As provincial governments in Canada begin to lift their respective emergency measures, keeping track of the different guidelines is a challenge. This chart summarizes the reopening guidelines applicable to retailers in Canada for those jurisdictions that have released a reopening plan as of June 3, 2020.

Download our Retail Reopening Guidelinesfor more details

To see what has changed since May 19, 2020, view our PDF for comparison.

Retail stores are currently set to reopen on the following dates:

Date

Province

Additional Notes

May 4

Manitoba

Provided in-store occupancy allows for staff and customers to maintain physical distancing of at least 2 metres

May 4

Quebec (excluding Montreal)

Retail businesses outside Montreal with a door to the outside used by customers; access through indoor common areas is prohibited

May 8 New Brunswick  

May 8

Ontario

Garden centres & nurseries

May 9

Ontario

Hardware and safety supply stores

May 11

Ontario

Retail stores with a street entrance can open if they offer curbside pickup

May 14

Alberta

Some businesses will be permitted to reopen in all areas of Alberta except the cities of Calgary and Brooks.

May 19

British Columbia

 

May 19

Saskatchewan

 

May 19 Ontario Retail services that are not in shopping malls and have separate street-front entrances

May 22

Prince Edward Island

Note that the Environmental Health Office will conduct both random and complaint-based inspections anytime after May 1st to ensure enforcement. Those not compliant are subject to an escalating approach of warnings, fine and closures, depending on the situation.

May 25

Quebec (Montreal)

Retail stores in Montreal with a door to the outside that is usually used by customers; access through indoor common areas is prohibited

June 1 Alberta Businesses in Calgary and Brooks may reopen.
June 8 (expected) Newfoundland and Labrador  

 

Nunavut has not yet released reopening dates. Retail businesses in the Northwest Territoriesthe Yukon, and Nova Scotia have largely remained open. Nova Scotia has not provided any guidance specific to the retail sector, however has provided general guidance and guidance for the restaurant industry which has been included as a best practice.

Important Context: Reopening plans change regularly, and this chart provides a snapshot as of the date listed above. The requirements outlined below have been harmonized in an effort to pair materially similar requirements, but each jurisdiction's reopening plans contain additional detail. Some jurisdictions make compliance legally required, while others frame these requirements as guidance. You can access each plan through the links included above. Organizations should also be mindful that other laws, such as occupational health and safety laws, may impose additional obligations. Please see our Return to the Workplace Playbook for more information.

Last updated: June 3, 2020

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