an average of their revenues in January and February 2020 to demonstrate a 30 per cent drop in their gross revenues. For March 2020, the threshold for revenue reduction is reduced to 15 per cent, while remaining at 30 per cent for the months of April and May 2020. In addition, it is proposed that employers be allowed to measure revenues either on the basis of accrual accounting or cash accounting. Special rules would also be provided to address issues for corporate groups, non-arm’s length entities and joint ventures. Registered charities and non-profit organizations would also be able to benefit from the additional flexibilities being provided to employers with respect to the revenue loss calculation. Furthermore, it is proposed that charities and non-profit organizations be allowed to choose to include or exclude government funding in their revenues for the purpose of applying the revenue reduction test. According to Statistics Canada, more than 50 per cent of Canadian companies have lost at least 20 per cent of their revenue to COVID-19.
• On April 21, the CEWS calculator was launched to support employers as they prepare to apply for the CEWS. The CEWS calculator can be found on CRA’s CEWS webpage. This web page incorporates feedback received during user testing with stakeholders. It includes detailed information and instructions about who can apply for the subsidy, how eligibility is assessed, and how the subsidy is calculated.
• In order to provide support for Canadian businesses during these unprecedented economic times, the federal government announced a number of additional supports that will be offered:
  • The federal government has offered employers the CEWS applied at a rate of 75 per cent on the first $58,700 earned by employees, representing a benefit of $847 per week. The program will be in place for a 12-week period, retroactive to March 15 and ending June 6, 2020. Eligible businesses of all sizes and from all sectors of the economy, regardless of the number of workers they employ, that suffer a drop of at least 30 per cent in gross revenues due to COVID-19 in March, April or May, when compared to the same month in 2019, would be able to access the subsidy. There would be no overall limit on the subsidy amount that an eligible employer may claim. In passing Bill C-14, one CEWS requirement was changed – if an employer is eligible based on one month’s revenue, they automatically qualify for the subsequent period.
  • Those organizations that do not qualify for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy may continue to qualify for the previously announced wage subsidy of 10 per cent of remuneration paid from March 18 to before June 20, up to a maximum subsidy of $1,375 per employee and $25,000 per employer.
  • The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) says individual employers are among the people who may be eligible for the CEWS, but they must have been paid as an employee of a corporation prior to March 15, 2020. CFIB has been working with the CRA to get more answers and will provide advice to all business owners.
  • On April 28, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said anyone who has been getting the $500-a-week CERB but goes back to work thanks to CEWS should put the CERB money aside because they're going to have to pay it back.
  • More details on the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
• On May 15, the federal government announced that it will be extending the CEWS by an additional 12 weeks to August 29, 2020. The government will consult with key business and labour representatives over the next month on potential adjustments to the program to incent jobs and growth, including the 30 per cent revenue decline threshold. In addition, the federal government announced the approval of regulations to extend eligibility for the CEWS to ensure that it continues to support those employers and workers hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, and protects the jobs Canadians depend on. Read more.
• On July 17, Finance Minister Bill Morneau announced proposed changes to the CEWS that would broaden the reach of the program. Proposed changes include:
  • Allow the extension of the CEWS until December 19, 2020, including redesigned program details until November 21, 2020.
  • Make the subsidy accessible to a broader range of employers by including employers with a revenue decline of less than 30 per cent and providing a gradually decreasing base subsidy to all qualifying employers. This would help many struggling employers with less than a 30-per-cent revenue loss get support to keep and bring back workers, while also ensuring those who have previously benefited could still qualify, even if their revenues recover and no longer meet the 30 per cent revenue decline threshold.
  • Introduce a top-up subsidy of up to an additional 25 per cent for employers that have been most adversely affected by the pandemic. This would be particularly helpful to employers in industries that are recovering more slowly.
  • Provide certainty to employers that have already made business decisions for July and August by ensuring they would not receive a subsidy rate lower than they would have had under the previous rules.
  • Address certain technical issues identified by stakeholders.
• For more details on the calculation of CEWS subsidy, read BLG’s update here (July 17).

Top up pay for essential workers

• On April 15, the federal government announced that it will top up the pay of essential workers making less than $2,500 per month. The federal government will work with the provinces and territories through a new transfer to cost-share a temporary top up to the salaries of low-income essential workers that the provinces and territories have deemed essential in the fight against COVID-19. The federal government will cover a portion of the cost of providing temporary financial support to low-income workers, including those on the front-line in hospitals and nursing homes, those ensuring the integrity of the food supply, or providing essential retail services to Canadians.
• On May 7, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced all provinces and territories have confirmed, or are in the process of confirming, plans to cost share wage top-ups for their essential workers. The federal government will provide up to $3 billion in support to increase the wages of low-income essential workers. Each province or territory will determine which workers would be eligible for support, and how much support they will receive.

Deferral of GST/HST and customs duty payments

• The federal government is deferring GST/HST remittances and customs duty payments to June 30, 2020. See the announcement.
  • Businesses in need of information about their particular accounting and payment obligations on imported goods may contact the Canada Border Services Agency for more details.

Canada Emergency Response Benefit

• The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) provides a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to 6 months to support workers who lose their income as of result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The benefit would cover Canadians who have lost their job, are sick, quarantined, or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19, as well as working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children who are sick or at home because of school and daycare closures. Additionally, workers who are still employed, but are not receiving income because of disruptions to their work situation related to COVID-19, would also qualify for the CERB. The CERB is available to Canadian workers affected by the current situation whether or not they are eligible for Employment Insurance (EI).
• On April 15, the federal government announced that it is expanding CERB eligibility rules to allow people to earn up to $1,000 per month while collecting CERB. In addition, those whose EI benefits have recently run out, as well as seasonal workers who are unable to find jobs this year will qualify for CERB.
• As of May 20, more than 8.1 million workers have applied for CERB since it became available at the beginning of April, with payments now totalling over $38.4 billion, rising beyond its $35 billion budget.
• According to a Bloomberg survey of economists, Canada probably lost more than 4 million jobs in the month of April, a fifth of the labour force, and by far the largest decrease in monthly employment on record.
  • Apply for the CERB here.
• On August 20, the federal government announced its transition from CERB to a simplified Employment Insurance (EI) program to provide income support to those unable to work due to COVID-19. The government will introduce three new temporary recovery benefits: the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit, the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit and the Canada Recovery Benefit. Subject to parliamentary approval, these programs will be effective starting September 27 and available for one year.
  • Read BLG's update here.

Support for Canadian farmers and food suppliers

• On May 5, the federal government announced important measures within agriculture programs and an investment of more than $252 million to support farmers, food businesses, and food processors who provide essential services to Canadians every day by ensuring a safe and reliable food supply. Trudeau also announced that the government intends to propose an additional $200 million in borrowing capacity for the sector.
• On May 26, the federal government announced an investment of up to $9.2 million to enhance the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) and fund up to 700 new positions for youth in the agriculture industry.

Relief for federally regulated pension plan sponsors

• On April 15, the federal government announced it would provide immediate, temporary relief to sponsors of federally regulated, defined benefit pension plans. This relief would be in the form of a moratorium, through the remainder of 2020, on solvency payment requirements for defined benefit plans.
• On May 27, the moratorium, Solvency Special Payment Relief Regulations, 2020, came into effect. Read the announcement.

Support for SMEs and innovative start-ups

• On April 17, the federal government announced it will provide an additional $1.7 billion of targeted support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and innovative start-ups. This includes $675 million to provide bridge financing to SMEs that are unable to access the federal government’s existing COVID-19 support measures, through Canada’s Regional Development Agencies. In addition, $250 million will be dedicated to assist innovative, early-stage companies that are unable to access existing COVID-19 business support, through the National Research Council of Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Program.
• On May 13, the federal government announced that the application for the targeted support program for small businesses is now open. In southern Ontario, FedDev Ontario will work with key partners such as the Community Futures Development Corporations across the region to help southern Ontario businesses during these difficult times. A total of $252.4 million will be available for southern Ontario businesses. Read more.
• The federal government also announced up to $306.8 million in funding to help small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses, and to support Aboriginal Financial Institutions that offer financing to these businesses.
• On May 26, Minister Ng announced a hotline to provide small businesses in need with financial planning advice amid COVID-19. -Entrepreneurs and small business owners can call 1-866-989-1080 (toll-free) seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (ET) for financial planning advice. This service will also be open to charities and not-for-profit organizations. The hotline is a national, bilingual service operated by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

Support for Canada's energy sector

• On April 17, the federal government announced new support measures for the Canadian energy sector, which is dealing with low prices caused by a surge in global crude oil supply and a decline in demand due to the economic effects of COVID-19. The new measures include $1.72 billion in funding for clean-up of inactive oil wells, $750 million for the creation of an emission reduction fund, and expansion of the Business Credit Availability Program to medium-sized businesses with larger financing needs in the energy sector. The price of oil has been under pressure for months as COVID-19 eats into demand for energy. On April 21, 2020, just a day after WTI crude futures for May delivery plunged below zero for the first time ever, June futures plummeted 43 per cent to close below $12 a barrel.
• Canada's stellar credit rating is being put to the test as the oil crash and recession expose the country's weak link: its provinces. Canada has an AAA rating from S&P Global Ratings. But as pressure rises on the federal government to aid provinces and key industries, Canada's fiscal position is looking shakier. Canada’s parliamentary budget officer has estimated that this year's budget deficit could be more than $250 billion.

Support for Canadian news media

• The federal government has released draft legislative proposals that would make adjustments to journalism tax measures introduced in the 2019 federal budget. Read more.

Canada Emergency Student Benefits Program

• On April 22, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced support of nearly $9 billion for post-secondary students and recent graduates. Students will be eligible for $1250 per month from May through August.
• The CESB will be available from May to August 2020 to students who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and who are enrolled in a post-secondary education program leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate; or who ended their studies no earlier than December 2019. It will also be available to Canadian students studying abroad, as well as high school graduates who will be starting a post-secondary program in the coming months.
• The CESB will provide $1,250 every four weeks to eligible students, or $2,000 every four weeks to eligible students with disabilities, or those with children or other dependants. The CRA will offer the same fast and easy application process that has delivered CERB payments to millions of Canadians. Starting on May 15, 2020, eligible students will be able to apply for the CESB online through their CRA My Account or by phone through CRA’s automated toll-free line.

Tariff relief for importers of certain medical goods

• On May 6, the federal government announced it is waiving tariffs on certain medical goods, including PPE such as masks and gloves. This will reduce the cost of imported PPE for Canadian businesses, which face tariffs of up to 18 per cent in some instances, help protect workers, and ensure our supply chains can keep functioning well.

Support for women entrepreneurs

• On May 16, the federal government announced that it will provide $15 million in additional funding to support women entrepreneurs through the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES). This money will go directly to select organizations that are currently WES Ecosystem Fund recipients and will help women entrepreneurs through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Support for the Red Cross relief efforts

• On May 16, the federal government announced up to $100 million in funding to help the Red Cross meet increased demand due to COVID-19, and to support future floods and wildfire relief efforts.

Support for Canada's academic research community

• On May 15, Prime Minister Trudeau announced $450 million in funding to help Canada's academic research community during the COVID-19 pandemic. The investment will provide wage support to retain research staff, and support universities and health research institutes to maintain essential research-related activities and ramp back up to full research operations once physical distancing measures are lifted.

Support for Indigenous people living off reserves

• On May 21, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the federal government is sending $75 million to organizations that help Indigenous people living in urban areas and off reserves through the COVID-19 pandemic. The federal government had previously promised $15 million in funding for services such as counselling, health care, food, and supportive housing.

• The Government of Canada announced temporary changes to the Canada Summer Jobs program that will help create up to 70,000 jobs for youth between 15 and 30 years of age, including a wage subsidy of up to 100 per cent of minimum wage, and extending the end date of employment to February 28, 2021.

• On June 12, the federal government announced it will be increasing the Northwest Territories' borrowing limit from $1.3 billion to $1.8 billion, pending approval by the Governor in Council
• On April 14, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced additional support to address immediate health, economic, and transportation needs in the North. These measures include:
  • Transferring $72.6 million to the governments of Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut to support their COVID-19 health and social services preparations and response;
  • Providing up to $17.3 million to the governments of Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut to support northern air carriers, ensuring continued supply of food, medical supplies, and other essential goods and services;
  • Making $15 million in non-repayable support for businesses in the territories to help with operating costs not already covered by the Government of Canada measures; and,
  • Providing an additional $25 million to Nutrition North Canada to increase subsidies so families can afford much-needed nutritious food and personal hygiene products.

• On April 24, the government of Nova Scotia announced its COVID-19 Small Business Credit and Support Program.
• To be eligible, small businesses must have a payroll of less than $20,000 in the previous fiscal year and have experienced a decline in revenue from sales of at least 15 per cent in March or at least 30 per cent in April, May or June. 
• The program is 100 per cent guaranteed by the province and the maximum loan amount is $25,000.

CRA updates COVID-19 relief guidelines and travel restrictions

• The international travel restrictions in effect as a safety measure against COVID-19 have resulted in certain taxpayers and their representatives expressing concerns about a number of potential Canadian income tax issues.
• On April 1, 2021, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) updated its guidance and administrative relief relating to the impact of COVID-19 travel restrictions on residency and permanent establishment determinations.
• Read the full update here. 

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) measures announced on March 20

Effective immediately, the following measures have been implemented:

Collections

• Collections activities on new debts will be suspended until further notice, and flexible payment arrangements will be available.
• Businesses are allowed to defer the payment of any income tax amounts that become owing on or after today and before September 2020 until after August 31, 2020. This relief applies to tax balances due, as well as installments, under Part I of the Income Tax Act. No interest or penalties will accumulate on these amounts during this period.

Audit

• The CRA will not contact any small or medium businesses to initiate any post assessment GST/HST or Income Tax audits for the next four weeks.
• For the vast majority of businesses, the CRA will temporarily suspend audit interaction with taxpayers and representatives.
  • The exceptions being those cases nearing the statute-barred assessment periods.

Appeals and Objections

• Any objections related to Canadians' entitlement to benefits and credits have been identified as a critical service which will continue to be delivered during COVID-19.
• Accounts related to all other objections are currently being held in abeyance and no collection action will be taken with respect to such accounts at this time.
• The Tax Court of Canada has ordered the extension of all timelines prescribed by the Tax Court Rules.

Have Questions?

• Full text of the announcement found here: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/covid-19-update/covid-19-collections-audits-appeals.html 
• Please contact our Tax Disputes Group for any questions related to these issues.

Changes to the Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIF) required Annual Minimum Withdrawal Amount

• The federal government has reduced the minimum amount that must be withdrawn from RRIFs by 25% for 2020. For example, if a RRIF accountholder’s annual minimum withdrawal for 2020 would have been $10,000, the 25%-reduced minimum amount will be $7,500. The goal of this temporary change is to help RRIF accountholders protect retirement funds so that these savings are not depleted unnecessarily as a result of minimum payment rules.
• Read the Q&A from the CRA here.

Federal government announces low-interest loan program for businesses

• On Jan. 26, 2021, the Canadian government announced a new government loan guarantee program for businesses most affected by COVID-19.
• The Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP) will involve the Business Development Bank of Canada working with participating Canadian financial institutions to offer businesses low-interest loans that are government-guaranteed.
• HASCAP is targeted to small- and medium-sized businesses whose year-over-year revenue decrease is 50 per cent or higher.
• The government guarantee covers loans between $25,000 and $1 million.
• Read BLG's article, Federal government announces low-interest loans for businesses hit hard by COVID-19.
• Read the federal government announcement about the program.

 

In order to provide support for Canadian businesses during these unprecedented economic times, on March 27, 2020, the federal government announced a number of additional supports that will be offered.

• To ensure that small businesses have access to the capital they need to see them through the current challenges, the federal government announced the launch of the new Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA), which will be implemented by eligible financial institutions in cooperation with EDC. This $25 billion program will provide interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits, to help cover their operating costs during a period where their revenues have been temporarily reduced, due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 virus.
  • On April 16, Trudeau said that the federal government is expanding the CEBA to businesses that paid between $20,000 and $1.5 million in total payroll in 2019. This new range will replace the previous one of between $50,000 and $1 million, and will help address the challenges faced by small businesses to cover non-deferrable operating costs.
  • Since the launch of the CEBA on April 9, more than 195,000 loans have been approved by financial institutions, extending more than $7.5 billion in credit to small businesses (as of April 16, 2020).
  • Small businesses and not-for-profits should contact their financial institution to apply for these loans.
  • Repaying the balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2022 will result in loan forgiveness of 25 per cent (up to $10,000).
• On May 19, Trudeau announced an expansion to the eligibility criteria for the CEBA to include many owner-operated small businesses. This will allow more Canadian small businesses to access interest free loans that will help cover operating costs during a period when revenues have been reduced, due to the pandemic. The program will now be available to a greater number of businesses that are sole proprietors receiving income directly from their businesses, businesses that rely on contractors, and family-owned corporations that pay employees through dividends rather than payroll. To qualify under the expanded eligibility criteria, applicants with payroll lower than $20,000 would need:
  • A business operating account at a participating financial institution;
  • A Canada Revenue Agency business number, and to have filed a 2018 or 2019 tax return; and
  • Eligible non-deferrable expenses between $40,000 and $1.5 million. Eligible non-deferrable expenses could include costs such as rent, property taxes, utilities, and insurance.
• On May 22, the federal government stated that the expanded CEBA has potential to provide up to $670 million directly to farmers. 
• SMEs may be particularly vulnerable to the impacts of COVID-19. To support their operations, EDC will guarantee new operating credit and cash flow term loans that financial institutions extend to SMEs, up to $6.25 million.
  • The program cap for this new loan program will be a total of $20 billion for export sector and domestic companies.
• To provide additional liquidity support for Canadian businesses, the Co-Lending Program will bring the BDC together with financial institutions to co-lend term loans to SMEs for their operational cash flow requirements.
  • Eligible businesses may obtain incremental credit amounts up to $6.25 million. BDC’s portion of this program is up to $5 million maximum per loan. Eligible financial institutions will conduct the underwriting and manage the interface with their customers. The potential for lending for this program will be $20 billion.
• See here for more information on this. 
• On June 15, the federal government further expanded eligibility for CEBA to include owner-operated small businesses that were ineligible due to their lack of payroll, sole proprietors receiving business income directly, and family-owned corporations compensated in dividends rather than by payroll.
• The Bank of Canada has cut the central bank’s benchmark interest rate to 0.25 per cent as a proactive measure in light of the negative shocks to Canada’s economy arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent sharp drop in oil prices. See here for more information. In April, Canada's inflation rate turned negative for first time since 2009. On May 21, the Governor of the Bank of Canada, Stephen Poloz, said he’s more optimistic than many pundits on the outlook for recovery, believing the fiscal stimulus that has been unleashed will allow Canadians to quickly pick up where they left off before the crisis. Poloz also said that adding an income-support measure like CERB to the government’s tool kit could help the country more quickly respond to sudden shifts in the economy.
• The Business Credit Availability Program will allow the Business Development Bank of Canada (the BDC) and Export Development Canada (the EDC) to provide more than $10 billion of additional support in the form of a credit facility, largely targeted to small and medium-sized businesses.
• The BDC and EDC are cooperating with private sector lenders to coordinate on credit solutions for individual businesses, including in sectors such as oil and gas, air transportation, and tourism.
  • As of now, through the BDC, businesses can apply for small business loans of up to $100,000 (and get access to the funds within 48 hours of being approved), working capital loans, and purchase order financing. See here for more information.
  • If a business’ financing needs exceed $100,000, it should call the Client Contact Centre at 1-877-232-2269.
• On May 11, the federal government announced that it is expanding BCAP to mid-sized companies with larger financing needs. Support for mid-market businesses will include loans of up to $60 million per company, and guarantees of up to $80 million. Through the BCAP, the EDC and the BDC will work with private sector lenders to support access to capital for Canadian businesses in all sectors and regions.
• The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions announced it is lowering the Domestic Stability Buffer by 1.25 per cent of risk-weighted assets, effective immediately. This action will allow Canada’s large banks to inject $300 billion of additional lending in to the economy.
• Collectively, these actions should make debt more accessible and cheaper for businesses.
• For more information on this, please see Canada’s economic response plan.
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the government is also looking at extending lower-interest credit directly to consumers.

• As a further proactive and coordinated measure to bolster the financial system and the Canadian economy, the government announced on March 16, 2020 that it is launching an Insured Mortgage Purchase Program. Under this program, the government will purchase up to $50 billion of insured mortgage pools through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
  • Details of the terms of the purchase operations can be found here.
• The Bank of Canada has announced that it will adjust its market liquidity operations to maintain market functioning and credit availability during the current period of uncertainty in which conditions are evolving rapidly.
  • This expansion of eligible collateral will provide support to funding conditions for financial institutions by providing a backstop to regular private funding.
• The Bank of Canada also announced that it will broaden eligible collateral for its term repo facility to include the full range of collateral eligible under the Standing Liquidity Facility, with the exception of the non-mortgage loan portfolio. On April 21, the Bank of Canada announced that it has revised the term repo terms and conditions to include term repos up to 24 months.
• On April 15, the Bank of Canada announced that it is expanding its bond-buying program to include purchases on the open market of long-term provincial and corporate debt. The Bank of Canada’s plan is to buy up to $50 billion of provincially issued bonds (with remaining terms to maturity of up to 10 years), as well as up to $10 billion of investment-grade corporate bonds (with remaining terms of up to 5 years). These programs are expected to start by early May, and will run for 12 months. On April 27, TD Asset Management was named asset manager for the Bank of Canada's $10 billion corporate bond-buying program.
• On March 27, the OSFI announced a comprehensive suite of adjustments to its existing capital and liquidity requirements that are not appropriate in the current extraordinary circumstances. These adjustments include: easing capital and liquidity requirements for banks, changing credit loss provisioning, allowing more loans to be securitized, and delaying the implementation of revised minimum capital and liquidity requirements for small and medium-sized banks until 2023.
• For more information on this, please see Canada’s economic response plan.

• Effective immediately, Bank of Montreal, CIBC, National Bank of Canada, RBC Royal Bank, Scotiabank and TD Bank have made a commitment to work with small business banking customers on a case-by-case basis to provide flexible solutions to help them manage through challenges as a result of COVID-19, including pay disruptions.
• This support will include up to a six-month payment deferral for mortgages, and the opportunity for relief on other credit products.
• Business owners facing hardship are encouraged to contact their bank directly to discuss options that could be available to them.
• Canadian business loans grew at the fastest pace since 1981 in March 2020 as companies tapped credit lines to get them through the coronavirus crisis. Loans to businesses rose 54 per cent annualized to $949.2 billion, according to Bank of Canada data. The increase is the sharpest since 1981, reflecting the rush to borrow to stay afloat as countrywide shutdowns crushed revenue.
• For more information on this, please see: https://newsroom.bmo.com/2020-03-17-Canadas-Six-Biggest-Banks-Take-Decisive-Action-To-Help-Customers-Impacted-by-COVID-19
• The federal government is asking banks and credit-card companies to lower interest rates on Canadians struggling financially because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, Canada’s six big banks have slashed interest rates in half on credit cards.

• Guidance for employers & workplaces for reopening
  • BC Centre for Disease Control
  • Alberta General Relaunch Guidance
  • Government of Ontario
  • City of Toronto
  • CNESST

• For employers obligations during the COVID-19 pandemic, please see: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/notices/coronavirus.html and https://news.ontario.ca/mol/en/2020/03/ontario-stepping-up-measures-to-limit-the-spread-of-covid-19-on-construction-sites.html?utm_source=ondemand&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=o
• For resources, best practices and information to help construction employers understand their rights and responsibilities while operating during COVID-19, please see: https://www.ontario.ca/page/construction-site-health-and-safety-during-covid-19?_ga=2.185840105.1793988738.1585508372-1914360368.1576704513

• The Government of Canada has put in place Work-Sharing temporary special measures for employers in the forestry, steel and aluminum sectors affected by the downturn in business due to COVID-19. These measures extend the duration of Work-Sharing agreements by an additional 38 weeks, for a total of 76 weeks, and the mandatory waiting period has been waived.

• The Government of Canada announced on March 30 that ground lease rents will be waived from March 2020 through to December 2020 for the 21 airport authorities that pay rent to the federal government. The government will also provide comparable treatment for PortsToronto, which operates Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and pays a charge to the federal government. This will provide relief up to $331.4 million, reflecting payments in the same period of 2018.
• For more information, please see: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/government-announces-support-for-air-transportation-sector-during-covid-19-pandemic.html 

Government initiatives to assist the Canadian oil & gas industry

• The Alberta government has announced a number of steps to provide economic relief to Alberta's oil & gas industry. Read BLG’s update here (March 30).

Utility payment deferral

• Residential customers were able to defer electricity and natural gas bill payments until June 18, 2020 to ensure no one will be cut off, regardless of the service provider.
• This program was available to Albertans who are experiencing financial hardship as a direct result of COVID-19, such as those who have lost their employment or had to leave work to take care of an ill family member.

Banks and credit unions

• ATB financial customers - Personal banking customers can apply for a deferral on their ATB loans, lines of credit and mortgages for up to 6 months.
• Alberta Credit Unions - Credit union members will have access to a variety of programs and solutions designed to ease difficulties with loan payments and short-term cash flow. Contact your credit union to work out a plan for your personal situation.

Education property tax freeze

• Residential education property tax rates will be frozen at last year’s level – reversing the 3.4 per cent population and inflation increase added in Budget 2020.
• This will save households $55 million.
• Municipalities are expected to set education property tax rates as usual, but suspend collections for repayment in future tax years.

Student loan repayment deferrals

• The Government of Alberta is implementing a 6 month, interest free moratorium on student loan payments for all Albertans in the process of repaying these loans.
• Alberta Student Loan repayments will be paused for 6 months, as of March 30, 2020.
• Interest will not accrue during this period. This mirrors the approach of the Canada Student Loans Program.
• Students do not need to apply for the repayment pause.
• Borrowers may continue making payments during this period if they choose and this will not affect their eligibility to receive the benefit.

Tourism levy

• On May 19, 2020, the Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Tourism announced further assistance will be provided.
• Hotels and other lodging providers will be allowed to keep tourism levy amounts collected between March 1 and December 31, 2020.
• Hotels and other lodging providers that have already remitted tourism levy amounts collected after March 1, 2020 are entitled to a refund. No application is necessary, and refunds will be issued as soon as possible based on the amount remitted. However, quarterly remitters will be contacted and asked to confirm the portion of their remittance that related to March.
• A deferral of the tourism levy remittances remains in place until August 31, 2020 for unpaid amounts that became due to the government on or after March 27, 2020, but are not eligible for this additional assistance.
• Hotels and other lodging providers are still expected to file returns, as required by legislation, and must continue to collect the tourism levy from guests staying at their properties during this period.

Workers Compensation Board (WCB)

• The latest update on COVID-19 information can be found here.
• All private sector employers will be able to defer WCB premiums until 2021. Those who have already paid these premiums for 2020 may receive a rebate or credit. The government will cover half of the premium for small and medium businesses when these payments are due. Large businesses will not have their premiums in 2020 covered. Please see employer fact sheet for premium relief.

British Columbia's COVID-19 Action Plan

• B.C.’s newest response to COVID-19 can be found here.
• The COVID-19 Action Plan is the BC’s government’s first step to provide relief to people and businesses in British Columbia. The plan dedicates $2.8 billion to help people and fund the services they need to weather the crisis; $2.2 billion will provide relief to businesses and help them recover after the outbreak (see tax section below).
• The BC Emergency Benefit for Workers provides a one-time $1,000 payment for people who lost income.
• A one-time enhancement to the climate action tax credit will be paid in July 2020 for moderate to low-income families.
• BC Housing has temporarily suspended evictions of tenants in subsidized and affordable housing.
• Funding for housing supports are increased to ensure people can maintain their housing in the event of job or income loss. B.C. has halted all new and active evictions, except under exceptional circumstances. Annual rent increases are frozen. And a temporary rent supplement is available.
• Starting March 30, 2020, B.C. student loan payments are automatically frozen for six months.
• For monthly bills, eligible customers of BC Hydro can apply for bill relief until June 30, 2020. ICBC customers can defer monthly payments for up to 90 days.

British Columbia tax relief

The BC government issued the notice COVID-19 Action Plan – Provincial Tax Changes, providing limited relief measures for provincial taxes. Highlights of these measures include:

• Filing and payment deadlines extended until September 30, 2020 for the following:
  • Employer health tax
  • Provincial sales tax (including municipal & regional district tax)
  • Carbon tax
  • Motor fuel tax
  • Tobacco tax and the increase to tax for heated tobacco products
• For logging tax, individuals must file the B.C. logging tax return by June 30, 2020.
• The following tax changes announced in Budget 2020 will be postponed until further notice:
  • Eliminating the PST exemption for carbonated beverages that contain sugar, natural sweeteners or artificial sweeteners
  • Expanded registration requirements for Canadian sellers of goods, along with Canadian and foreign sellers of software and telecommunication services
• Carbon tax rates will remain at their current levels until further notice. The tax measure announced in Budget 2020 aligning the carbon tax rates with the federal carbon pricing backstop is also postponed until further notice.
• School tax rates for commercial properties (Classes 4, 5 and 6) will be reduced by 50 per cent for the 2020 tax year. The province further reduced the school property tax rate for commercial properties to achieve an average 25 per cent reduction in the total property tax bill for most businesses, providing up to $700 million in relief.
• For more information: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/taxes/tax-changes/covid-19-tax-changes

Manitoba Protection Plan

The $120 million Manitoba Risk Recognition Program provides a one-time payment to low-income, essential, front-line workers, who have taken extraordinary risks to keep Manitobans safe during the period of March 20, 2020 to May 29, 2020 of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Disability Economic Support Program provides a one-time $200 benefit to lower-income Manitobans with disabilities receiving Employment and Income Assistance benefits.

The Seniors Economic Recovery Credit provides a $200 one-time, refundable tax credit to Manitoba seniors facing additional costs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as grocery deliveries and technology purposes to stay connected to loved ones.

The province is providing a couple Cash Flow Tax Relief protections for the next six months until October 1.

The Manitoba government is investing more than $4.5 million in the mental health of Manitobans by introducing a program to help address anxiety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Manitoba government announced a freeze on all rent increases set to take effect between April 1 and May 31.  The Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) and Residential Tenancies Commission have postponed all non-urgent hearings, which means tenants cannot be evicted unless there is a risk to health and safety or concerns about illegal activity.

The Manitoba government will add more than 140 new shelter beds to support people affected by homelessness and allow for social distancing protocols as part of the province’s broader Manitoba Protection Plan response to COVID-19. Up to $1.2 million will be invested at several locations in Winnipeg.

The Manitoba government is adding a temporary exception to employment standards regulations to give employers more time to recall employees laid off as a result of COVID-19.

Manitoba is taking steps to make home and business property insurance more affordable to Manitobans by accelerating the removal of $75 million of annual PST from residential and business properties, effective July 1. This will save residential property owners an estimated $38 million per year and business property owners $37 million a year.

More information can be found here.

Manitoba extends retail sales tax filing and remittance deadlines

Manitoba Finance released a retail sales tax (RST) Notice extending RST filing and remittance deadlines. In particular:

• Small and medium businesses with monthly RST remittances of no more than $10,000/month that would normally be due on April 20th, May 20th and June 22nd will now be due on July 20th, 2020.
• Businesses that file on a quarterly basis that have a due date of April 20, 2020 will now have the due date extended to July 20, 2020.
• Businesses that qualify for the above filing extension that were not able to file and remit their February sales tax return by the March 20th due date will not be assessed a late filing penalty and interest will not be applied until after July 20, 2020.
• Interest will continue to apply on all outstanding tax debts established prior to the March remittance deadlines.

Manitoba extends Health and Post Secondary Education Tax Deadlines

• Health and Post Secondary Education Tax Levy (also known as HE Levy) returns for small and medium businesses with monthly HE Levy remittances of no more than $10,000 per month that would normally be due on April 15th, May 15th and June 15th will now be due on July 15, 2020.
• Businesses that qualify for the above filing extension that were not able to file and remit their February HE Levy tax return by the March 16th due date will not be assessed a late filing penalty and interest will not be applied until after July 15, 2020.

Manitoba has temporarily waived the requirement for International Fuel Tax Agreement credentials

• Manitoba has temporarily waived the requirement for International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) credentials as well as extended the filing deadline for the IFTA 1st quarter 2020 tax return.
• Effective immediately, Manitoba is waiving IFTA credentials (licence and decals) requirements for Manitoba carriers until July 31, 2020.
• The IFTA 1 quarter 2020 tax return that would normally be due on April 30, 2020 will now be due on July 31, 2020.

Manitoba tobacco tax extension

• The tobacco tax rate increase that was to be effective July 1, 2020 has been deferred until further notice.

• On June 15, the provincial government announced the essential worker support program, which will provide a one-time payment to those who meet certain criteria and are considered essential workers as designated by the Government of Canada.
• The expiry date for Fuel Tax Exemption Permits, which allows permit holders to purchase tax-exempt marked gasoline and light fuel oil, which was set to expire on March 31, 2020, has been extended to August 31, 2020.
• The newest COVID-19 news release can be found here.

• The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has put together an initial economic relief package valued at $13.2 Million dollars that will take effect immediately on March 20. Additional Economic Relief Measure details can be found here.
• Most collection efforts have been paused, including: outside collection agency activity, GNWT set-offs on GNWT payments, and GNWT set-offs on CRA tax refunds. 
• Interest charges will be waived on all late tax returns between March 15 and June 30, 2020.
• Rent relief is available to all holders of existing commercial and mining surface dispositions on public land.
• Financial support is available for recycling depot operators to help offset costs directly associated with loss of income due to the closure.

Stable electricity pricing coming for industrial and commercial companies

• The Ontario government will provide stable electricity pricing for two years for companies participating in the Industrial Conservation Initiative

Ontario government provides support for Indigenous-owned business

• The province will provide up to $10 million to small- and medium-sized, Indigenous-owned businesses
• As much as $50,000 in loans per business will be available to those either ineligible for or unable to access, current federal and provincial COVID-19 initiatives
• Ontario Supporting Indigenous-Owned Businesses During COVID-19
• On June 18, the Ontario Government is providing up to $10 million to Indigenous-owned small and medium sized businesses to help them as the province begins to safely and gradually reopen the economy.
• Loans of up to $50,000 will be available to businesses that are either ineligible for, or unable to access, existing federal and provincial COVID-19 response initiatives for small businesses.

Ontario supporting Indigenous-owned businesses during COVID-19

• On June 18, the Ontario Government is providing up to $10 million to Indigenous-owned small and medium sized businesses to help them as the province begins to safely and gradually reopen the economy.
• Loans of up to $50,000 will be available to businesses that are either ineligible for, or unable to access, existing federal and provincial COVID-19 response initiatives for small businesses.

Ontario announces action plan providing support for individuals and businesses

• As previously reported, the Assessment Review Board (ARB) has extended the deadline to file assessment appeals for the 2020 taxation year. Following the recent extension of the Declaration of Emergency to May 12th, the ARB will now accept assessment appeals up to and including May 29, 2020. This extension will allow property owners more time to file assessment appeals, and an opportunity to seek property tax relief, for the 2020 and 2021 taxation years.
• The Ontario government announced that it will be supporting construction workers and businesses with emergency action to help improve cash flow in the construction industry during the COVID-19 outbreak. This will lift the suspension of limitation periods and procedural time periods under the Construction Act and allow the release of holdback payments to contractors and subcontractors.
• The Ontario government has launched a new Ontario Jobs and Recovery Committee which will focus on getting businesses up and running and people back to work after the COVID-19 pandemic is over. While the government's primary focus is on combatting the virus, supporting frontline health care workers and providing immediate relief to people and businesses, this new committee will be developing a plan to stimulate economic growth and job-creation in the weeks and months ahead.
• On April 28, Ontario announced that it is launching the “COVID-19: Tackling the Barriers” website to help businesses overcome the unique challenges created by the global pandemic. Businesses working to retool their operations to produce health-related products, or those that want to continue their operations in this new environment of physical distancing, can submit any potential roadblocks to the website. Ontario is prepared to allow temporary changes to provincial rules and regulations in order to remove any barriers that are hindering business and negatively impacting Ontario's supply chain.
• On April 6, the Ontario government announced it is deferring $15 million in property taxes for people and businesses in parts of Northern Ontario located outside of municipal boundaries. Ontario is giving taxpayers in unincorporated areas more time to pay each of the four 2020 Provincial Land Tax installments. Taxpayers will have 90 extra days to pay without incurring interest or penalties. For example, taxpayers who would be required to pay the April 7 property tax installment will have until July 6 to pay without interest or penalties.
• On March 25, Finance Minister Rod Phillips released Ontario's Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19 (March 2020 Economic and Fiscal Update).
• The government's action plan is a first step in its response to COVID-19 and includes $7 billion in additional resources for the health care system and direct support for people and jobs. It also will make available $10 billion in support for people and businesses through tax and other deferrals to improve their cash flow, protecting jobs and household budgets. Among other things, the action plan includes:
• Cutting taxes by $355 million for about 57,000 employers through a proposed temporary increase to the Employer Health Tax (EHT) exemption. The EHT exemption is temporarily increased from $490,000 to $1 million, retroactive to January 1, 2020. Those who have already paid will have their returns corrected.
• Making available $6 billion by providing five months of interest and penalty relief (i.e., until September 1, 2020) for businesses to file and make payments for the majority of provincially administered taxes such as employer health tax; tobacco tax; fuel tax; gas tax; beer, wine, and spirits tax; mining tax; insurance premium tax; international fuel tax agreement; retail sales on insurance contracts and benefit plans; and race tracks tax. Remitted and filing deadlines remain the same. Audit interactions with most Ontario businesses will be suspended temporarily.
• Relief is automatic without any need to notify the Ministry of Finance. Penalties and interest for the relief period will be waived automatically. There is no requirement to show the impact of COVID-19 on staff or daily operations. Pre-existing debts owing to the government (outstanding taxes, interest, and penalties) from previous filing periods will, however, continue to accrue interest during the relief period. 
• For Ontario’s March 2020 Economic and Fiscal Update in response to COVID-19 (of relevance for tax matters), please see: https://budget.ontario.ca/2020/marchupdate/pdf/2020-marchupdate.pdf
• For Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19, please see: https://budget.ontario.ca/2020/marchupdate/action-plan.html?_ga=2.212960720.514759210.1592702420-319966872.1592505892
• See the Ontario Chamber of Commerce's pandemic toolkit for businesses. 

Ontario and federal governments provide relief to small businesses and landlords

• On April 24, Ontario is committing $241 million to partner with the federal government and deliver more than $900 million in urgent relief to small businesses and their landlords through a new program, the Ontario-Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program (OCECRA). 
• On May 15, Ontario Premier Doug Ford asked commercial landlords to be patient with small businesses that are struggling to pay their rent and work with their tenants.
• On May 19, Ford issued a warning to commercial landlords who are refusing to work with small businesses struggling to stay afloat. Ford said: “don't force my hand. Work things out because I'm trying to compromise here. We are giving you 75% of what you're asking for. Nothing drives me more crazy than greedy landlords taking advantage of people and small business owners that are just trying to keep their head above water.”
• Starting May 29, commercial landlords can now apply for rental assistance to help their small business tenants. Read more.
• On June 8, the Ontario government announced that it intends to take action to protect commercial tenants from being locked out or having their assets seized by their landlords due to the negative impacts of COVID-19 by proposing a temporary ban on commercial evictions.

Ontario and federal governments provide relief to agri-food sector

• On April 17, the governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $1 million in new funding to connect workers with jobs in the agri-food sector to keep the nation's supply chains strong and store shelves stocked during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• On April 24, the governments of Canada and Ontario are also investing up to $2.5 million to help the agri-food sector expand online, providing more opportunities for producers to grow their business and offer more food choices to families shopping online. The targeted application intake features two funding streams:
• A grant of up to $5000 to establish an online e-business and marketing presence. 
• Cost-share funding of up to $75,000 to implement high-impact projects. 
• On May 8, the federal and provincial governments are also investing $2.25 million in provincially licensed meat processing plants to better protect employees and ensure the continued supply of health products for consumers during the COVID-19 outbreak. The funding will go towards purchasing additional personal protective equipment, redesigning workstations, supporting employees who require mandatory isolation, and work-site mobility and transportation. 
• On May 14, the federal and provincial governments invested up to $2.25 million through the Agri-food Workplace Protection Program to enhance health and safety measures for farm workers.
• On June 12, the province invested $15 million to enhance health and safety on farms and in food-processing facilities. The expanded Agri-food Workplace Protection Program provides cost-share funding so farmers can purchase PPE and modify workplaces to improve health and safety measures for their workers 
• On June 17, the governments of Canada and Ontario invested up to $10 million in emergency assistance for beef and hog farmers. The funding will help cover the increased costs of feeding market ready cattle and hogs due to COVID-19 related processing delays, while redirecting surplus pork products to help those in need.

Ontario announces COVID-19 Residential Relief Fund

• To help protect some of Ontario's most vulnerable populations, the province is providing $40 million specifically to support residential service providers, such as children's residential services, gender-based violence residential programming, Indigenous healing and wellness strategy residential programming, intervenor services and adult developmental services residential supports. Find out more.

Ontario launches $50 million fund for businesses producing COVID-19 equipment & supplies

• On April 1, the government launched a new $50 million Ontario Together Fund to help businesses provide innovative solutions or retool their operations in order to manufacture essential medical supplies and equipment, including gowns, coveralls, masks, face shields, testing equipment and ventilators.
• This fund will support the development of proposals submitted by businesses and individuals through the Ontario Together web portal.

Ontario announces electricity relief for families, small businesses and farms

• On June 1, the Ontario government announced it will continue the suspension of time-of-use electricity rates and customers will be billed based on a new fixed COVID-19 Recovery Rate of 12.8 cents per kilowatt hour. In addition, the government announced new programs including:
• $9 million for the COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program to support customers struggling to pay their energy bills during the pandemic
• $8 million for the COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program for Small Business to provide support to businesses struggling with bill payments as a result of the outbreak
• An extension of the Ontario Energy Board's winter disconnection ban until July 31, 2020
• Through an emergency order issued on May 1, Ontario is taking steps to defer a portion of Global Adjustment (GA) charges for industrial and commercial electricity consumers that do not participate in the Regulated Price Plan for the period starting from April 2020. This initiative is intended to provide companies with temporary immediate relief on their monthly electricity bills in April, May, and June 2020. Ontario intends to keep this emergency order in place until May 31, 2020, and subsequent regulatory amendments would, if approved, provide for the deferral of these charges for June 2020 as well.

Ontario government allows businesses to defer WSIB premium payments for six months

• On March 26, the Ontario government is enabling $1.9 billion in relief for employers to reduce the financial strain brought on by COVID-19. The measure, which will run through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), will see premium payments deferred for six months (until August 31) for all businesses in the province.

Deferring remittance of education property tax

• On June 30, the quarterly remittance of education property tax to school boards will be delayed by 90 days, with the intention being that municipalities provide property tax deferrals locally.

New guidelines for Ontario charities in need of access to restricted funds

• The Ontario Public Guardian and Trustee has developed temporary guidelines to assist Ontario charities in danger of closing, allowing eligible charities to access the income and capital of restricted purpose trust funds for operating expenses. Read more here.

City of Toronto support programs

• On April 22, Mayor John Tory announced that Toronto has launched the BusinessTO Support Centre to provide virtual one-on-one support to businesses during this unprecedented time.
• On April 16, Tory announced the expansion of the Digital Main Street program to help small businesses with websites, social media, launching ecommerce platforms and more through tools, resources and one-on-one virtual assistance. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, funding for this program has been tripled to $825,000 this year.
• Toronto announced it will establish a substantial contingency fund to support businesses and affected groups, based on consultations to determine need and scale. More information can be found here.
• Toronto announced it will expand Toronto’s small business advisory services to help businesses as they plan to recover from impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. More information can be found here.
• Effective immediately, and until further notice, all retail businesses are exempt from Toronto’s Noise Bylaw to facilitate after-hour deliveries.
• Toronto’s Noise Bylaw includes the ability to provide an exemption in response to extraordinary circumstances affecting the immediate health, safety, or welfare of the community. This exemption will ensure retailers can receive deliveries 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure essential goods remain in stock.
• On April 14, Tory highlighted the launch of an online donation platform that allows community members to make direct donations to small businesses such as coffee shops, restaurants and hair salons to help lessen the impact of COVID-19. Local businesses can visit distantly.ca to set up their free account or, alternatively, contact their local Business Improvement Association for assistance. 
• On April 15, 2020, Mayor John Tory announced the launch of Toronto’s DonateTO: COVID-19 portal which allows businesses and residents to make donations of products, services and funds in support of Toronto’s pandemic relief efforts.
• On May 11, Mayor John Tory announced the launch of ShopHERE, a program to help Toronto independent businesses and artists open a free online store to minimize the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. ShopHERE will provide Toronto independent businesses and artists the opportunity to develop an online store, which will be built and launched for free in just a matter of days. Hands-on support will be provided throughout the entire process from volunteer website developers and marketing and business students. An estimated 49,501 Toronto business, 7,371 of them restaurants, bars or cafes, are eligible for the ShopHERE program.
• For more information on this, please see Toronto’s economic support & recovery plan.

City of Toronto tax relief

• Toronto will be suspending any pending automated withdrawals that have been scheduled within the next 60-day period but not yet withdrawn. Customers will be advised in advance of any rescheduling of revised withdrawal due dates and amounts following the 60-day grace period.
• Customers who pay their taxes through their mortgage should contact their mortgage company or financial institution to understand how this grace period will affect their mortgage amount and/or mortgage payment schedule.
• Customers that wish to remit property tax or utility bill payments as originally scheduled may submit payments at any time through their bank or financial institutions, using online banking services, telephone banking, or via ATM payments.
• For property owners who have submitted post-dated cheques for upcoming property tax instalments, post-dated cheques will be held and not cashed until 60 days after the original instalment due date – for example, post-dated cheques intended for the April 1 instalment will be cashed on June 1, and post-dated cheques for the May 1 instalment will be cashed on July 2, 2020. Any other post-dated cheques received before May 1, 2020 will be held for a period of 60 days from the date of the cheque before being cashed.
• Toronto is providing a grace period for payments and payment penalties for 60 days, starting March 16, 2020.
• For property owners on the regular three-instalment payment plan, the April 1 property tax instalment due date would be extended to June 1, 2020.
• For property owners on the 11-instalment pre-authorized payment plan, Interim 2020 instalment due dates will be extended by 60 days.
• Late payment penalties (applied on the first day following the instalment due date where payment in full is not received) would be waived for 60 days, starting March 16, 2020.
• As Interim 2020 bills have already been mailed that specify the regular instalment due dates, Toronto will use other means (website, social media, other advertising), to identify this grace period to property owners. Property tax accounts will be adjusted as necessary to reflect these relief measures.
• Utility bills are usually due approximately 21 days after the billing date. Toronto is extending the due date for all utility bills issued by an additional 60 days, to give utility customers an additional 60 days to make payment to take advantage of the early payment discount.
• On May 5, Toronto announced that the 60-day grace period for property tax, utility bill payments and late penalties extended by Toronto during the COVID-19 response ends on May 15. On May 12, Tory said that Toronto will be unable to extend its grace period for utilities and property taxes, which would “simply magnify our already grave financial problems.” The grace period is set to end on Friday, May 15, 2020, with April payments being due on June 1, 2020.
• There are important changes to instalment amounts and due dates for customers on all payment schedules. All customers will receive a mailed notification of their revised interim bill due dates. Final tax bills will be mailed in mid-May as usual. Further details on this and property tax due dates for the remainder of 2020.
• For more information on this, please see COVID-19: Bills & Tax Relief for Businesses and Toronto’s economic support & recovery plan.

City of Ottawa support programs

• Ottawa will provide rental adjustments to businesses that rent space within a city facility that has closed in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The adjustment will reflect the amount of time these facilities remain closed.
• On Wednesday, March 25, the City of Ottawa Council will be considering a motion to adjust rental rates for business tenants, such as cafeterias and canteens, within Ottawa’s facilities that have been closed as part of the response to COVID-19 to reflect the amount of time these facilities are closed.
• In support of the community and local economy, until further notice, all retail establishments are exempt from the regulations of Ottawa’s Noise By-law pertaining to deliveries. This means that deliveries can take place at any time of day to ensure store shelves are stocked with essential goods.
• In partnership with its Economic Partners Taskforce, on March 26, Ottawa launched the first phase of an online promotional campaign to help local businesses during these challenging times.
• The campaign encourages residents to support their favourite small businesses by taking immediate and concrete steps now. The campaign includes targeted ads that will reach residents on several online platforms over the coming weeks and direct them to https://ottawa.ca/en/business/economic-support-and-recovery/buy-local. There, residents will find links to sites listing businesses serving customers virtually or providing takeout and meal delivery.
• Ottawa has launched a web page to provide businesses with access to essential information and support programs. The page has links to provincial and federal assistance programs, as well as details on measures offered by Ottawa to help businesses. This includes the property tax deferral and other relief measures that Council approved at its meeting on March 25.
• Ottawa has developed a business reopening toolkit, in consultation with Ottawa Public Health, to help businesses answer critical questions before they can reopen safely.

City of Ottawa tax relief

• Ottawa is extending an interest free 30-day payment grace period for all unpaid water bills issued before April 1, 2020 and a 30-day due date extension, for all water bills issued between April 1, 2020 and October 30, 2020, providing 47 days to pay bills.
• Revenue Services is extending an interest free 30-day grace period for all unpaid Corporate Accounts Receivable invoices issued before April 1, 2020 and a 30-day due date extension for all Corporate Accounts Receivable Invoices issued between April 1, 2020, and April 30, 2020. For more information on this, please see: https://ottawa.ca/en/business/doing-business-city/make-payment-city/accounts-receivable.
• The City of Ottawa is offering a Property Tax Hardship Deferral Program for City of Ottawa residential property owners and small business property owners (assessed property value of up to $7.5 M) that have been financially affected as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will extend the interim property tax and final property tax deadlines of March 19, 2020 and June 18, 2020 to Friday, October 30, 2020.
• Property owners must apply for the deferral before July 31, 2020 to be considered.
• The City of Ottawa has extended the suspension of all water service disconnections until October 30, 2020. The City has also an established water utility bill deferral program to support low income seniors and low-income people with disabilities.
• Please see the City of Ottawa support and assistance page for more information.
• More information on Ottawa’s tax relief package.

Check here for the latest update on financial assistance (COVID).

CED support for businesses and communities affected by COVID-19

• Existing clients of Canada Economic Development for Québec Regions (CED): As of April 1, payments for current contribution agreements may be deferred for six months.
• Other businesses and organizations: CED can help with advice and pathfinding services to other federal programs and services available.
• For more information, please call 1-800-561-0633 or email dec.relance.quebec.recovery.ced@canada.ca.

Concerted temporary action program for businesses (PACTE)

• Investissement Québec (IQ) is offering eligible businesses in Québec a loan guarantee, or financing in the form of a loan from IQ. In providing its support, IQ aims to work in close cooperation with other financial institutions and federal authorities in order to share risks. The minimum funding amount is $50,000 and refinancing is prohibited.
• To be eligible, businesses must:
  • find themselves in a precarious situation and temporary difficulty as a result of COVID-19;
  • show that their financial structure offers realistic prospects for profitability; and
  • show that their cash flow issues are temporary and that the liquidity shortage stems from:
    • a problem involving the supply of raw materials or products (goods or services); and/or
    • an inability, or a substantially decreased ability, to deliver goods, products or services.
• To apply, businesses that are already IQ clients are advised to contact their account manager or project manager directly by e-mail or telephone. For non-clients seeking a loan guarantee are advised to first contact their financial institution. The financial institution will then get in touch with one of our account managers.
• For more information, please contact PACTE’s call centre at 1-844-474-6367.

Occupational health & safety measures

• The newest update from Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) can be found here.
• The CNESST has introduced new flexibility measure for the allocation of employment injury costs and flexibility measure with respect to the insurance premium payment for employment receiving the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy as of June 8, 2020.
• Québec employers have until August 31, 2020 to pay their statement of account related to the CNESST contribution. No penalty or interest will be charged during this period.
• The deadline for filing the 2019 Statement of Salaries is extended. Employers have until June 1, 2020, to file.

Measures to help customers of Hydro-Québec

• Hydro-Québec will not cut off power to anyone for non-payment. As of March 23, Hydro-Québec has stopped applying administration charges for unpaid bills until further notice for all customers. Customers unable to pay their electricity bills over the coming months will not be penalized. They can enter into a payment arrangement with Hydro Québec to defer payment.
• If a Hydro-Québec customer expects to have trouble paying a Hydro-Québec bill, at any time they can make a payment arrangement online, in their Customer Space, or by phone (514 385-7252 or 1 888 385-7252), with one of Hydro-Québec’s agents.

Flexibility for tax payments and income tax returns

• Measures adopted by Revenu Québec for COVID-19 can be found on this page.
• All tax audit and collection activities are suspended, except those involving high-risk situations (e.g. fraud or expiry of a time limit). Revenu Québec indicates it will show greater flexibility in respect of payment agreements for tax debts.
• For individuals, the deadline to file income tax returns for 2019 is extended to June 1, 2020. For individuals and individuals in business, the deadline to pay an income tax balance for 2019 is extended to September 1, 2020. 
• If instalment payments must be made, the June 15, 2020 payment has been suspended until September 1, 2020. 
• Even though the income tax return filing deadline has been extended, Revenu Québec will make payments as planned on July 1 as it relates to the various tax credits.

Logging tax extension

• The deadline for paying logging tax that would normally fall between March 17 and August 31 has been extended to September 1, 2020.

Mining tax extension

• The deadline for paying mining tax has been extended to September 1, 2020, as it has been for income tax and instalment payments.

Temporary Aid for Workers Program (PATT COVID-19)

• To prevent program duplication, and given that the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) is available to the majority of workers eligible for the PATT, the program ended on April 10, 2020.

Incentive Program to Retain Essential Workers (IPREW)

• The Incentive Program to Retain Essential Workers (IPREW) is a financial assistance program created by the Québec government in response to the exceptional situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. 
• Under the IPREW, eligible workers may receive up to $1,600 in addition to their regular salary or wages. 
• The program pays $100 each week for up to 16 weeks of eligible work, retroactive to March 15, 2020. If you apply between May 19 and 22, 2020, the first payment will be made between May 27 and 29. Payments will then be made every two weeks.
• To be eligible under the program, you must meet all of the following conditions: 
• You work part-time or full-time in one of the essential service sectors during the program period.
• You earn eligible work income of $550 or less per week (self-employment income is not eligible).
• You earn at least $5,000 in eligible employment income for 2020 (self-employment income is not eligible).
• You have a total annual income of no more than $28,600 for 2020 (not counting assistance received under the IPREW and your spouse's income).
• You are at least 15 years old or turn 15 in at least one week covered by the IPREW (if you turn 15 between March 15 and July 4, 2020, you are eligible for the IPREW only as of the week you turn 15);
• You were resident in Québec on December 31, 2019, and plan to reside in Québec throughout 2020.

• All Montréal building owners, individuals and companies, have until September 1, 2020 to pay the second instalment of their annual property tax account. All occupants who were operating business on January 2020 that are located on the territory of the Société de développement commercial (SDC), have until September 1 to pay the 2^nd instalment of your SDC contributions for 2020. .
• Montréal has implemented a recovery plan with 20 measures to support organizations, business owners and businesses in the Montréal agglomeration.
• PME MTL will administer the new funding worth $50 million to support businesses announced by the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economy and Innovation Pierre Fitzgibbon and Mayor Valérie Plante.
• The PME MTL network is offering an automatic, six-month moratorium on capital and interest to private and social economy businesses who have received a loan through the PME MTL fund, Fonds Locaux de Solidarité and Fonds de commercialisation des innovations. The city will pay the portion of interest during this period.
• The newest update can be found here.
• For more information, please complete the city's information request form and receive a response from an economic advisor within 4 hours on business days, or you can call the information telephone line, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 514-394-1793.

• Taxpayers have until September 1, 2020 to make the first and second payment of the 2020 annual tax.
• Transfer tax and property tax invoices will not be sent before September 1, 2020.
• See the latest update from the Finance Department here and access the municipal tax information here. (Note: both websites are in French).
• For more information, contact 450-978-5959 (for the Economic Development Service) and 450-978-5700 (for the Tax Counter).

• The Government of Saskatchewan has suspended its audit program and compliance activities.
• As of June 2020, a New Due Date for Electronic Filers, has been updated to provide information regarding tax filing.
• See the latest tax information updates.

Emergencies Act, R.S.C., 1985, c. 22 (4th Supp.)

This Act defines a national emergency as an urgent and critical situation of a temporary nature that seriously endangers the lives, health or safety of Canadians in a way that exceeds the capacity or authority of a province to deal with the emergency AND the emergency cannot be effectively be dealt with under any other federal law. Both parts of this legal test must be met before Canada can declare a national emergency.

The Act allows for special temporary measures to be taken, under the supervision of Parliament, with regard to different types of national emergencies. The COVID-19 pandemic would be a “Public Welfare Emergency”, since it gives rise to the stated criteria of danger to life, social disruption or breakdown in essential services so serious as to be a national emergency.

Once a national emergency is declare, orders could include, for example:
• Prohibiting travel in relation to any specified area, where necessary for the protection of health or safety;
• Evacuation from certain areas and subsequent arrangements for shelter and protection;
• Requisitions for or use of property;
• Authorizing persons or a class of persons to provide essential services;
• Authorization and making of emergency payments;
• Establishment of emergency shelters and hospitals; and
• Imposing fines or imprisonment for contravention of an order

Quarantine Act, S.C. 2005, c. 20

The Quarantine Act is an example of an already existing federal law that has been used during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the Quarantine Act, the Governor in Council may make orders prohibiting entry into Canada of any class of persons who have been in a foreign country where there is an outbreak of a communicable disease that would pose an imminent and severe risk to public health in Canada and no reasonable alternatives are available. The Act only applies to international travellers or other people at an “entry or departure” point.

The Act also gives the Minister of Health the power to establish quarantine facilities and empowers quarantine or screening officers to question incoming international travellers, among other powers. In addition, quarantine powers under this Act allow the federal government to place Canadians who were aboard cruise ships that experienced a COVID-19 outbreak into quarantine when they return to Canada.

Aeronautics Act, R.S.C., 1985, c. A-2

The Aeronautics Act applies to all Canadian aircraft, passengers and crew members, even when outside of Canada. Orders made pursuant to this Act redirected international passenger flights to four international airports in Toronto, Montréal, Vancouver and Calgary. The Minister of Transport required commercial air carriers en route to Canada to deny boarding to any passenger who is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, with certain exceptions. Further, air operators were required to deny boarding to any traveller with COVID-19 symptoms, regardless of citizenship status.

• New measures for COVID-19 response re Aeronautics Act (March 17, 2020) [News Release]

Emergency Management Act, S.C. 2007, c. 15

This federal statute provides for the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness to be responsible for leading emergency management in Canada by coordinating emergency management activities among government institutions in cooperation with the provinces and other entities. In consultation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister may develop joint emergency management plans with the relevant United States’ authorities and coordinate Canada’s response to emergencies in the United States.

The Act also sets out the responsibilities of ministers who are accountable for a government institution to prepare emergency management plans that address risks to the institution. The Governor in Council can declare provincial emergencies to be a federal concern and if so, authorize the Minister to provide financial assistance to province, if requested by the province.

Following an end to Alberta's state of public health emergency on June 15, 2020, the Government of Alberta once again declared a state of public health emergency on Nov. 24, 2020. It will be in effect for 90 days.

Key measures include:

• No indoor gatherings of any size, including in workplaces
• Outdoor social gatherings limited to maximum 10 people
• Students in grades 7 to 12 will be learning from home November 30 to January 11
• Maximum 1/3 of normal attendance per service in places of worship

See the full list of restrictions and the new measures at a glance.

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On March 17, 2020, the Government of Alberta declared a state of public health emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Public Health Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. P-37

As announced by Premier Jason Kenney and Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, the declaration of a state of public health emergency empowers authorities under the Public Health Act to respond to the ongoing pandemic.

The following are some of the key measures the Government of Alberta has taken to combat the spread of COVID-19 to date:

• Mass gatherings are limited to no more than 50 individuals, including family events, funerals and weddings. Grocery stores, shopping centres, health-care facilities, airports, the legislature and other essential services are excluded.
• Attendance at bars and nightclubs is restricted.
• Albertans are prohibited from attending buffet-style restaurants. Not-for-profit community kitchens, soups kitchens and religions kitchens are exempt.

Updates on rules and restrictions and the Alberta response to COVID-19 can be found here.

Emergency Management Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. E-6.8

On March 20, 2020, the Government of Alberta amended the Emergency Management Act in order to allow the co-existence of provincial and local states of emergency. The amendments now allow the provincial and municipal levels of government to work together in their response emergencies and disasters, including the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, see here.

Local states of emergencies have been declared in 25 Alberta municipalities, including Calgary and Edmonton, where additional closures and measures have been implemented to control the spread of COVID-19. Information on the measures being taken by municipalities in response to the pandemic can be found on municipal websites and local news sources.

B.C.’s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General declared a state of emergency on March 18, 2020, one day after the provincial health officer declared a public health emergency under B.C’s Public Health Act.

Emergency Program Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 111

Declaring a state of emergency allows the provincial government to implement any provincial emergency measures required, including access to land and human resource assets that may be necessary to prevent, respond to or alleviate the effects of an emergency. Emergency powers also include securing critical supply chains to make sure people have access to essential goods and services, and ensuring that infrastructure necessary in a response is readily available.

The state of emergency is initially in effect for 14 days, once issued, and may be extended or rescinded as necessary. The state of emergency applies to the whole province and allows federal, provincial and local resources to be delivered in a co-ordinated effort.

Once a state of emergency has been declared, the minister may, for example:

• Implement any Provincial emergency plan or measures
• Authorize a local authority to implement local emergency measures
• Acquire or use any land or personal property considered necessary to respond to an emergency
• Authorize or require any person to render assistance of a type that the person is qualified to provide to respond to or alleviate the emergency
• Control or prohibit travel to or from any area of British Columbia
• Provide for the restoration of essential facilities and the distribution of essential supplies
• Provide, maintain and coordinate emergency medical, welfare and other essential services in any part of British Columbia
• Cause the evacuation of persons and the removal of livestock, animals and personal property from any area of British Columbia that is or may be affected by an emergency or a disaster
• Authorize the entry into any building or on any land, without warrant to respond to the emergency
• Construct works considered by the minister to be necessary or appropriate to respond to or alleviate the effects of an emergency

Public Health Act, S.B.C. 2008, c. 28

The Public Health Act provides for a wide variety of public health measures including the prevention and reporting of disease and other health hazards. For example, a medical health officer or the provincial health officer may issue orders with respect to infectious agents, including requiring a person to:

• Remain in a place or not enter a place
• Avoid physical contact with a person
• Be under supervised care
• Provide the medical health officer or other person with information, records, samples or other matters relevant to the person’s possible infection
• Be examined by a specified person, submit to diagnostic examinations and take preventative measures
• Provide evidence of complying with any order

On March 17, Dr. Bonnie Henry issued an enforceable class order under sections 27, 28, 29 and 67 of the act that required all persons in BC who were returning from travel outside of Canada to self-isolate for 14 days and follow other steps.

The Act also includes Emergency Powers, which apply in the event of an immediate and significant risk to public health in a local or regional area of the province. The emergency powers generally allow the provincial health officer to act with speed, avoiding certain procedural steps that may be required in a non-emergent situation.

The Manitoba government declared a province-wide state of emergency under The Emergency Measures Act on March 20, 2020, to protect the health and safety of all Manitobans and reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The Emergency Measures Act, C.C.S.M. c. E80

Under section 10 of this Act, Manitoba declared the province under a state of emergency. The Act gives the provincial government authority to issue orders to any party for the purpose of preventing or limiting loss of life and damage to property or the environment, including:

• Implementing of emergency plans;
• Provide for the restoration of essential facilities, distribution of essential supplies and the maintenance and co-ordination of emergency medical, social and other essential services;
• Authorize or require any qualified person to render aid as they are qualified to provide;
• Authorize procurement and distribution of essential resources and the provision of essential services;
• Regulate the distribution and availability of essential goods, services and resources;
• Control, permit or prohibit travel within the province;
• Evacuation or persons, livestock or property and make arrangements for their subsequent care;
• Control or prevent the movement of people in an area;
• Authorize entry into any building or upon land without warrant;
• Use real or personal property to prevent, combat or alleviate the effects of any emergency; and,
• Expend such sums as are necessary to pay expenses caused.

The Public Health Act, C.C.S.M. c. P210

Under Part 6 of the Act, the Chief Public Health Officer (CPHO) may take special measures if they reasonably believe that a serious and immediate threat to public health exists because of an epidemic. The special measures include issuing directions to manage the threat, to a regional health authority, health corporation, health care organization, operator of a laboratory, operator of a licensed emergency medical response system, health professional or healthcare provider, including directions about:

• Identifying and managing cases;
• Controlling infection;
• Managing hospitals and other health care facilities and emergency medical response services; and
• Managing and distributing equipment and supplies.

In addition, subject to government approval during an epidemic, the CPHO’s emergency or special measures authority includes the ability to:

• Require the use and possession of facilities for a temporary isolation or quarantine facility;
• Order a public place or premises to be closed;
• Limit the size of public gatherings; and
• Order persons to refrain from any activity or employment due to them posing a risk of infecting others.

The CPHO and medical officers may issue directions to professionals and health facilities requiring them to comply with protocols or guidelines aimed at controlling a communicable disease.

For example, orders aimed at controlling and minimizing the risk of diseases transmission may be issued to a hospital, personal care home, or facilities for the care and treatment of the elderly or other persons highly vulnerable to infection, where an in patient or resident has or may have been exposed to a communicable disease,

In addition, the CPHO or a medical officer may, by order, require a person who is or might be infected with a communicable disease to:

• Present themselves for admission to a hospital. The hospital named in the order must admit the person and keep them there until the medical officer considers the person to no longer present a public health threat.
• Submit to medical examination or medical testing.
• Conduct himself or herself in a manner that will not expose others to the infection.
• Isolate or quarantine themselves in a place specified by the medical officer and remain in isolation or quarantine until the medical officer considers the person to no longer present a threat.
• Refrain from working or any activity that could spread disease.
• Require a place or premises to be quarantined.

On March 19, 2020, the provincial government of New Brunswick declared a state of emergency under section 12 of the Emergency Measures Act to enhance measures to help contain the spread of COVID-19.

Emergency Measures Act, R.S.N.B. 2011, c.147

 Under a state of emergency, the Minister of Health has the following powers (section 12):

• To implement emergency measures;
• To acquire or utilize any personal property by confiscation or other means;
• To authorize or require any person to render the aid that the person is competent to provide;
• To control or prohibit ravel to or from any area;
• To provide for the maintenance, restoration of essential facilities or distribution of essential supplies;
• To evacuate persons and remove livestock and personal property threatened by a disaster or emergency, and make arrangements for their adequate care and protection;
• To authorize persons to enter a building or land without a warrant;
• To demolish or remove any building, structure, tree or crop if the demolition is necessary for the purpose of reaching the scene of a disaster or to prevent the occurrence of a disaster;
• To procure or fix prices for food, clothing, fuel, equipment, medical or other essential supplies, and use the property, services, resources and equipment, and
• To order the assistant with the remuneration of persons

Public Health Act, S.N.B. 1998, c. P-22.4

The Public Health Act gives powers to both the Minister of Health and the Chief Medical Officer.

Where there is a public health emergency, the Minister of Health may take possession of any land or building without the consent of the owner to take possession of the building for which the owner will receive compensation (section 26).

Where the public health emergency is as a result of a disease, either the Minister of Health or the Chief Medical Officer may declare the disease to be a notifiable disease. (section 26.1)

Once it is declared to be a notifiable disease, a series of persons must report the existence of this disease to the medical officer. These include medical practitioners, nurse practitioners and nurses (section 27(1)), a person in charge of an institution (section 28), a principal or operator of a child care facility (section 30), the chief executive officer of a regional health authority (section 30), and, in some circumstances, pharmacists.

The medical officer may make orders requiring a person who has a notifiable disease to self-isolate (section 33(3)), to submit to an examination, to place themselves under the care and treatment of a medical practitioner and to conduct themselves in such a manner so as not to expose others to infection 33(4).

If a person fails to comply with an order of the medical officer, the medical officer may make an application to the court to enforce their orders (section 36(1).

The medical officer also has various powers of inspection to ensure that persons are complying with their orders (section 43(1)).

Newfoundland declared a public health emergency on March 18, 2020.

Emergency Services Act, S.N.L. 2008, c. E-9.1

After a provincial emergency is declared, the Lieutenant Governor in Council may do and authorize things necessary to protect people, property and the environment from injury or loss arising from an emergency including the following (ss.11(2)):

• Controlling transportation
• Controlling highways and vehicles
• Acquiring and distributing essential or emergency supplies and providing, co-ordinating and maintaining medical services and emergency services
• Evacuating persons, livestock or removing personal property from an area of the province and arranging for the care and protection of persons and property
• Entering a house, building or other private property
• Acquiring by purchase, lease or otherwise goods, personal property or lands and the sale, lease, allocation or other disposition of those goods, personal property or lands
• Retaining persons for the purpose of responding to the declared emergency to perform medical, dental nursing and other professional services.

Public Health Protection and Promotion Act, S.N.L. 2018, c. P-37.3

On March 18, 2020, the Health Minister of Newfoundland and Labrador declared a public health emergency. A “public health emergency” is defined as an “occurrence or imminent threat posed by a communicable disease that presents a serious risk to the health of the population.” Such a declaration may last initially for no more than 14 days, but subject to the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, a declaration can be extended for further, consecutive periods of 14 days.

Part VI of the Act provides authority to the Minister of Health, on the recommendation of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, to declare a public health emergency in all or part of the province, where the emergency exists and where the emergency cannot be sufficiently mitigated without resorting to the special measures available under the Act.

The special measures available to the CMOH include, for example:

• Authorizing qualified persons to assist in specific ways;
• Procure and provide for the distribution of medical supplies, aid and equipment in the province;
• Acquire and use real property, whether private or public, other than a dwelling house;
• Restricting travel to or from the province or an area of the province;
• Order the closure of any education setting or place of assembly; and
• Authorize any person acting under the direction of CMOH to enter into any premises without a warrant.

If a provincial emergency is declared under the Emergency Services Act, and there is a conflict between the Public Health Protection and Promotion Act, and the Emergency Services Act, the Emergency Services Act is to prevail.

COVID-19 is a communicable disease under the legislation. Accordingly, a regional medical officer of health or the CMOH may make a communicable disease order with respect to individual persons, for example, orders that:

• Require the person to submit to an examination by a health care professional
• Require the person to isolate himself or herself
• Require the person to conduct him/herself in a manner that will not expose other persons to infection or to take precautions to prevent indirect transmission
• Prohibit or restrict the person from attending a school, place of employment or other public premises
• Prohibit or restrict the person from leaving or entering a specified premises
• Require the person to be under supervision of a specified person
• Disclose the identity and location of the persons whom they may have contact with 

The Minister of Health of the Northwest Territories (NWT), on the recommendation of the Chief Public Health Officer, declared a state of emergency on March 18, 2020 pursuant to the Public Health Act.

Emergency Management Act, S.N.W.T. 2018, c.17

Once a state of emergency is declared, the Minister may do the following (ss. 17(1)):

• Put emergency plans into effect;
• Authorize or require a local authority to put into effect emergency plans or programs for the community;
• Acquire or utilize real or personal property;
• Authorize or require a qualified person to render aid of the type the person is qualified to provide;
• Control or prohibit travel to of from any area;
• Provide for the restoration of essential facilities and the distribution of essential supplies;
• Provide, maintain and coordinate emergency medical, welfare and other essential services in any part of the NWT;
• Cause the evacuation of persons and the removal of personal property and animals;
• Arrange for the adequate care and protection of person, property and animals;
• Authorize entry into any building or onto any land, without warrant;
• Cause the demolition or removal of vegetation, structures, equipment etc.;
• Procure, ration or fix prices for food, clothing, fuel, equipment, medical supplies or other essential supplies, or the use of property, services resources or equipment;
• Authorize the conscription of persons needed to respond to the emergency; and
• Conduct any other act or thing to mitigate, respond to and recover from the effects of the emergency.

Public Health Act, S.N.W.T. 2007, c.17

During a state of public health emergency, the Chief Public Health Officer may, for the purpose of protecting the public health and preventing, combatting or alleviating the effects of the public health emergency do the following (ss. 33(1)):

• Appoint Deputy Chief Public Health Officers;
• Authorize a qualified person to render aid of a type the he or she is qualified to provide;
• Recommend the minister issue a temporary permit under the Medical Profession Act to a person who is registered as a medical practitioner another province or another territory;
• Restrict or prohibit travel to or from any area within the NWT;
• Coordinate and provide delivery of medical services;
• Enter into an agreement for services with any agency of the Government of Canada, a province or another territory that provides health related services;
• Procure and provide the distribution of medical supplies and equipment to any part of the NWT;
• Acquire or use real or personal property whether public or private;
• Establish a voluntary immunization program;
• Enter or authorize any person implementing a direction or order from the Chief Public Health officer to enter any premises; and
• The Chief Public Health Officer has made an order restricting travel to the Territory and anyone who is returning to the territory, to self-isolate in Yellowknife, Fort Smith, Hay River or Inuvik.

On March 22, 2020, the Province of Nova Scotia declared a state of emergency to help contain the spread of COVID-19.

Emergency Management Act, S.N.S. 1990, c. 8

When a state of emergency is declared, the Minister of Health may do the following (s.14):

• Cause an emergency management plan or any part thereof to be implemented;
• Acquire or utilize personal property by confiscation;
• Authorize or require a qualified person to render aid of such type of that person may be qualified to provide;
• Control or prohibit travel to or from an area or on a road, street or highway;
• Provide for the maintenance or restoration of essential facilities, the distribution of essential supplies and the maintenance and co-ordination of emergency medical, social and other services;
• Cause or order the evacuation of persons and animals;
• Authorize the entry into any building without a warrant;
• Cause or order the demolition or removal of anything where necessary;
• Order assistance of persons needed to carry out the provisions;
• Regulate the distribution and availability of essential goods, services and resources;
• Authorize and make emergency payments;
• Assess damage to the environment and the costs and methods to eliminate and alleviate the damage.

Health Protection Act, S.N.S. 2004, c. 4

Where the Minister has declared a public health emergency, the Chief Medical Officer may implement special measures to mitigate or remedy the emergency including the following (ss.53(2)):

• Establish a voluntary immunization program for the province;
• Prepare a list of individuals or classes of individuals to be given priority for active and passive immunizing agents, drugs, medical supplies or equipment;
• Ordering the closing of any educational setting or place of assembly;
• Prohibiting or limiting access to certain areas of the province or evacuating person from an area of the province;
• Ensuring the necessities are provided to a person who is quarantined if the person has no alternative means of obtaining such necessities;
• Ordering construction of any work or the installation of facilities required, such as sanitation facilities;
• Procuring first right at a reasonable cost to active and passive immunizing agents, drugs, medical supplies or equipment;
• Confiscating active and passive immunizing agents, drugs, medical supplies or equipment from wholesalers, health authorities, pharmacies, physicians, institutions; and
• Any other measure the Chief Medical Officer reasonably believes is necessary for the protection of public health during the public health emergency.

The Minister can also order possession of premises for temporary isolation or quarantine facility (s. 55-56). A medical officer may also enter and inspect any premises without a warrant (s. 60).

On March 20, 2020, Nunavut's Minister of Health, on the recommendation of the Chief Public Health Officer, declared a state of public health emergency pursuant to the Public Health Act.

Emergency Measures Act, S.Nu 2007, c. 10

The statute provides that the Minister may declare an emergency for a period of up to 14 days that is renewable upon the consideration of the following factors: (a) the situation or event requires immediate action to prevent tor reduce serious harm to persons or substantial damage to property; (b) the resources ordinarily available the Government of Nunavut cannot be relied on without the risk of serious delay, cannot be relied on without impairing the ability of the Government to prevent or respond to the emergency, or would be insufficient to effectively address the situation or event (see section 12).

When a state of emergency is declared, the Minister may take any measure they consider necessary, including any or all of the following (s.13):

• Implement an emergency management program;
• Authorize or require a municipal corporation to implement an emergency management program for the community;
• Acquire or use real or personal property, whether private or public, that the Minister considers necessary or appropriate to prevent or respond to an emergency or mitigate the effects of an emergency;
• Construct works that the Ministers considers necessary or appropriate to prevent or respond to an emergency or mitigate the effects of an emergency;
• Authorize or require a qualified person to render assistance of the type that the person is qualified to provide;
• Control or prohibit travel;
• Provide for the restoration of essential facilities and the distribution of essential supplies;
• Provide, maintain and co-ordinate emergency medical, social and other essential services;
• Cause the evacuation of persons and the removal of personal property from any area in Nunavut that is or may be affected by an emergency and make arrangements for the adequate care and protection of those persons or property;
• Close any building, enterprise, facility or establishment and direct it to cease operations for a specified period;
• Demolition or removal of vegetation, structures, equipment or vehicles as necessary;
• Procure and distribute food, clothing, fuel, equipment, medical supplies or other essential goods;
• Fix prices for essential goods and services and prohibit charting unconscionable prices;
• Procure and allocate the use of property, goods or services; and
• Authorize conscription.

Public Health Act, S.Nu. 2016, c.13

During a state of public health emergency, the Chief Public Health Officer may, for the purpose of protecting the public health and preventing, remedying or mitigating the effects of the public health emergency, do the following (s. 41):

• Authorize qualified persons to render aid of a specified type or types;
• Enter into an agreement for services with any agency of the Government of Canada, a province or another territory;
• Procure and provide for the distribution of medical supplies, aid and equipment in any part of Nunavut;
• Acquire or use real or personal property, whether private or public;
• Make orders restricting travel;
• Enter a premises without a warrant; and
• Take any other measure the Chief Public Health Officer reasonably believes is necessary for the protection of public health during the public health emergency.

Ontario declared a state of emergency on March 17, 2020.

Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E. 9

Under this legislation, the government has the authority to make orders believed “necessary and essential in the circumstances to prevent, reduce or mitigate serious harm to persons or substantial damage to property” provided that it is reasonable to believe:

• Harm or damage will be alleviated by an order; and
• Making an order is a reasonable alternative to other measures that might be taken to address the emergency.

There are express limitations on an emergency order, including that they will be in place only for as long as is necessary and will bet the least intrusive possible, consistent with the objectives of the order.

Types of emergency orders authorized by the Act include the following:

• Regulating or prohibiting travel within any specified area in the province;
• Evacuating individuals, animals and personal property from any specified area and making consequent arrangements for adequate shelter;
• Establishing emergency shelters and hospitals;
• Closing any place, whether public or private, including any business, office, school, hospital or other establishment;
• Constructing work, restoring facilities;
• Collecting, transporting, storing, processing and disposing of waste;
• Authorizing facilities to operate as is necessary;
• Using, distributing, making available and procuring any necessary goods, services and resources within any part of Ontario;
• Fixing prices for necessary goods, services and resources and prohibiting charging unconscionable prices in respect of the same;
• Authorizing, but not requiring, any person to provide services that a person is reasonably qualified to provide;
• Requiring any person collect, use or disclose information that may be necessary in order to prevent, respond or alleviate effects of emergency.

In a state of emergency, the Premier may exercise any power or perform any duty conferred upon a Minister or government employee. 

Health Protection and Promotion Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.7

Under Part VI.I of this Act, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health has the authority to issue mandatory directives to regulated healthcare professionals and health care entities, even before a provincial state of emergency is declared. Directives that are not complied with can become enforceable court orders, with police assistance for enforcement of the court order. On March 23, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health issued directives to health professionals and healthcare entities, including public hospitals and other facilities, to:

• Adopt recommendations for the use of personal protective equipment for caring for COVID-19 patients;
• Reduce elective surgeries and other non-emergent clinical activities to preserve and increase hospital ICU capacity and resources;
• Stop or reduce to minimal levels all non-essential and elective services, subject to time sensitive issues that could negatively affect patient outcomes or patient safety;
• Heighten screening measures for transfers between hospitals and healthcare institutions; and
• Impose visitor and resident restrictions, as well as limitations on staff movement between facilities for long term care facilities and retirement homes.

A medical officer of health of a local public health unit, may make written orders directed to individuals or a class of individuals, including:

• Requiring any person who has or may have a communicable disease to isolate himself or herself and remain in isolation from other persons;
• Require the person to whom the order is directed to submit to a physician's exam and deliver to the medical officer of health a report by the physician as to whether or not the person has a communicable disease or is or is not infected with an agent of a communicable disease].

There are significant penalties for being in breach of an order or mandatory directive. 

Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.) declared a public health emergency on March 16, 2020.

Public Health Act, R.S.P.E.I. 1988, c. P-30.1

The premier of P.E.I. declared a state of public health emergency under Part III of the province’s Public Health Act. Accordingly, the Chief Public Health Officer may enact the following special measures (s. 49(2)):

• Issue directions, for the purpose of managing the threat, to an institution, health facility, corporation, health care organization, operator of a laboratory, operator of an ambulance service, health professional or health care provider;
• Authority in relation to the healthcare sector may include directions about identifying and managing cases, controlling infection, managing hospitals and other healthcare facilities and ambulance services;
• Order the owner or occupier of any place or premises to deliver up possession of the place or premises to the Minister for use as a temporary assessment, treatment, isolation or quarantine facility;
• Order a public place or any premises to be closed; and
• Order persons to refrain from assembling in a public gathering in a specified area; limit the number of persons permitted to attend a public gathering; or limit the purpose for a public gathering.

Emergency Measures Act, R.S.P.E.I. 1988, c. E-6.1

When a provincial state of emergency is declared, the provincial government may do everything necessary for the health or safety of persons, including the following (s. 11):

• Cause an emergency measures plan to be implement;
• Acquire or utilize or cause the acquisition or utilization of any personal property by confiscation or any means considered necessary;
• Authorize or require any qualified person to render assistance of such type as that person may be willing and qualified to perform;
• Control or prohibit travel;
• Provide for the maintenance and restoration of essential facilities, the distribution of essential supplies and the maintenance and co-ordination of emergency medical, social and other essential service;
• Cause the evacuation of persons and the removal of livestock and personal property threatened by a disaster or emergency, and make arrangements for the adequate care and protection thereof;
• Enter a property without a warrant;
• Prohibit persons from entering into or upon any building, structure, premises, land, place or area;
• Cause the demolition or removal of any building, structure, tree or crop where the demolition or removal is necessary;
• Procure food, clothing fuel, equipment, medical or other essential supplies and the use of property, resources or equipment; and
• Order the assistance with or without remuneration of persons needed to carry out these provisions.

Québec declared a state of emergency on March 13, 2020.

Public Health Act, C.Q.L.R. c. S-2.2

While the public health emergency is in effect, the Government or the Minister, if he or she has been so empowered, may: (section 123):

• Order compulsory vaccination of the entire population or any part of it against smallpox or any other contagious disease seriously threatening the health of the population;
• Order the closing of educational institutions or of any other place of assembly;
• Order any person, government department or body to communicate or give to the Government or the Minister immediate access to any document or information held, even personal or confidential information or a confidential document;
• Prohibit entry to all of part of an area, restrict access to only certain persons or, when there are no other means of protection, the evacuation of the area;
• Order the construction of any work, the installation of sanitary facilities or the provision of health and social services;
• Require the assistance of any government department or body capable of assisting the personnel deployed;
• Incur such expenses and enter into such contracts as are considered necessary; and
• Order any other measure necessary to protect the health of the population.

Civil Protection Act, C.Q.L.R. c. S-2.3

When a state of emergency is in effect, the government, or any minister empowered to act upon the declaration of the state of emergency, may do the following (s. 93):

• Order the implementation of response measures provided for in the plan of the civil protection authorities, or those established by government departments or government bodies and where necessary designate the person in charge;
• Order the closure of establishments;
• Control access to or enforce special rules on or within roads or the province;
• Where there is no safe alternative, order the construction or demolition of any works, the displacement of any property or the removal of any vegetation in the territory concerned;
• Grant authorizations and exemptions provided for by law for an activity or an act that is required in the circumstances;
• Order the evacuation or confinement of the inhabitants and if they have no resources, make arrangements for adequate shelter facilities, the provision of food and clothing and the maintenance of security;
• Order power and water mains shut off;
• Require the assistance of any person capable of assisting the personnel deployed;
• Requisition the necessary rescue services and private or public shelter facilities;
• Requisition food, clothing and other essentials and ensure distribution to disaster victims;
• Ration essential goods and services and establish supply priorities;
• Have access to any premises for the carrying out of the order;
• Make any expenditure or contract it considers necessary; and
• Implement a financial assistance program.

*Note: there are also provisions relating to a municipality declaring a state of emergency.

On March 18, 2020, the Government of Saskatchewan declared a provincial state of emergency under section 17 of the Emergency Planning Act.

The Emergency Planning Act, S.S. 1989-90, c. E-8.1

The Act gives the government broad authority to do the following:

• Put into operation an emergency plan or program;
• Authorize or require a local authority to put into effect any emergency plan for the municipality;
• Assume direction and control of the emergency response of a local authority;
• Acquire or utilize any real or personal property that the minister considers necessary to prevent, combat or alleviate the effects of an emergency;
• Authorize any qualified person to render aid of a type that the person is qualified to provide;
• Control or prohibit travel to or from any area of Saskatchewan;
• Provide for the restoration of essential facilities and the distribution of essential supplies;
• Provide, maintain and coordinate emergency medical, welfare and other essential services;
• Cause the evacuation of persons and the removal of persons or live stock and personal property from any area of Saskatchewan affected by the emergency and make arrangements for the adequate care and protection of those persons, livestock or personal property;
• Authorize entry into any building or on any land without a warrant by any person in the course of implementing an emergency plan;
• Cause the demolition or removal of any trees, structures or crops if necessary or appropriate to reach the scene of the emergency, to attempt to forestall its occurrence or to combat its progress;
• Procure or fix prices for food, clothing, fuel, equipment, medical supplies or other essential supplies and the use of any property, services, resources or equipment;
• Conscript persons needed to meet an emergency; and
• Do all acts and take all proceedings reasonably necessary to respond to the emergency.

On March 20, 2020, Premier Scott Moe ordered everyone in Saskatchewan required to comply with:

(a) Any orders made by the Minister of Health pursuant to the Public Health Act, 1994;

(b) Any orders made by the Office of the Chief Medical Health Officer (CMHO); and

(c) Any direction issued by the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency under the Emergency Planning Act and the Saskatchewan Public Safety Act.

Premier Moe also authorized the RCMP and all Saskatchewan police services to take any reasonable action, including the power to arrest, to enforce the March 20, 2020 order and any other order made under the Emergency Planning Act or the Public Health Act, 1994.

The Public Health Act, 1994, SS 1994, c P-37.1

Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer, Dr. Saqib Shahab, has made Public Health Orders under sections 38 and 45(2) of the Public Health Act, in order to control the transmission of COVID-19 in the province.

Under section 38(1) of the Act, a medical health officer, including the CMHO, is permitted to order individuals to take or refrain from taking any action the medical health officer considers necessary to decrease or eliminate a health risk presented by a communicable disease. Section 38(2) of the Act sets out the broad scope of what the medical health officer may order, including:

• Requiring the owner or occupier of premises to close, clean or disinfect the premises or a specific part of the premises;
• Requiring a person who is or probably is infected with, or who has been or might have been exposed to, a communicable disease to isolate themselves immediately and to remain isolated from others;
• Requiring a person who is or who is probably infected to submit to an assessment of their condition by being tested and examined by a physician or nurse and giving specimens for laboratory examination;
• Requiring a person to conduct themselves in a manner that will not expose others to infection;
• Requiring a person infected with a communicable disease to receive uninterrupted treatment or counselling until,; the opinion of the medical health officer, the person no longer poses a public health risk;
• Requiring an infected person to place themselves under the care and treatment of a physician;
• Requiring a hospital to allow a person infected with a communicable disease to be admitted and kept at the hospital until, in the opinion of the medical health officer, the person is no longer able to benefit from the hospitalization or is no longer a danger to the health of other;
• Requiring an infected person to stop any occupation or activity that may spread the disease; and
• Requiring a person who is the subject of an order under section 38 of the Act to do anything that is reasonably necessary to give effect to that order.

Under section 45(1) of the Act, the minister has authority to make an order for certain measures to act in the case of a serious public health threat (such as COVID-19), as follows:

• The closure of a public place;
• Restrictions on travel to or from a specified area of Saskatchewan;
• Prohibiting public gatherings;
• The establishment of temporary hospitals;
• Requiring a local authority, medical health officer or public health officer to investigate matters and report the results of the investigation to the minister; and
• If the serious public health threat is a communicable disease, require any person to be isolated from others until a medical health officer is satisfied that isolation is no longer necessary. A person may be at risk for detention by a medical health officer under s. 45.1(1) of the Act if they do not comply with an order of this nature.

On March 18, 2020, Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Brendan Hanley, declared a public health emergency.

Public Health and Safety Act, R.S.Y. 2002, c. 176

At any time following the declaration of the existence of a public health emergency the chief medical officer of health may do the following:

• Require any person to whom notice of a public health emergency has been given or is deemed to have been given, to provide information, including personal information, to the chief medical officer of health to enable them to perform their duties and functions under this Act;
• Make an order that the sale, distribution and relocation by any person of any medication, supplies or equipment be suspended (ss. 4.6(2)); and
• Make an order for the procurement, acquisition and seizure of any medication, supplies or equipment and may require any person named in the order to provide the medication, supplies or equipment.

The Act also gives the government power to designate an area of areas of the Yukon as ‘quarantine districts’, as required. The minister also has the power to order a member of a health profession who is not registered, authorized or licensed to practice their health profession during a health emergency for a limited period of time.

To note, a public health emergency does not automatically constitute an emergency within the meaning of the Civil Emergency Measures Act.

Civil Emergency Measures Act, R.S.Y. 2002, c. 34

When a state of emergency is declared, the Minister may do all things considered advisable for the purposes of dealing with the emergency and, without restricting the generality of the foregoing, may undergo acts considered necessary for the following (ss. 9(1)):

• The protection of persons and property;
• Maintaining, clearing and controlling the use of roads and streets;
• Requisitioning or otherwise obtaining and distributing accommodation, food and clothing and providing other welfare services;
• Providing and maintaining water supplies, electrical power and sewage disposal;
• Assisting in the enforcement of the law;
• Fighting or preventing fire;
• Protecting the health, safety and welfare of the inhabitants of the area;
• Make regulations considered proper to put into effect any emergency plan; and
• Require a municipality to provide assistance

If a person fails to follow an order after a state of emergency has been declared, they can be fined up to $500 per offence or imprisoned for six months.