COVID-19 Update for March 26, 2020 – 12:00pm

Good morning, please find the daily update from Ottawa below.

Quarantine Act for Returning Travellers

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that he is invoking the Quarantine Act, mandating that all returning Canadian travellers must self-isolate for 14 days. Trudeau noted that a stiff penalty or even prison time is on the table for those who do not comply. “This kind of conduct is not just disappointing; it’s dangerous,” he noted.

G20 Teleconference

The Prime Minister joined other G20 leaders on a videoconference this morning to discuss the need for a coordinated approach to flatten the global curve of COVID-19. The conversation focused on expanding manufacturing, securing supply chains and working together to protect the global economy. Trudeau noted, “COVID-19 is a global crisis and demands a global response.”

The Prime Minister also acknowledged that diplomat Kirsten Hillman has been appointed to the position of Ambassador to the United States on a permanent basis. Hillman is currently the acting ambassador in Washington and was instrumental in the NAFTA negotiation process.

COVID-19 Emergency Response Act

Prime Minister Trudeau confirmed that the federal government’s Emergency Act received royal assent and came into law yesterday evening. The $107 billion aid package, including the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, is in the process of being brought online and Canadians will receive help within 14 days of applying. Trudeau also warned Canadians about a recent text message scam regarding the Emergency Response Benefit, reminding Canadians to go to the government’s website for more information.

Other News: Alberta’s New Enforcement Measure

Yesterday, Alberta became the latest province to introduce monetary penalties for those ignoring public health guidance on social distancing.

Under the new rules announced by Premier Jason Kenney fines are $1,000 per occurrence with courts having the ability to issue fines of up to $100,000 for a first offence and $500,000 for subsequent offences. Community peace officers and police both have the ability to issue tickets under the new regulatory change.

Who can expect to get fined under the new rules?

• Anyone who travels abroad and does not self-isolate for 14 days. Anyone who exhibits COVID-19 symptoms regardless of their travel (including cough, runny nose, and sore throat).
• Anyone who has been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
• Anyone non-essential visiting a long-term care facility. Anyone violating the public health order against gatherings over 50 people.

If you have any questions about this update, please let us know.

The Enterprise Team