COVID-19 Update for April 9, 2020 – All Province Update
Across the Provinces Update
As Canada is approaching 20,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases, here is a summary of the latest measures taken by the provinces and territories:
British Columbia – BC’s government is taking provincial action to better enforce the federal Quarantine Act for returning international travelers. Starting tomorrow, provincial officials will be on site at Vancouver International Airport and land border crossings to review self-isolation plans and follow-up plans with returning travelers.
Alberta – Premier Jason Kenney spoke to the province in a televised address on Tuesday night, speaking to the “triple threat” facing the province: the COVID-19 pandemic, the shutdown of the economy, and the oil price crash. Kenney gave an overview of the anticipated and elevated scenarios for the pandemic and indicated that current measures will likely be in place through May. Yesterday, he followed up by unveiling the province’s modelling data.
Alberta Health Minister Tyler Shandro and BC Health Minister Adrian Dix have also issued a rare joint statement today urging Albertans and British Columbians not to travel over the long-weekend.
Saskatchewan – The Saskatchewan Health Authority yesterday released its modelling data for the COVID-19 response. The province modelled a number of scenarios, ranging from 153,000 to 408,000 infections.
Manitoba – Manitoba’s government has established a $5 million research fund to support clinical trials on whether commonly used drugs can be safely applied to combat COVID-19. Meanwhile, the province has hit pause on previously planned Manitoba 150 celebrations.
Ontario – Ontario is extending construction hours for essential construction projects, such as critical projects in the health-care sector, to 24 hours a day. Premier Doug Ford yesterday also announced that grocery stores will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday to give frontline workers a much-needed break.
Québec – Quebec has exempted truck drivers from legislative and regulatory obligations related to driving and rest hours, so long as they are transporting food, medical supplies, sanitization equipment or other pandemic-related necessities.
New Brunswick – Ahead of Easter weekend, New Brunswick is reminding people that restrictions on gatherings apply to religious services. The province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Jennifer Russell, is also directing people not to hold family gatherings.
Nova Scotia – The Nova Scotia Securities Commission has launched a new website to provide information on investing during COVID-19. The page covers everything from warnings about COVID-19 related investment schemes to information on stock market volatility.
Prince Edward Island – TPEI this week announced actions to support vulnerable Islanders. Through the Island Producers Helping Islanders initiative, Amalgamated Dairies Limited, the PEI Potato Board and the provincial government are providing care packages to families in need. The province also established a Special Cabinet Committee on Family Violence Prevention to ensure that those at risk have access to resources.
Newfoundland and Labrador – The province has made changes to its tax filing deadlines. International Fuel Tax Agreement returns for 2020 Q1 are being pushed to June 1. All other tax returns per the Revenue Administration Act and Regulations are now due on June 23.
Yukon – All face-to-face school classes in the Yukon are now officially suspended for the rest of the school year. The new at-home learning program begins on April 16.
Northwest Territories – The NWT Compliance and Enforcement Taskforce launched this week with a strict mandate to enforce the territory’s public health orders. As their first stated action, the Taskforce will be mobilizing officers from across government to enforce public health orders and actively investigate non-compliance across all communities. Premier Caroline Cochrane this week also announced that she will be assuming the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs portfolio to more effectively manage the COVID-19 response.
Nunavut – Teachers in Nunavut are expected to return to work on April 21 to develop learning plans should the territorial school closure be extended.
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 link.
- Toronto – https://www.foodbankscanada.ca/
- Hamilton/Niagara – https://www.hamiltonfoodshare.org
- Alberta – https://hopemission.com/
Many thanks.
Stay safe. Stay healthy.
The Enterprise Team