COVID-19 Update for April 23, 2020 – All Province Update
Across the Provinces
After a month of measures to battle COVID-19, provinces and territories are slowly beginning to look at carefully re-opening businesses and returning to normal. Saskatchewan today is the first out of the gate with a detailed plan. As Canada passes 40,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases, here is a summary of the latest measures taken by each of the provinces and territories:
British Columbia – At a media availability yesterday, Premier John Horgan said “I think the public can expect that I’ll have something to say about how we open up sooner than the middle of May,” but did not give further details. In the meantime, BC has made changes allowing companies and non-profits to hold annual and special meetings electronically. Changes under the Emergency Program Act override existing restrictions against electronic meetings in the Business Corporations Act, Societies Act and Cooperative Association Act, including overriding a corporation’s own existing rules.
Alberta – Premier Jason Kenney said yesterday that details on timelines and considerations for re-opening the Alberta economy could come as early as next week. His remarks came during an announcement launching the Alberta Cares Connector tool to match organizations in need with volunteers, and the Alberta Northern Lights Volunteer Recognition Program to recognize the volunteer work of “everyday heroes.”
Saskatchewan – Premier Scott Moe and Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab today unveiled details of the five-phase Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan:
- Phase 1: Re-opening medical services, angling/boat launches (May 4), golf courses (May 15), parks and campgrounds (June 1).
- Phase 2 (May 19): Re-opening retail and personal care services.
- Phase 3 (dates TBD): Re-opening restaurants, food services, fitness facilities, and child care facilities.
- Phase 4 (dates TBD): Re-opening recreation and entertainment facilities.
- Phase 5 (dates TBD): Consider lifting long-term restrictions.
You can read the full plan by clicking here. Prior to the announcement, last night Moe delivered a televised address teeing up the plan.
Manitoba – Premier Brian Pallister announced the launch of the $120 million Manitoba Gap Protection Program (MGPP) to support small and medium businesses ineligible for federal supports. The MGPP offers a $6,000 loan that will be forgiven if the business does not receive any federal supports by December 31. The Government of Manitoba is also working on plans to re-open the economy, with an announcement expected as early as next week.
Ontario – Premier Doug Ford today unveiled a new “COVID-19 Action Plan for Vulnerable Populations.” The Ontario government has also extended all emergency orders until May 6. A list of emergency orders being extended can be found here.
Québec – Premier François Legault indicated that he is looking at a phased approach to returning to normal, with details to be announced next week. The province currently accounts for half of all confirmed COVID-19 cases in Canada.
New Brunswick – The Government of New Brunswick has launched a secure web portal for COVID-19 test results with the support of Canada Health Infoway. Meanwhile, plans for the economic recovery and returning to normal are set to be discussed at an all-party cabinet committee meeting this week.
Nova Scotia – Starting today, the Government of Nova Scotia is covering extra dispending fees for Pharmacare clients. As an example in the government’s announcement, “government will cover the second and third refill dispensing fees for prescriptions typically dispensed for 90 days.”
Prince Edward Island – Premier Dennis King indicated that the province could begin re-opening as early as May 1 through the “Re-opening PEI, Together” plan. Meanwhile, Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison is reminding Islanders that they still need to follow public health measures even as restrictions gradually begin to be lifted.
Newfoundland and Labrador – Following several days of low or no new COVID-19 numbers, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Janice Fitzgerald is cautioning against relaxing rules. She said during a video briefing this week that “as long as COVID-19 is still in our community, an outbreak can occur at any time.”
Yukon – As of yesterday, Yukon is still able to successfully trace every COVID-19 case in the territory to its origin and there are no indications of community transmission yet.
Northwest Territories – Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Kami Kandola indicated that the government is “looking at ways loosening our restrictions only where it makes the most sense” but did not specify more details or timelines.
Nunavut – Nunavut’s Department of Economic Development and Transportation is working with the Nunavut Development Corporation to create non-medical masks for public use.
We hope you are finding these COVID-19 updates useful. In addition to trying to keep on top of the fast-changing situation, Enterprise is also working to support local charities during these challenging times. If you are able, your contributions to this effort would be deeply appreciated.
To donate, please click on the organization below:
- Toronto – Food Banks Canada
- Thunder Bay – Food Banks North West
- Hamilton/Niagara – Hamilton Food Share
- Alberta – Hope Mission
Many thanks.
Stay safe. Stay healthy.
The Enterprise Team