COVID-19: Emergency Measures Tracker (February 11, 2021) - Reporting and Compliance

In light of the outbreak of COVID-19, our team is closely monitoring updates from governments across Canada as they respond to the pandemic. The following summarizes the emergency measures that have been imposed in each jurisdiction. We will continue to update this summary as further measures are introduced across the country.

This roundup was last updated on February 11, 2021. To see what has changed since our last update, please download our blackline, here.

Federal

February 4, 2021: The Minister of Transport announced two new Interim Orders that prohibit pleasure crafts in Canadian Arctic waters and cruise vessels in all Canadian waters until February 28, 2022 (link).
January 29, 2021: The Government of Canada announced that effective February 3, 2021 at midnight, flight restrictions funneling international flights to Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, Calgary International Airport, and Vancouver International Airport will expand to include: scheduled commercial passenger flights from the United States, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America; international business/private passenger flights from all countries; and international charter passenger flights from all countries (link).
January 29, 2021: The Government of Canada announced the suspension of all flights to and from Mexico and Caribbean countries effective January 31, 2021 until April 30, 2021 (link).
January 6, 2021: The Government of Canada issued the Interim Order formalizing the new COVID-19 testing requirement for all air travelers coming to Canada and provided additional guidance to airline operators and the travelling public (link).
December 31, 2020: The Government of Canada announced that effective January 7, 2021 at 12:01am EST, all air passengers five years of age or older will be required to test negative for COVID-19 before travelling from another country to Canada. Documentation of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to the traveler's scheduled departure to Canada must be provided to the airline before boarding (link).
December 29, 2020: The Government of Canada continues to advise against non-essential travel and has reminded all travelers returning to Canada that contravening the mandatory quarantine can lead to severe penalties (link).
December 20, 2020: The Government of Canada suspended entry into Canada of all commercial and private passenger flights from the United Kingdom for 72 hours, effective midnight tonight (link).
December 17, 2020: The Correctional Service of Canada announced that effective December 16, 2020, in-person visits are suspended at all of its Ontario Institutions and Community Correctional Centres (link).
November 30, 2020: The Government of Canada announced that the Mandatory Isolation Order and temporary travel restrictions for all travelers seeking entry into Canada from a country other than the US will be extended until January 21, 2021. Travel restrictions for US citizens and foreign nationals arriving from the US remain in place until December 21, 2020 (link).
November 2, 2020: The Government of Canada announced new mandatory requirements for travelers to Canada. As of November 21, 2020, air travelers whose final destination is Canada will be required to submit their information electronically through ArriveCAN before they board their flight, and those who enter Canada by air, land, or marine modes will be required to submit information through ArriveCAN or by calling the toll-free number during their quarantine or isolation period (link).

October 29, 2020: The Minister of Transport announced the extension of measures pertaining to cruise ships and pleasure craft until February 28, 2021 (link).
October 22, 2020: The Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta announced a joint pilot program exploring the feasibility of using a rigorous testing and monitoring program as a strategy to reduce the mandatory quarantine period beginning November 2, 2020 (link).
September 30, 2020: The Minister of Transport announced the implementation of temperature screening for travelers at 11 additional Canadian airports (link).

September 28, 2020: The Correctional Service of Canada announced additional measures to limit the potential spread of COVID-19 in its Québec institutions and community correctional centres. The Correctional Service of Canada is suspending visits at all of its sites in the province, as well as temporary absences and work releases from institutions (link).
September 18, 2020: The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, announced that Canada and the United States have agreed to extend the temporary restriction of all non-essential travel across the Canada-U.S. border until October 21, 2020 (link).
September 17, 2020: The Canada Border Services Agency has reminded all travelers who are celebrating the upcoming holidays of Rosh Hashanah (September 18 to 20, 2020) and Yom Kippur (September 27 and 28, 2020), that travel restrictions are still in place at all Canadian international border crossings (link).
August 31, 2020: The Canada Border Services Agency announced that travel restrictions are still in place ahead of the Labour Day long weekend at all Canadian international border crossings (link).
July 30, 2020: The Canada Border Services Agency announced that as of July 31, 2020, stricter rules and additional entry conditions will be imposed on travelers transiting through Canada to Alaska for a non-discretionary purpose (link) .
July 5, 2020: The Canada Border Services Agency announced that it will be temporarily reducing service hours at additional land, air and marine ports of entry in addition to deferring seasonal opening hours at select points of entry (link).

July 3, 2020: The Government of Canada extended the requirement for anyone crossing the Canadian border to be isolated for 14 days until August 31, 2020 (link).

June 12, 2020: The Minister of Transport announced that the Government of Canada will now require temperature screenings for all passengers travelling to Canada or travellers departing Canadian airports for either international or domestic destinations (link).

June 8, 2020: The Canada Border Services Agency announced that as of June 8, 2020 23:59 EDT, foreign nationals who are immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, and who do not have COVID-19 or exhibit any signs or symptoms of COVID-19, or who do not have any reason to believe they have COVID-19, will be exempt from the prohibition on entry to Canada if entering to be with an immediate family member for a period of at least 15 days (link).
June 5, 2020: The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, announced the delay of the coming into force of changes to the Divorce Act, due to the extraordinary circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic (link).
June 3, 2020: The Minister of Transport announced the expansion of requirements for the use of face coverings by workers and others involved in the transportation system, to reduce the risk of COVID-19. The measures will be implemented through a combination of mandatory orders and guidance (link).

May 28, 2020: The Government of Canada announced that cruise ships with the capability of providing overnight accommodations to 100 or more people are prohibited from operating in Canadian waters until October 31, 2020 and that passenger vessels must follow provincial, territorial, local and regional health authority requirements for timelines and processes to resume operations starting July 1, 2020 (link).

May 27, 2020: The Minister of Health authorized certain changes for clinical trials related to COVID-19 in order to accelerate efforts and create a more flexible process (link).

May 22, 2020: The Government of Canada announced the launch of a web-based benefits finder tool, "Find financial help during COVID-19" to assist Canadians with determining which government benefits programs best meet their needs (link).

May 22, 2020: The Canada Border Services Agency advised travellers that the seasonal opening of the Little Gold Creek port of entry will be delayed until further notice due to COVID-19 (link).

May 15, 2020: The Canada Border Services Agency announced the temporary suspension of service at the Four Falls, New Brunswick port of entry along the Canada-United States land border, effective May 17, 2020 (link).

May 14, 2020: The Government of Canada announced pleasure craft will be prohibited from operating within Canada's Arctic coastal waters starting June 1, 2020 (link).

May 12, 2020: The Canada Border Services Agency announced the temporary suspension of service at certain small vessel reporting sites, small airports of entry, ferry terminals and to the Remote Area Border Crossing program (link).

April 29, 2020: The Government of Canada made temporary changes to the Employment Insurance Act regarding the Employment Insurance Emergency Response Benefit. Further information can be found here and here.

April 22, 2020: The Government of Canada will support students and recent graduates by launching the "I Want to Help" platform, funding various student employment organizations, enhancing student financial assistance for fall 2020, and providing access to benefits over the summer (link).

April 22, 2020: The Government of Canada removed the restriction that allows international students to work a maximum of 20 hours per week while classes are in session, provided they are working in an essential service or function, such as health care, critical infrastructure, or the supply of food or other critical goods (link).

April 17, 2020: The Minister of Transport announced measures requiring all air passengers to have a non-medical mask or face covering to cover their mouth and nose during travel. These measures come into effect at noon EDT on April 20, 2020 (link).

April 17, 2020: Through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the federal and provincial governments will connect people with job opportunities in the sector (link).

April 17, 2020: Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) liaison and reconnaissance elements will be dispatched to Québec to gather information in support of the upcoming deployment of CAF medical personnel and resources to help with the ongoing situation in long-term care facilities (link).

April 16, 2020: The Government of Canada announced its intent to introduce the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses (link).

April 15, 2020: Canada Border Services Agency reduced service hours at 27 Canadian land border locations. Further information on locations and times can be found here.

April 15, 2020: Parks Canada extended the suspension of camping reservations and events until May 31, 2020, at the earliest (link).

April 15, 2020: The Canadian Minister of Health launched the Wellness Together Canada portal to connect Canadians to peer support workers, social workers, psychologists and other professionals for confidential chat sessions or phone calls. This is also intended to make it easier to find credible information and help address mental health and substance use issues (link).

April 14, 2020: The Government of Canada ordered that travellers arriving in Canada cannot isolate or quarantine in a place where they would be in contact with people who are vulnerable. Upon arrival, travellers must confirm they have a suitable place to isolate or quarantine. If they cannot do so, the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada will designate a place (link).

April 14, 2020: Regulatory amendments to the Contraventions Act came into force. These amendments allow law enforcement agencies to ticket individuals who do not comply with the Federal Quarantine Act. Offences may result in fines ranging from $275 to $1000, or criminal proceedings (link).

April 13, 2020: The Government of Canada granted an exemption for temporary foreign workers from the travel restrictions to Canada, along with other foreigners with student and work visas, provided they adhere to a strict 14-day isolation protocol upon arrival. The federal government will provide $1,500 for each temporary foreign worker, to employers or those working with them to ensure requirements are fully met. The funding is conditional on employers not violating the mandatory 14-day isolation protocols or any other public health order (link).

April 10, 2020: The Government of Canada established the COVID-19 Disability Advisory Group to ensure that the interests and needs of persons with a disability are being taken into account in response measures to COVID-19 (link).

April 8, 2020: The Competition Bureau signalled that it will generally refrain from exercising scrutiny in circumstances where there is a clear imperative for companies to be collaborating in the short-term to respond to the crisis, so long as those collaborations are undertaken and executed in good faith and do not go further than what is needed (link).

April 8, 2020: The Government of Canada announced that it will invest $3 million in several organizations through the Digital Citizen Initiative's Digital Citizen Contribution Program to help combat false and misleading COVID-19 information as well as the racism and stigmatization that are often the result (link).

April 6, 2020: The Minister of Seniors announced the New Horizons for Seniors Program allowing for the reallocation of funding previously received by organizations to go towards COVID-19 supports (link).

April 6, 2020: The Canada Border Services Agency has temporarily changed the regulations for driving U.S.-plated vehicles in Canada. The Canada Border Services Agency will facilitate entry for residents driving U.S.-plated vehicles by permitting the temporary import of U.S. vehicles without paying duties and taxes for up to 60 days from the date of importation in accordance with the Temporary Importation of Conveyances by Residents of Canada (link).

April 5, 2020: The Minister of Transport, the Honourable Marc Garneau, announced new measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission on commercial passenger vessels and ferries (link).

April 3, 2020: The Government of Canada partnered with Amazon Canada for the distribution of personal protective equipment and supplies (link).

April 3, 2020: The Canadian Armed Forces will be dispatched to Nunavik in northern Québec to support the community during a regional lockdown.

April 2, 2020: Public Safety Canada developed a set of functions deemed essential in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic to help provinces/territories, Indigenous communities, and municipalities protect their communities while maintaining the reliable operation of critical infrastructure services and functions to ensure the health, safety, and economic well-being of the population. The guidance is not, nor should it be considered to be a federal directive or standard. Further information on Public Safety Canada's guidance on essential services and functions in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic can be found here.

March 28, 2020: The Government of Canada introduced new domestic transportation measures. All air operators must conduct a health check of travellers before they board a flight within Canada or departing from Canada, based on guidance from the Public Health Agency of Canada. Passengers that present COVID-19 symptoms must be refused by air operators. Individuals who are refused will not be able to travel for a period of 14 days, or until a medical certificate is presented confirming that the traveller's symptoms are not related to COVID-19. They must also notify travellers that they may be subject to provincial or territorial measures at their final destination. Similar restrictions apply to rail companies. More on theses orders can be found

March 26, 2020: All in person Service Canada Centres have closed (link).
March 25, 2020:An Act respecting certain measures in response to COVID-19 has been enacted. It amended the Canada Labour Code to include a COVID-19 related leave of up to 16 weeks and additional job protections. It also amended other laws to assist with implementing the Government of Canada's emergency response (link).
March 25, 2020: The Government of Canada has mandated an immediate 14 day quarantine for all Canadians returning to Canada as of 11:59 pm on March 25, 2020. The Government of Canada has advised that this mandated quarantine will be enforced under the Quarantine Act.
March 24, 2020: Parks Canada temporarily suspended all motor vehicle access to all national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas. These measures are effective as of 12:01 a.m. on March 25, 2020 (link).
March 19, 2020: All Canadians returning home from travel outside of Canada urged to self-isolate for 14 days.
March 18, 2020: Government of Canada, in conjunction with the United States, closed the Canadian-US border to all non-essential travel.
March 16, 2020: Government of Canada banned the entry of all non-Canadian or non-permanent residents into Canada.
March 14, 2020: Government of Canada issued a travel advisory to avoid all non-essential travel outside of Canada and all travel by cruise ship. Canadians were urged to return home via commercial means while they still remain available.
Further information is available on the Government of Canada's website.
To date the Government of Canada has imposed emergency measures under the Quarantine Act, the Aeronautics Act, and other federal legislation. It has not yet invoked its extraordinary powers under the Emergencies Act. Further information on the federal government's emergency powers, can be found on our "Can they do that?" series of explainers, available on our COVID-19 hub.

British Columbia

February 10, 2021: The Government of British Columbia revised the public heath order regarding gatherings and events (link).
February 2, 2021: The Government of British Columbia extended the provincial state of emergency to the end of day on February 16, 2021 (link).
January 19, 2021: The Government of British Columbia extended the provincial state of emergency to the end of day on February 2, 2021 (link)
January 12, 2021: The Government of British Columbia announced further public health requirements for the Industrial Projects Restart (link).
January 12, 2021: The Government of British Columbia announced new public health measures at resource sector worksites and industrial camps in the region of the Northern Health Authority (link).
January 8, 2021: The Government of British Columbia revised the public health order regarding gatherings and events (link).
January 8, 2021: The Government of British Columbia clarified and simplified the emergency orders currently in place on face coverings, gatherings and events, and food and liquor serving premises (link).
January 7, 2021: The Government of British Columbia extended the current public health orders on gatherings and events through February 5, 2021 (link).
January 5, 2021: The Government of British Columbia extended the provincial state of emergency through January 19, 2021 (link).
December 29, 2020: The Government of British Columbia restricted the number of onsite workers at 5 major industrial work sites and put in place a schedule for the incremental increase of workers (link).
December 16, 2020: The Government of British Columbia announced that employers are now required to develop a COVID-19 Safety Plan that outlines the policies, guidelines, and procedures in place to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission (link).
December 8, 2020: The Government of British Columbia announced that the public health orders restricting all gatherings and events have been extended through to January 8, 2021 (link).
December 4, 2020: The Government of British Columbia announced that effective December 7, 2020 new restrictions will be placed on gym and recreation facilities. Additionally, all indoor and outdoor sports for people over the age of 19 years old have also been suspended (link).
December 3, 2020: The Minister of Citizens' Services announced that the use of additional communications tools in the public sector during the COVID-19 pandemic has been extended until May 31, 2021 (link).
November 24, 2020: The Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General extended the provincial state of emergency to the end of the day on December 8, 2020 and announced that masks must be worn in indoor public spaces by all British Columbians who are 12 years of age and older (link).
November 10, 2020: The Government of British Columbia extended the provincial state of emergency to the end of day November 24, 2020 (link).
November 10, 2020: The Provincial Health Officer announced that all individuals within the Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health regions are not permitted to engage in social gatherings with anyone other than their core bubble. This order will remain in effect until at least November 23, 2020 (link).
October 30, 2020: The Government of British Columbia announced that gatherings in private residences are restricted to the occupants and six additional guests (link).
October 27, 2020: The Government of British Columbia extended the provincial state of emergency to the end of day November 10, 2020 (link).
September 20, 2020: The Minister of Public Health and Safety and Solicitor General gave police and other provincial enforcement officers the ability to issue tickets for contravention of the Public Health Officer's orders. The measures announced on August 21, 2020 were also expanded. (link).
September 18, 2020: The Attorney General of British Columbia suspended civil jury trials until October 3, 2021 (link).
September 15, 2020: The Government of British Columbia extended the provincial state of emergency to the end of day September 29, 2020 (link).
September 8, 2020: The Provincial Health Officer amended her order regarding bars, nightclubs and banquet halls. All nightclubs and stand-alone banquet halls are ordered closed. Liquor sales in bars, pubs and restaurants must cease at 10 pm, and the establishment must close at 11 pm unless they provide full meal service (however liquor sales must cease at 10 pm regardless). Music or other background sounds must be no louder than the volume of normal conversation (link).

September 2, 2020: The Government of British Columbia extends online variance applications for temporary layoff provisions past August 30, 2020 (link).
September 1, 2020: The Government of British Columbia extended the province's state of emergency extended until September 15, 2020 (link).
August 21, 2020: The Government of British Columbia introduces new measures to enforce COVID-19-related emergency orders (link).
August 18. 2020: The Government of British Columbia extended the province's state of emergency extended until September 1, 2020.
August 17, 2020: The Government of British Columbia is extending the provincial temporary crisis supplement for people on income or disability assistance and low-income seniors for an additional four months (link).
August 4, 2020: The Government of British Columbia extended the province's state of emergency extended until August 18, 2020 (link).
July 30, 2020: The Government of British Columbia restricts non-resident travel to Haida Gwaii in response to a community outbreak (link).
July 30, 2020: Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General issues emergency order to ensure BC Ferries can provide priority medical-assured loading on the first available vessel for any individual, their vehicle and an escort (link).

July 22, 2020: The Government of British Columbia has extended the province's state of emergency until August 4, 2020 (link).
July 7, 2020: The Government of British Columbia has extended the province's state of emergency until July 21, 2020 (link).
June 26, 2020: The Government of British Columbia extended the temporary layoffs provisions to a maximum of 24 weeks expiring on August 30, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic (link).
June 25, 2020: The Government of British Columbia is funding and implementing new safety measures for seasonal domestic fruit pickers with respect to COVID-19 (link).
June 24, 2020: The Government of British Columbia has extended the province's state of emergency until at least July 7, 2020 (link).
June 23, 2020: The Government of British Columbia introduced the COVID-19 Related Measures Act, legislation that will allow for the provisions created for citizens and businesses in response to the pandemic to be formalized and unwound as appropriate after the provincial state of emergency ends (link).
June 19, 2020: The Government of British Columbia announced that it will end provincially led border check points on June 20, 2020. Federal screening measures currently in place will continue and Service BC will also continue compliance and wellness checks to ensure travelers can effectively maintain their 14-day self-isolation (link).
June 11, 2020: The Government of British Columbia has formally extended the provincial state of emergency, allowing the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, to continue to use extraordinary powers under the Emergency Program Act (link).
June 5, 2020: The Government of British Columbia extended a temporary ministerial order until December 31, 2020, to continue to allow health-care workers and other public sector staff to use communication tools not normally permitted for use during the COVID-19 state of emergency (link).
June 5, 2020: The Government of British Columbia announced temporary relief to hospitality licensees who have had to suspend their operations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic (link).
May 27, 2020: The Government of British Columbia extended the state of emergency to June 9, 2020 (link).
May 22, 2020: The Provincial Health Officer issued a Mass Gatherings Order, which repealed and replaced the order made March 16, 2020 regarding mass gatherings. The Order provides that an owner/occupier must not permit the gathering of more than 50 patrons. The owner/operator of a drive-in event must not permit more than 50 vehicles to be present at one event (link).
May 20, 2020: The Government of British Columbia issued two emergency orders that temporarily suspend in-person execution requirements for wills and personal planning instruments (link).
May 13, 2020: The Government of British Columbia extended the state of emergency to May 26, 2020 (link).
May 12, 2020: The Government of British Columbia announced a program to provide smartphones to vulnerable people experiencing less connectivity due to the closure of libraries (link).
May 12, 2020: The Government of British Columbia launched Buy BC e-commerce funding to assist farmers and food and beverage processors with selling their products online (link).
May 5, 2020: The Government of British Columbia announced the establishment of an emergency response centre to provide temporary accommodation for individuals experiencing homelessness (link).
May 1, 2020: The Government of British Columbia will permit local governments to hold public hearings electronically (link).
April 30, 2020: The Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General issued a Ministerial Order which enables credit union meetings to be held by telephone or other electronic means (link).
April 30, 2020: The British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development announced it is deferring stumpage fees for the forestry sector for three months (link).
April 29, 2020: The Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity announced that the Province has secured 300 additional spaces in communities for people leaving violent and unstable situations (link).
April 29, 2020: The Government of British Columbia extended the state of emergency to May 12, 2020 (link).
April 29, 2020: The Government of British Columbia announced that animal care facilities, including BC SPCA facilities, zoos and aquariums, may apply for emergency COVID-19 funding (link).
April 28, 2020: The Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General issued the Employment and Assistance (COVID-19) Order under the Emergency Program Act, which provides that any requirement under the Employment and Assistance Act, or the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act to provide or do certain things may be satisfied by verbal means or verbal confirmation (link).
April 28, 2020: The Government of British Columbia will not enforce restrictions on food trucks that set up at key stops for commercial truck drivers (link).
April 26, 2020: The Government of British Columbia announced it is doubling this year's funding for Family Caregivers of British Columbia to $1 million. Family Caregivers of British Columbia is a not-for-profit organization that supports people who are caring for elderly relations or friends (link).
April 25, 2020: The Government of British Columbia is working with the cities of Vancouver and Victoria to move individuals living in parks into safe, temporary accommodations (link).
April 24, 2020: The Government of British Columbia announced rent relief for small businesses by at least 75% through the federal-provincial Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program (CECRA) (link).
April 24, 2020: The Government of British Columbia will provide funding to internet service providers to give people in rural, remote and Indigenous communities access to faster internet service (link).
April 24, 2020: The Ministry of Attorney General established two advisory groups to support courts and tribunals in delivering services and minimizing the impact of the pandemic on the justice system (link).
April 23, 2020: The Government of British Columbia announced a public health order outlining obligations of employers and workers in the agriculture, aquaculture, forestry and resource sectors, including prevention, control and inspection protocols (link).
April 23, 2020: The Ministry of Finance announced that applications for the $1,000 BC Emergency Benefit for Workers will open May 1, 2020 (link).
April 22, 2020: The Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General issued an order under the Emergency Program Act which enables companies, societies and cooperatives to meet electronically for the duration of the provincial state of emergency (link).
April 21, 2020: The Government of British Columbia announced that up to $35.6 million in provincial emergency COVID-19 funding will be distributed through Community Living BC to people with developmental disabilities over the next three months (link).
April 20, 2020: The British Columbia Court of Appeal extended the suspension of service and filing deadlines to June 1, 2020. Beginning May 4, 2020, all civil appeals and chambers applications will be heard either by videoconference, by telephone or in writing (link).
April 20, 2020: The Government of British Columbia partnered with the First Nations Health Authority and launched a framework to ensure the wellbeing of rural and remote Indigenous communities (link).
April 20, 2020: All individuals that attended the Kearl Lake project near Fort McMurray, Alberta from March to present were ordered to self-isolate for 14 days (link).
April 20, 2020: The Government of British Columbia partnered with the District of Squamish and Squamish Helping Hands Society to provide 49 new temporary homes for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in the community (link).
April 19, 2020: Police and enforcement officers can now issue $2,000 tickets for violations. They will also enforce the ban on reselling essential goods and supplies and price gouging (link).
April 17, 2020: The Government of British Columbia announced a temporary change under the Emergency Program Act, to allow strata corporations to hold meetings electronically (link).
April 17, 2020: The British Columbia Supreme Court extended the adjournment of all civil and family hearings scheduled before May 1, 2020, to all civil and family hearings scheduled before May 29, 2020. The suspension of filing and service deadlines for civil and family matters was also extended to May 29, 2020. All jury selections have been cancelled up to and including July 3, 2020 (link).
April 17, 2020: The Provincial Court of British Columbia announced that matters related to public health and safety and the COVID-19 pandemic, including matters under the Quarantine Act, Public Health Act and similar statutes and regulations, will be considered urgent hearings and will proceed with all participants appearing by telephone or video conference (link).
April 16, 2020: The Government of British Columbia launched Here2Talk, a free mental-health counselling service for post-secondary students (link).
April 16, 2020: The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia announced further steps to reduce the financial burden for drivers during the COVID-19 pandemic, including waiving the fees for cancelling and then re-insuring vehicles, and allowing fleet vehicle customers to suspend their insurance, among other measures (link).
April 16, 2020: The Government of British Columbia launched the B.C. Business COVID-19 Support Service to act as a one-stop resource to answer questions about supports available to businesses from the provincial and federal governments, industry and community partners (link).
April 16, 2020: The Government of British Columbia announced it will reduce most commercial property tax bills by an average of 25%, along with new measures to support local governments facing temporary revenue shortfalls as a result of COVID-19 (link).
April 15, 2020: The Government of British Columbia extended the state of emergency to April 28, 2020 (link).
April 15, 2020: The Provincial Health Officer issued a revised Facility Staff Assignment Order, which amends a prior order made April 10, 2020, to enable long term care facility workers to work at a single facility (link).
April 15, 2020: The Government of British Columbia temporarily extended hours of retail liquor service to provide a greater opportunity for physical distancing for seniors and people who are immunocompromised. Delivery services are also authorized to purchase unopened liquor products from a liquor store during the same extended hours (link).
April 15, 2020: The Government of British Columbia will install portable toilets at vehicle pull-outs and inspection stations to improve travel for commercial truck drivers (link).
April 14, 2020: The Provincial Health Officer issued a revised Travellers and Employers Order, which revises the previous Travellers and Employers Order made April 10, 2020 (link).
April 14, 2020: All temporary foreign workers will be required to self-isolate in government-managed accommodations for 14 days before being transported to farms throughout British Columbia (link).
April 10, 2020: The Provincial Health Officer made an order under the Public Health Act requiring travellers that arrive at Vancouver International Airport or at a Canada/US land border crossing to present themselves to a Provincial Information and Support Officer and submit a self-isolation plan. The order also provides guidance to employers of workers and essential workers returning to British Columbia (link). Dr. Henry also issued an order delegating certain powers under the Public Health Act to Provincial Information and Support Officers (link).
April 9, 2020: The Provincial Health Officer issued an order under the Public Heath Act, and the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General issued an order under the Emergency Program Act, which in concert enable long term care facility workers to work at a single facility (link here and here).
April 8, 2020: The Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General issued a new limitations order which exempts mandatory limitation periods and other mandatory time periods established under the Builders Lien Act and Division 5, Part 5 of the Strata Property Act from the suspension of mandatory limitation periods. This limitations order will take effect on April 15, 2020. All other mandatory limitation periods and other mandatory time periods established in an enactment or law of British Columbia within which a civil action, claim or appeal must be commenced continue to be suspended (link).
April 8, 2020: International travelers arriving in British Columbia, must provide a self-isolation plan before entry that demonstrates they have supports in place to self-isolate for 14 days. If sufficient supports are not demonstrated, the traveler may be taken to a provincial accommodation site (link).
April 8, 2020: BC Parks closed all provincial parks (link). Overnight camping and motorized recreation (including the use of off-road vehicles) is restricted in the Koocanusa area for spring and summer (link).
April 8, 2020: The British Columbia Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) extended statutory deadlines and waived fees for those struggling financially (link).
April 7, 2020: The Government of British Columbia acquired 900 spaces at 23 sites for individuals who need a place to self-isolate (link).
April 7, 2020: Most open burning activities will be prohibited throughout British Columbia as of noon on April 16, 2020 (link).
April 2, 2020: The Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General issued a Ministerial Order which protects essential services from being held liable for damages caused by exposure to COVID-19 while continuing to operate, so long as they are complying with orders from the provincial health officer and other authorities (link).
April 2, 2020: The Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training announced $3.5 million in emergency financial assistance for students attending public post-secondary institutions (link).
April 2, 2020: The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction announced new emergency supports for people on income or disability assistance and low-income seniors (link).
April 1, 2020: BC Hydro announced a credit for residential customers who have lost their jobs or are unable to work due to COVID-19 to help cover their electricity bills. Small businesses forced to close as a result of COVID-19 will have their power bill forgiven for three months, from April to June 2020. Major industries, such as pulp and paper mills and mines may defer 50% of their bill payments for three months. Further details are available here.
April 1, 2020: The provincial health officer issued guidelines to support compliance with orders on business closures and gatherings, under the Public Health Act. The new guidelines provide instruction on warnings, public education, and fines (link).
April 1, 2020: The Ministry of Education has secured and funded licences for the application Zoom for all K-12 public and independent schools in British Columbia (link).
March 31, 2020: The Government of British Columbia extended the state of emergency through to the end of day on April 14, 2020. Evictions have been halted. The Government of British Columbia is also amending the Employment Standards Act to protect jobs for those unable to work for reasons related to COVID-19 and intends to launch a process to match essential service workers with child care in their communities while supporting child care providers with temporary emergency funding. Further information on these measures can be found here.
March 30, 2020: Youth and young adults that are receiving care through government assistance will continue receiving the same level of service and will continue to reside where they are during the pandemic, even if they were set to age out (link). Effective April 1, 2020, pay parking is temporarily suspended at all health authority owned and operated sites (link).
March 29, 2020: The Minister of Citizens' Services made an order enabling the broader use of communication tools for health-care workers and other public-sector staff who are responding to COVID-19 under the Freedom of Information and Privacy Protection Act (link).
March 28, 2020: Bonnie Henry ordered that all episodic vending markets (such as farmers markets) must only allow vendors to serve food at these events. Vendors of all other merchandise are prohibited at these events (link).
March 27, 2020: Limitation periods to commence court proceedings in British Columbia have been suspended, and statutory decision-makers have been provided discretion to waive, suspend or extend time periods related to their powers (link).
March 26, 2020: Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, issued a series of orders in response to COVID-19. First, the government established a Provincial Supply Chain Coordination Unit to co-ordinate goods and services distribution, and to allow the delivery of goods at any time of day. The government banned the resale of food, medical supplies, personal protective equipment, cleaning supplies and other essential supplies, and restricted the quantity of these items that may be purchased. Provincial health officer's orders may now be enforced by municipal bylaw officers. The government also suspended local states of emergency, except in the City of Vancouver. More on these orders can be found here.
March 24, 2020: BC Ferries advised customers to avoid non-essential travel. The Province has closed certain parks and recreational areas.
March 23, 2020: City of Vancouver passed a motion allowing the City to fine businesses up to $50,000, and individuals up to $1,000, for not following social distancing rules.
March 21, 2020: Bonnie Henry, British Columbia's Provincial Health Officer, ordered the immediate closure of personal service establishments - like barbershops, salons, nail estheticians, health spas, massage parlours, tattoo shops and others.
March 20, 2020: Henry ordered owners and operators of premises where food and drink is served, and retail liquor stores, that they may only provide take-out or delivery services. Holders of liquor licenses that do not provide meal service must close.
March 18, 2020: BC Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Mike Farnworth, declares provincial "state of emergency" under the Emergency Program Act. The declaration will be in effect for 14 days, but can be extended. Mike Farnworth also announced that the provincial legislature would convene on Monday, March 23, 2020 to discuss amendments to the British Columbia's Employment Standards Act to protect individuals affected by COVID-19 and the measures imposed to contain it.
March 17, 2020: Henry declared a "public health emergency" under British Columbia's Public Health Act. Dr. Henry ordered travelers who have returned to Canada on or after March 12, 2020 to self-isolate for 14 days. Dr. Henry also ordered all bars, nightclubs and pubs to close. Businesses that remain open, such as grocery stores and pharmacies, must take measures to ensure social distancing. Restaurants and cafes that cannot meet the social distancing requirement must switch to take-out only.
March 16, 2020: Henry issued an order prohibiting owners, occupiers and operators from allowing gatherings of 50 people or more. This had the effect of closing public spaces from community centres to swimming pools and libraries in municipalities across the province.
Further information is available on the Government of British Columbia's website.
Further information on the B.C. government's emergency powers, can be found on our "Can they do that?" explainer, here.

Alberta

January 7, 2021: The Government of Alberta announced that the current mandatory public health measures will remain in effect across the province until at least January 21, 2021 (link).
December 8, 2020: The Government of Alberta announced that effective immediately, all indoor and outdoor social gatherings are prohibited and mandatory indoor public masking extends province wide (link).
December 8, 2020: The Government of Alberta announced that effective December 13, 2020 at 12:01am, there will be additional operational restrictions on places of worship and retail businesses across the province. Other kinds of businesses have been ordered to close. A full list of restrictions and closures can be found here.
December 8, 2020: The Government of Alberta announced that effective December 13, 2020 at 12:01am, mandatory work from home measures will be implemented unless the employer determines that work requires a physical presence for operational effectiveness (link).
November 27, 2020: The Government of Alberta announced that certain Alberta peace officers and community peace officers have been granted temporary authority to enforce public health orders (link).
November 25, 2020: Alberta Health Services announced that effective November 25, 2020, temporary measures will be in place for visitor access to AHS acute care sites that have an outbreak or are in communities where COVID-19 transmission is high (link).
November 24, 2020: The Government of Alberta announced that, effective immediately, mandatory restrictions are in effect province wide. These restrictions will be in place until further notice. These restrictions include: i) no indoor social gatherings in any setting, including workplaces; ii) outdoor gatherings are limited to no more than 10 people; and iii) funeral services and wedding ceremonies must follow all public health guidance, are limited to no more than 10 people, and receptions are not permitted (link).
November 12, 2020: The Government of Alberta announced new targeted public health measures that will take effect November 13, 2020 to help control the spread of COVID-19 (link).
October 29, 2020: The Government of Alberta announced that all social gatherings in Calgary and Edmonton are limited to 15 people, including gatherings for dinner parties, wedding and funeral receptions, and banquets (link).
October 22, 2020: The Government of Alberta announced a new pilot program in conjunction with the Government of Canada that will see COVID-19 testing become available at the Coutts land border cross and the Calgary International Airport starting November 2, 2020. This would allow people to quarantine for less than 14 days if their test is negative and they receive a second test on day six or seven after arrival (link).
October 20, 2020: The Government of Alberta announced that it is pausing asymptomatic COVID-19 testing to help reduce testing wait times, speed up results and limit the spread (link).

October 8, 2020: The Government of Alberta announced that it is implementing voluntary public health measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the Edmonton Zone (link).
June 23, 2020: The Government of Alberta's environmental reporting temporarily paused by government during the provincial public health emergency will resume on July 15, 2020. It will resume four weeks earlier than planned (link).

June 8, 2020: The Government of Alberta announced that Albertans can now access 20 million free, non-medical face masks to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 (link).
June 4, 2020: Long-term changes to Alberta's nursing homes regulations will come into effect on August 15, 2020. Changes will be made to the two regulations under the Nursing Homes Act: the Nursing Homes General Regulation and the Nursing Homes Operation Regulation (link).
May 12, 2020: Bill 13: Emergency Management Amendment Act, 2020 (No. 2) came into force, allowing police enhanced authority during a state of emergency, allowing municipalities to declare a 90-day state of local emergency, and granting the Government of Alberta powers to cancel, rescind or restrict actions taken by a municipality pursuant to a state of local emergency (link).
May 5, 2020: The Government of Alberta introduced new orders that will allow individual COVID-19 test results to be provided to police if an individual had deliberately put an officer at risk by coughing, sneezing or spitting on the officer. The new orders also expand the number of health-care practitioners who are able to assist in contact tracing (link).
May 4, 2020: The Government of Alberta suspended time limitations set out in legislation (including the Adult Adoption Act, the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped Act, the Income and Employment Supports Act, etc.) including for appeals of decisions on Community and Social Services programs. Appeals can still be filed. If proper isolation and physical distancing measures can be maintained-and all of the necessary steps taken for the appeal to be filed-a decision can be appealed (link).
May 4, 2020: The Government of Alberta temporarily changed regulations to permit nurse practitioners to act as primary care providers in nursing homes, admitting and assessing residents, as well as offering follow-up care. Changes will also enable nurse practitioners and other qualified health professionals to prescribe medication and order treatments in nursing homes, according to their scopes of practice (link).
May 3, 2020: The Government of Alberta modified the Occupational Health and Safety Code to add additional approved respiratory protective equipment required for use at a work site (link).
April 29, 2020: The Government of Alberta exempted individuals in the Fort McMurray area who are engaged in flood suppression and prevention activities from the physical distancing orders (link).
April 29, 2020: The Government of Alberta made orders related to long-term care and supportive living environments. There will be more expansive testing and new measures will allow for individuals to continue to receive treatment for addictions (link).
April 28, 2020: The Government of Alberta announced that it will offer corporate registry services, personal property services and select motor vehicle services remotely (link).
April 24, 2020: The Government of Alberta announced rent relief of 50% for small businesses through the federal-provincial Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program (CECRA). Landlords and tenants are each responsible for 25% of the remaining costs (link).
April 24, 2020: The Minister of Labour and Immigration issued an order updating requirements for health care workers respecting working for more than one employer or at more than one worksite, including (a) selection of the worksite or employer (b) leaves of absence, (c) scheduling of workers, and (d) dispute resolution (link).
April 24, 2020: The Site Rehabilitation Program will launch on May 1, 2020, creating around 5,300 jobs to perform reclamation work on well, pipeline, and oil and gas sites (link).
April 23, 2020: The Government of Alberta has developed a mobile contact tracing application called AB TraceTogethe The application will be available for voluntary download (link).
April 22, 2020: The Court of Queen's Bench extended limiting hearings to only emergency and urgent matters to May 31, 2020, and the adjournment of criminal jury trials and jury selections to September 8, 2020 (link).
April 17, 2020: The Chief Medical Officer can now compel Health Care Facilities operators to disclose information about staff members in order to restrict movement of staff members among health care facilities (link).
April 17, 2020: The Government of Alberta extended the filing due date for the IFTA Quarterly Tax Return to June 30, 2020 (link).
April 17, 2020: Camping reservations at Alberta Parks have been suspended and will be refunded up to and including May 19, 2020 (link).
April 16, 2020: Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services created an Alternative Relationship Plan to pay physicians who adjust their practice to provide care for Albertans during the COVID-19 pandemic (link).
April 14, 2020: Alberta Community and Social Services will allow direct assistance for food to be provided to individuals and families during the pandemic (link).
April 14, 2020: Military families have been added to the list of provincial workers who can access child care (link).
April 14, 2020: In preparation for wildfire season, the Government of Alberta will hire 200 additional fire fighters, invoke a fire ban, implement off-highway vehicle restrictions, increase fine violations, and fund community FireSmart initiatives (link).
April, 13, 2020: The Chief Medical Officer issued conditions for exemptions from mandatory isolation for quarantined or isolated persons who are required to take minor children for scheduled medical care, or who have minor children who require emergency care or admittance to a hospital or other medical facility (link).
April 12, 2020: The Government of Alberta launched a charitable giving matching donation program to increase support to charities responding to COVID-19 (link).
April 10, 2020: Service Alberta issued an order to help organizations and businesses comply with legislative and regulatory provisions related to time, location, distance, access to information and collection of utility payments. Further information can be found here.
April 10, 2020: Effective next week, continuing care workers will be required to wear masks when providing direct patient care or working in patient care areas. They may also only work at one site (link).
April 9, 2020: The Government of Alberta launched the Agriculture Jobs Connector. The new Agriculture Jobs Connector website is a tool for Albertans to find essential agriculture work opportunities and for essential agriculture businesses to find workers (link).
April 9, 2020: A temporary health measure will allow international visitors to receive health care, even if they do not have coverage (link).
April 8, 2020: The Government of Alberta deferred specific reporting requirements for energy companies under the Coal Conservation Act, the Oil and Gas Conservation Actand the Oil Sands Conservation Act (link).
April 8, 2020: Electronic hearings before the Alberta Court of Appeal are open to participants, their counsel and the accredited media which represents the public interest. Non-lawyer participants are required to sign an Undertaking prohibiting recording and rebroadcasting of Court proceedings (link).
April 7, 2020: Pursuant to a new public health order, visitors are prohibited from attending long-term care centres, licensed group homes and other facilities, unless a resident is dying (link).
April 7, 2020: The Government of Alberta proposed amendments to the Emergency Management Act. The amendments include: (1) allowing states of local emergency to last for 90 days, (2) clarifying language regarding offences for non-compliance with emergency orders, (3) clarifying that the minister can modify a state of emergency without terminating it, and (4) clarifying that a state of emergency can be for any pandemic (link).
April 6, 2020: The Government of Alberta has enacted changes to Alberta's Employment Standards Code and Employment Standards Regulation. The changes are: (1) the maximum length of a temporary layoff will be increased from 60 days to 120 days, (2) the 24 hour written notice requirement for employers to notify employees of a shift change has been removed, (3) employers are no longer required to provide notice of group termination to affected employees, unions or the Minister of Labour and Immigration, (4) the process for obtaining a variance or exemption under the Employment Standards Code will be streamlined to enable employers better flexibility to adapt to rapidly changing working conditions, and (5) employees who have had to take time off work due to COVID-19 will have the ability to access unpaid job-protected leave. Further information on these changes can be found here.
April 6, 2020: Alberta Health Services has prohibited visitors to long-term care, supportive living, congregate living, hospice care and acute care settings, with limited exceptions (link).
April 4, 2020: The Minister of Health established the Calgary Homeless Foundation and HomeSpace society to provide services to operate Lakeview Signature Suites in Calgary as an isolation centre serving homeless or home insecure individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 (link).
April 3, 2020: The Government of Alberta launched the "Bits and Pieces" program with more than 1,100 offers of support from private and non-profit organizations. Offers include commercial vehicles, hotel rooms and mobile trailers, food and water services, hospital gowns, face masks, ventilators and other personal protective equipment (link).
April 2, 2020: It is now free for healthcare workers and the public to park at all Alberta Health Services facilities (link).
April 2, 2020: New outbreak standards were implemented in supportive living, long-term care, and residential addiction treatment centers. These standards direct how to deploy staff and resources where most needed, implement isolation measures, and ensure staff have up-to-date training on care and protective equipment in an effort to contain the virus (link).
April 2, 2020: The Minister of Justice and Solicitor General ordered that limitation periods be suspended from March 17, 2020 to June 1, 2020. Additionally, any period of time within which any step must be taken in any proceeding or intended proceeding is suspended from March 17, 2020 to June 1, 2020, subject to the discretion of the court, tribunal or decision-maker. The order can be found here.
April 2, 2020: Royal assent is given to Bill 10: Public Health (Emergency Powers) Amendment Act, 2020 (link), Bill 11, Tenancies Statutes (Emergency Provisions) Amendment Act, 2020 (link) and Bill 12, Liabilities Management Statutes Amendment Act, 2020 (link).
April 2, 2020: Service Alberta will allow the Land Titles Office to register documents that have been witnessed, sworn or affirmed by Alberta lawyers using two-way video conferencing (link).
April 1, 2020: The Government of Alberta expanded child care eligibility to include children of critical infrastructure workers and first responders and anyone outlined as essential by government. Child care services were previously only available to front-line health-care workers (link).
April 1, 2020: The Government of Alberta partnered with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to increase food inspector capacity and meet increased demand in the food processing industry (link).
April 1, 2020: The Chief Medical Officer provides conditions for the exemption from mandatory self-isolation for quarantined or isolated persons who require COVID-19 testing or require emergency care or critical care for pre-existing medical conditions (link).
March 31, 2020: The Government of Alberta proposed three new bills: (i) Bill 10, Public Health (Emergency Powers) Amendment Act, 2020 will provide law enforcement agencies full authority to enforce public health orders during a pandemic; (ii) Bill 11, Tenancies Statutes (Emergency Provisions) Amendment Act, 2020 will ensure no one will be retroactively charged for residential rent increases or late fees while the state of public health emergency is in effect; and (iii) Bill 12, Liabilities Management Statutes Amendment Act, 2020, which will enable the Government of Alberta to clarify and enable expanded, delegated authority for the Orphan Well Association to maintain and manage orphan sites (link).
March 31, 2020: The Lieutenant Governor in Council announced the Electronic Documents Regulation, prescribing requirements for electronic documents filed at the Provincial Court of Alberta (link).
March 30, 2020: Albertans under mandatory self-isolation (such as those returning from travel, experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or in close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19) will be required to remain inside and can only go for walks on their own property for the duration of their self-isolation. People isolating who live in apartment buildings or high-rises must stay inside and cannot use the elevators or stairwells to go outside. If an individual becomes sick during self-isolation, they must self-isolate for an additional 10 days from the beginning of symptoms or until they are feeling well, whichever takes longer (link). The deadline to submit compliance reports and emissions reduction plan reports under the Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction Regulation is extended to June 30, 2020 (link). The deadline for fuel suppliers, approved contributors, and renewable fuel providers to submit compliance reports under the Renewable Fuel Standard Regulation is extended to June 30, 2020 (link). A variety of reporting requirements under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, Water Act, and Public Lands Act have been suspended (link).
March 28, 2020: Alberta adjusted funding for schooling in order to reallocate funds not being utilized to Alberta's COVID-19 response (link).
March 27, 2020: The Provincial Court of Alberta closed all of its case management offices. The Court of Queen's Bench will allow remote commissioning of affidavits in certain situations. Alberta Transportation extended the timeline to 90 days for most drivers requiring a medical evaluation to complete their medical form when applying for or renewing their licence. The Alberta Emergency Management Agency Unsolicited Offers Program was set up in response to growing offers of generosity from individuals and organizations to help with the challenges many Albertans are facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic (link). Service Alberta suspended civil enforcement of evictions for non-payment of rent to April 30, 2020 (link) and prohibits landlords from increasing rent and charging fees in respect of late rental payments. The Minister of Environment and Parks restricted access to public lands, provincial parks and recreation areas to employees, law enforcement and emergency personnel.
March 27, 2020: Alberta's Chief Medical Officer passed a Public Health Order prohibiting public gatherings in excess of 15 people, requiring all persons to maintain a minimum of 2 meters distance from one another, and mandating the closure of all non-essential businesses including personal services, wellness services, and retail stores (link); violation is subject to fines. A list of essential business services can be found here. The Alberta Minister of Health issued a Public Health Order increasing fines for violations of the Public Health Act to $100,000 for a first offence and $500,000 for subsequent offences (link) (Order repealed on April 2, 2020 upon passage of Bill 10: Public Health (Emergency Powers) Amendment Act, 2020).
March 26, 2020: The Lieutenant Governor in Council issued Order in Council 100/200 amending the Procedures Regulation to allow community and police officers to issue fines of $1000 for violation of public health orders.
March 25, 2020: Government of Alberta specified the eligibility requirements to receive emergency isolation support payment; qualifying applicants will receive a one-time payment of $1,146.
March 25, 2020: Government of Alberta announced that through amendments to the Procedures Regulation under the Provincial Offences Procedures Act, peace and police officers will be able to issue tickets to enforce COVID-19 Public Health Orders (orders subject to fines for violation include those respecting self-isolation and mass gatherings; a full list can be found here). Fines for violating Public Health Orders have increased to a prescribed fine of $1,000 per occurrence and courts will have powers to administer fines of up to $100,000 for a first offence and up to $500,000 for a subsequent offence. Alberta's Chief Medical Officer passed a Public Health Order requiring mandatory 14-day self isolation for international travelers returning to Alberta, mandatory 14-day isolation for close contacts of persons confirmed to have COVID-19, and mandatory minimum 10-day isolation for persons with COVID-19 or experiencing symptoms such as cough and fever (link); failure to self-isolate is subject to fines. Health care service providers must adhere to new operational protocols (link).
March 23, 2020: Government of Alberta committed $25 million to support homeless-serving agencies in response to COVID-19. Further, the Government announced an education property tax freeze, the deferral of education property tax for businesses for six months and the deferral of WCB premiums for private sector businesses (in addition to 50% WCB premium coverage for small and medium private businesses in 2020).
March 22, 2020: Government of Alberta announced it is working to open up 15,000 childcare spaces to assist individuals providing services upon which Albertans are relying during the COVID-19 pandemic.
March 20, 2020: Government of Alberta amended the Emergency Management Act with the result that a provincial state of emergency will no longer nullify a local (municipal) state of emergency. As a result, a provincial state of emergency can now supplement and reinforce a local authority's state of emergency. Note that a state of emergency remains distinct from a public health emergency, and has not yet been declared in the province. Further, the Government of Alberta struck a provincial economic recovery council to focus on long-term recovery from the crisis and extends a series of energy sector initiatives aimed at enhancing liquidity of energy companies, including: (i) providing 5 months of funding for the Alberta Energy Regulator; (ii) granting extensions for oil and gas agreement tenures; and (iii) extending a loan to the Orphan Well Association. Alberta's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Hinshaw, restricts attendance at child care programs to children of essential services workers (link).
March 18, 2020: Government of Alberta announced a series of funding and supportive measures for immediate financial relief to Alberta's families, vulnerable populations and local businesses, including in respect of: (i) emergency isolation support; (ii) utility payment deferral; (iii) a moratorium on student loan repayment; (iv) relief for ATB Financial and Alberta credit union members; and (v) a deferral on corporate income tax balance collection until August 31, 2020.
March 17, 2020: Government of Alberta declared a provincial public health emergency. Alberta's provincial government has not yet declared a (broader) provincial state of emergency.
March 14, 2020: Given the rapid global increase in the spread of COVID-19, the Government of Alberta advised that it was no longer possible to assess health risks related to international travel. As such, it recommended against travel outside of Canada.
- Effective March 12, 2020, all Albertans who are currently travelling outside of Canada should self-isolate on their return for 14 days, independent of the country they were visiting.
Further information is available on the Government of Alberta's website.
Further information on the Alberta government's emergency powers, can be found on our "Can they do that?" explainer, here.

Saskatchewan

January 12, 2021: The Government of Saskatchewan announced that the public health orders issued effective December 17, 2020 will remain in effect until January 29, 2021 (link).
December 17, 2020: The Government of Saskatchewan announced that effective immediately, the mandatory isolation period for COVID-19 positive individuals is being reduced from 14 days to 10 days (link).
December 14, 2020: The Government of Saskatchewan announced that effective December 17, 2020 at 12:01am, all private indoor gatherings are limited to immediate household members only (link).
December 14, 2020: The Government of Saskatchewan announced that effective December 19, 2020 at 12:01am, casinos and bingo halls must close. Personal service businesses continue may operate at 50% capacity and event venues, conference facilities, arenas, arts venues, museums, movie and live theatres and banquet facilities may still have events up to 30 individuals, but all individuals must be seated for the duration (link).
December 14, 2020: The Government of Saskatchewan announced that effective December 25, 2020 at 12:01am, retail services must reduce their capacity to 50% and large retail locations are required to limit their capacity to 25% (link).
December 10, 2020: The Government of Saskatchewan announced the Emergency Planning Amendment Act, which will introduce amendments to emergency planning legislation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (link).
November 25, 2020: The Government of Saskatchewan announced that effective November 27, 2020 at 12:01 am, new restrictions will be in place for restaurants and licensed establishments, performance and gaming venues, indoor public event gatherings, sports, fitness, and dance activities, and places of worship. These measures will be in effect until December 17, 2020 (link).
November 25, 2020: The Government of Saskatchewan announced that mandatory, non-medical mask use is being extended to all indoor fitness activities, with the exception of aquatic activities. Mandatory, non-medical mask use is also being extended to: i) all students, employees, and visitors in all schools and daycares, except for students ages 0-2; ii) all employees and visitors in all common areas in businesses and workplaces, even those to which the public does not have access; and iii) all residents, employees, and visitors in all common areas in provincial and municipal correctional facilities. These measures will take effect November 27, 2020 at 12:01 am (link).
November 17, 2020: The Government of Saskatchewan announced that non-medical masks will be required in all indoor public spaces in Saskatchewan, starting November 19, 2020 at 12:01am. This measure is to be in effect until December 17, 2020 (link).
November 13, 2020: The Government of Saskatchewan announced that mandatory masking in indoor public spaces will be extended to all communities with populations of 5,000 people or greater. In addition, all restaurants and licensed establishments will be required to stop serving alcohol by 10:00 pm and all consumption must end by 11:00 pm (link).
November 3, 2020: The Government of Saskatchewan announced new public health orders that reduce the maximum indoor gathering size to 10 people and make masks mandatory in indoor public spaces in Saskatoon, Regina, and Prince Albert. These orders will take effect on Friday November 6, 2020 at 12:01am (link).

October 28, 2020: The Government of Saskatchewan announced a new public health order that will impose restrictions on nightclubs in Saskatoon. The order will take effect on Friday October 30, 2020 (link).
June 5, 2020: The Government of Saskatchewan announced temporary commercial eviction protection for small business tenants during the COVID-19 emergency. The moratorium on evictions applies to landlords that are eligible to apply for the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) program but choose not to (link).
May 28, 2020: The Government of Saskatchewan extended the state of emergency for an additional two weeks (link).
May 13, 2020: The Government of Saskatchewan extended the state of emergency for a further two weeks (link).
May 7, 2020: The Government of Saskatchewan announced that in-class learning will not take place until September, 2020 (link).
May 6, 2020: The Government of Saskatchewan expanded the northern travel restrictions to include the regions of Stony Rapids and La Ronge (link).
April 30, 2020: The Government of Saskatchewan announced further travel restrictions for the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District (link).
April 24, 2020: The Government of Saskatchewan announced a public health order restricting all non-critical travel into northern Saskatchewan, specifically the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District (link).
April 24, 2020: The Government of Saskatchewan released further information on the timing for the opening of campgrounds and the use of provincial parks (link).
April 23, 2020: The Government of Saskatchewan announced the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan. The Re-Open Saskatchewan plan introduces five phases to re-open businesses and services across Saskatchewan, beginning May 4, 2020. It also details physical distancing measures and restrictions that will remain in place throughout all five phases (link).
April 20, 2020: The AgriStability enrollment deadline for the 2020 program year has been extended without penalty to July 3, 2020 (link).
April 17, 2020: As of April 28, 2020, long-term care and personal care homes must ensure that each staff member works in only one facility. A care home may seek approval from a medical health officer to permit a staff member to work in more than one facility if they are unable to ensure adequate staffing levels as a result of complying with this order. All staff members in long-term care, personal care and affiliate care homes must undergo a health screening prior to entry to the facility, including a temperature check. At all times while on shift, all staff members in long-term care, personal care, and affiliate care homes shall wear, at minimum, a procedural/surgical mask (link).
April 17, 2020: The Government of Saskatchewan will work with Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities to lift spring road bans for priority goods. Permit requirements for priority goods have been suspended (link).
April 16, 2020: The Government of Saskatchewan amended The Pensions Benefits Regulations, 1993, to put a freeze on transfers or payments out of Defined Benefits plans unless they receive written consent from the Superintendent of Pensions (link).
April 15, 2020: Wills may be now witnessed remotely where one of the two required witnesses is a lawyer (link).
April 14, 2020: The Saskatchewan Health Authority will require staff, physicians, learners, trainees, vendors and contractors to be screened daily for influenza like illness as they enter facilities. Additionally, anyone working in patient/client/resident care must wear a mask (link).
April 14, 2020: The Government of Saskatchewan will implement a series of relief measures for the provincial oil and gas sector including: (i) extending filing and other deadlines; (ii) extending mineral rights, scheduled to expire in 2020, by one year; and (iii) reducing the Oil and Gas Administrative Levy by 50 per cent, whilst delaying invoicing of the remaining balance until October 1, 2020 will be extended by one year (link).
April 13, 2020: The Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority warned that price gouging is an unfair practice and businesses could face regulatory action and prosecution for engaging in this conduct (link).
April 6, 2020: Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency released the SaskAlert App to provide emergency public alerts (link).
April 3, 2020: The Ministry of Health partnered with professional health bodies to provide temporary licenses for retired, non-practicing and student members (link).
March 30, 2020: The Government of Saskatchewan announced the deadline to apply, reinstate, cancel or make changes to Crop Insurance contracts is extended to April 13, 2020 (link). Additionally, the hours of service regulations for commercial truck drivers transporting goods and supplies to meet immediate needs related to COVID-19 will be temporarily modified (link).
March 27, 2020: Provincial parks remain closed and people are advised not to gather in the parks. Tenants that are not able to pay their rent during the state of emergency are expected to pay their rent in full once the state of emergency is over.
March 26, 2020: The Government of Saskatchewan enacted three emergency regulations that enable lawyers to execute and witness certain documents remotely. Further information can be found here.
March 25, 2020: The Government of Saskatchewan has further limited the size of public gatherings to 10 people. Additionally, effective March 26, 2020, "non-allowable business services" will be unable to provide public facing services. The Government of Saskatchewan will provide additional information clarifying allowable and non-allowable business services. Various examples provided to date, can be found
March 23, 2020: Effective as of March 23, 2020, recreational and entertainment facilities including fitness centers, casinos, bingo halls, arenas, curling rinks, swimming pools, galleries, theatres, museums and similar facilities ordered closed. Additionally, the Government ordered the closure of all personal service facilities including tattooists, hairdressers, barbers, acupuncturists, acupressurists, cosmetologists, electrologists, estheticians, manicurists, pedicurists, suntanning parlours, relaxation masseuses, and facilities in which body piercing, bone grafting or scarification services are performed. In the health sector, the closure of dental, optometrist, chiropractic, registered massage therapy and podiatry clinics except for non-elective procedures. Day care centers may only have a maximum of eight children and if they are co-located with a long-term care or personal care home, they shall have a separate entrance.
March 22, 2020: All persons returning from international travel or anyone in close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case will be required to self-isolate for 14 days. Violation of the order may result in a $2000 fine.
March 20, 2020: Premier Scott Moe signed an order pursuant to the provincial State of Emergency directing that all orders of the government and Chief Medical Health Officer must be followed and that law enforcement agencies in Saskatchewan have the full authority to enforce those orders. Public gatherings of more than 25 people in one room are prohibited except where two-meter distancing between people can be maintained; workplace and meeting settings where people are distributed into multiple rooms or buildings; and retail locations (ie. grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations). He ordered the closure of all nightclubs, bars, lounges and similar facilities. Take out of alcohol or food products is permitted with two-meter distancing between customers and the delivery of alcohol or food products. In-person classes in all primary and secondary educational institutions, both public and private, are suspended. Visitors to long-term care homes, hospitals, personal care homes and group homes shall be restricted to family visiting for compassionate reasons.
March 18, 2020: The Government of Saskatchewan declared a provincial state of emergency. With this declaration, the government mandated all restaurants, bars and event venues to limit their seating to 50% capacity or a maximum of 50 people, whichever is lesser. The order also mandates the implementation of social distancing procedures in retail centers.
March 18, 2020: Saskatchewan's Chief Medical Health Officer advised all residents to avoid non-essential international travel until further notice and strongly advised all returning travelers to self-isolate for 14 days.
Further information is available on the Government of Saskatchewan's website.
Further information on the Saskatchewan government's emergency powers, can be found on our "Can they do that?" explainer, here.

Manitoba

February 2, 2021: The Government of Manitoba extended the state of emergency for a period of 30 days (link).
February 1, 2021: Premier Brian Pallister announced that effective immediately, all Manitoba government order-in-council appointees may not travel for leisure purposes outside permitted travel (link).
January 25, 2021: The Government of Manitoba announced that it will amend the public health orders to require anyone entering Manitoba from anywhere in Canada to self-isolate for 14 days, with some exceptions, effective at midnight on January 29, 2021 (link).
January 8, 2021: The Government of Manitoba extended the current public health orders until January 22, 2021. An exemption has been permitted for professional hockey (link).
January 4, 2021: The Government of Manitoba extended the state of emergency for a period of 30 days (link).
December 8, 2020: The Government of Manitoba announced that it is extending public health orders from December 12, 2020 until January 8, 2021 (link).
December 4, 2020: The Government of Manitoba extended the state of emergency for a period of 30 days (link).
December 2, 2020: The Government of Manitoba announced a mandatory two-week remote learning period for all students in grades 7 to 12 starting January 4, 2021. The same remote-learning period is also available to students in grades K to 6 (link).
November 21, 2020: The Government of Manitoba announced that gift cards, prepaid credit cards, and newspapers will be added to the list of essential items. The change will take effect at 12:01am on November 22, 2020 (link).
November 17, 2020: Premier Brian Pallister announced that the province has signed a contract with G4S Canada to boost COVID-19 public health order enforcement efforts (link).

November 10, 2020: The Premier and Chief Public Health Officer announced that the entire province will move to the Critical level (red) on the #Restart MB Pandemic Response System (link).
October 30, 2020: The Chief Public Health Officer announced multiple province-wide changes to the #Restart MB Pandemic Response System. These changes will take effect November 2, 2020 (link).
October 23, 2020: The Government of Manitoba has authorized municipal bylaw enforcement officers to enforce public health orders (link)
October 21, 2020: The Government of Manitoba announced that fines will be increasing for those who fail to comply with public health and emergency orders (link).

August 12, 2020: The Government of Manitoba extended the state of emergency for a period of 30 days (link).
July 14, 2020: The Government of Manitoba will extend the province wide state of emergency under The Emergency Measures Act beginning July 14, 2020 for a period of 30 days (link).
June 15, 2020: The Government of Manitoba extended the state of emergency for a period of 30 days (link).

May 15, 2020: The Government of Manitoba extended the state of emergency for a period of 30 days (link).
May 14, 2020: The Government of Manitoba introduced an additional temporary order to extend deadlines, social service and child-care provisions, and reduce municipal government regulatory burdens to help address the COVID-19 pandemic (link).
May 14, 2020: The Government of Manitoba announced a new order designating additional provincial government officials to enforce public health emergency orders and emergency health hazard orders (link).
May 1, 2020: The Government of Manitoba restricted individuals from working in more than one licenced personal care home (link).
April 29, 2020: The Government of Manitoba announced a phased approach to opening the economy which will begin on May 4, 2020 (link).
April 28, 2020: The Government of Manitoba implemented four temporary orders to help the economy, and to ensure the flow of goods and supplies into and out of Manitoba: (i) Youth in Care Provisions Order, (ii) Student Aid Provisions Order, (iii) International Fuel Tax Agreement Credential Provisions Order, and (iv) Trucking and Transportation Provisions Order (link).
April 27, 2020: The Government of Manitoba will support local food producers and farmers' markets by enabling them to sell their products and produce online (link).
April 24, 2020: The Government of Manitoba launched the Summer Student Recovery Plan which will provide a wage subsidy for students employed in the private and non-profit sectors (link).
April 20, 2020: The state of emergency is extended for 30 days (link).
April 16, 2020: New public health orders require anyone travelling into Manitoba (regardless of whether their travel was restricted to within Canada), to self-isolate for 14 days. All travel to northern Manitoba is also prohibited (link).
April 16, 2020: The Government of Manitoba updated emergency orders. Businesses not listed as critical may operate, and have customers attend to pick up ordered items, provided social distancing measures are in place. Farmers markets, garden centres and greenhouses may operate, provided social distancing measures are in place. Hotels may operate, but must close common areas such as pools, hot tubs and game rooms. Campgrounds can provide accommodation to recreational vehicles that act as a primary residence. Lastly, appliance, electronic and furniture stores are excluded, and should not be open to the public, except where orders are placed remotely and orders are delivered or picked up with social distancing measures in place (link).
April 16, 2020: The Government of Manitoba launched the AbilitiCBT program, a free and confidential virtual-therapy platform to help Manitobans cope with COVID-19 anxiety (link).
April 15, 2020: The Government of Manitoba announced that it will make additional amendments to The Emergency Measures Act, and enable provincial orders that will aid in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The amendments will increase penalties for violating The Emergency Measures Act, to a maximum of $100,000 and/or one year imprisonment for individuals and a maximum of $1,000,000 for corporations. They will also give courts the option to increase the fine for a person convicted of a price gouging offence by an amount equal to the financial benefit acquired (link).
April 14, 2020: The chief provincial public health officer extended public health orders to April 28, 2020 (link).
April 14, 2020: Health-care workers will be provided with a paid administrative leave if they are required to self-isolate for 14 days due to possible exposure to COVID-19 (link).
April 9, 2020: The Government of Manitoba has set penalties for breaches of emergency orders (link).
April 9, 2020: Child care options have now been made available to all parents working in critical services, including support staff at hospitals and clinics, grocery store staff, farmers and farm workers, construction workers, and bank or credit union employees (link).
April 9, 2020: The Government of Manitoba closed all facilities in provincial parks, but the parks remain open (link).
April 9, 2020: The Government of Manitoba launched a web portal to support Manitoba families whose children are learning at home (link).
April 8, 2020: The Government of Manitoba created a fund to support COVID-19 treatment and vaccine research (link).
April 8, 2020: The Government of Manitoba will continue to extend supports to all youth currently in the Child and Family Services system who turn 18 between March 20 and September 30, 2020 (link).
April 8, 2020: Major Manitoba 150 celebrations have been postponed (link).
April 4, 2020: The Government of Manitoba set up isolation centers for those needing additional support to self-isolate (link).
April 1, 2020: Pursuant to a new order, the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba will be allowed to waive or modify registration requirements for former registered nurses, so they may apply for temporary registration during the pandemic on an expedited basis (link).
March 31, 2020: Manitoba suspended in classroom learning for kindergarten to Grade 12 students indefinitely for this school year (link). They also revised Spring Road Restrictions to more readily allow vehicles to transport essential commodities (link).
March 30, 2020: Restaurants providing takeout and delivery service are authorized to sell liquor if they are a licensed establishment (link).
March 30, 2020: The Government of Manitoba introduced several new measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As of April 1 2020, public gatherings will be limited to 10 people, restaurants may only serve food for delivery and takeout, and all businesses not in the schedule of critical services must close until April 14, 2020. Further information can be found here.
March 27, 2020: As of 12:01 a.m. on March 30, 2020, public gatherings are limited to no more than 10 people. Retail businesses and public transportation must ensure separation of one to two meters between persons. All non-essential travel is strongly not recommended. Employment standards are to be temporarily amended so that any period of layoff occurring after March 1, 2020, will not be counted toward the period after which a temporary layoff would become a permanent termination. The Government will establish five highway checkpoints and provide information in airports to inform travelers on public health measures and the requirement to self-isolate.
March 24, 2020: Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister announced that the province would be postponing all non-urgent eviction hearings at the Residential Tenancies Branch and the Residential Tenancies Commission until the end of May. All new hearings and previously scheduled hearings were included.
March 20, 2020: Government of Manitoba declared a provincial state of emergency amidst the ongoing COVID-9 pandemic. The decision, made under the province's Emergency Measures Act, officially limits public gatherings of more than 50 people on any indoor or outdoor premise. Retail businesses, such as grocery or food stores, shopping centers, pharmacies and gas stations must ensure separation of one to two meters between patron and public transportation facilities must also make sure people assembling are able to reasonably maintain a separation of one to two meters from others. All hospitality premises and theatres are limited to 50 people, or 50 per cent of the capacity of the premises, whichever is less, and all fitness facilities are to close.
Further information is available on the Government of Manitoba's website.
Further information on the Manitoba government's emergency powers, can be found on our "Can they do that?" explainer, here.

Ontario

January 29, 2021: The Government of Ontario extended the declared provincial emergency and stay-at-home orders until February 9, 2021 (link).
January 29, 2021: The Government of Ontario announced mandatory on-arrival testing for international travellers at Toronto Pearson International Airport effective at 12:01pm on February 1, 2021 (link).
January 27, 2021: The Government of Ontario announced that it would be taking additional measures to protect farmworkers during the pandemic by expanding province-wide inspections to farms, greenhouses and other agricultural operations to ensure health and safety measures are being followed (link).
January 23, 2021: The Government of Ontario increased workplace inspections to a variety of workplaces in Ottawa, Windsor, Niagara and Durham by ministry inspectors, and local bylaw and police officers, to ensure workers and customers are complying with COVID-19 safety requirements (link).
January 16, 2021: The Government of Ontario, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, extended most orders currently in force under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 to February 19, 2021 (link).
January 14, 2021: The Government of Ontario announced increased workplace inspections to big-box stores in Toronto, Hamilton, Peel, York and Durham by ministry inspectors, and local bylaw and police officers, to ensure workers and patrons are complying with COVID-19 safety requirements (link).
January 14, 2021: The Government of Ontario issued an emergency order to temporarily pause the enforcement of residential evictions for the duration of the provincial declaration of emergency (link).
January 7, 2021: The Government of Ontario extended online teacher-led learning in elementary schools in Southern Ontario until January 25, 2021 (link).
January 7, 2021: The Government of Ontario extended the shutdown in the seven public health regions in Northern Ontario until at least January 23, 2021. The impact of these measures throughout the province will be evaluated after 14 days to determine if it is safe to lift any restrictions or if they need to be extended (link).
December 22, 2020: The Government of Ontario announced that it will cancel all in-vehicle road tests. This measure is in effect across Northern Ontario until January 9 and across Southern Ontario until January 23 (link).
December 21, 2020: The Government of Ontario announced a province-wide shutdown, effective December 26, 2020 at 12:01am. A full list of restrictions can be found here. Measures will be in place for at least 14 days in Northern Ontario and at least 28 days in Southern Ontario (link).
December 18, 2020: The Government of Ontario announced that 6 public health regions will move to new levels with stronger public health measures, including the City of Hamilton, which will move into Grey-Lockdown. These moves take effect December 21, 2020 at 12:01am (link).
December 18, 2020: The Government of Ontario announced that Peel and Toronto will remain in lockdown until at least January 4, 2021 (link).
December 11, 2020: The Government of Ontario announced that 7 public health regions will move to new levels with stronger public health measures, including Windsor-Essex and York region, which will move into Grey-Lockdown. These moves take effect December 14, 2020 at 12:01am (link).
December 10, 2020: The Government of Ontario announced that all orders currently in force under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 have been extended until January 20, 2021 (link).
December 4, 2020: The Government of Ontario moved three public health regions to new levels with stronger public health measures in the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework (link).
November 27, 2020: The Government of Ontario moved five public health regions to new levels with stronger public health measures in the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework (link).
November 26, 2020: The Government of Ontario announced that effective November 23, 2020, all in-vehicle road tests in the City of Toronto and Peel Region, including the Brampton, Downsview, Etobicoke, Metro East, Mississauga and Port Union DriveTest centres will be cancelled (link).

Download >> COVID-19: Emergency Measures Tracker (February 11, 2021)

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.

Canada: COVID-19: Emergency Measures Tracker (February 11, 2021)

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