COVID-19 Update for May 7, 2020 – All Province
With nearly 65,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases across Canada, here are the latest steps being taken by provincial and territorial governments:
British Columbia – Today BC unveiled a renewal plan for surgeries, looking to address the 30,000 non-urgent surgeries in the province that were postponed or left on a wait list as the result of COVID-19 measures. Yesterday, Premier John Horgan unveiled BC’s re-opening “Restart Plan”. The phased approach is similar to other provinces, but also leaves key dates and details to be determined at a later time. Notably, the plan does include early details on re-opening schools, including a limited return in June and full return in September.
Alberta – The Alberta Legislative Assembly briefly returned this week to introduce Bill 14, the Utility Payment Deferral Program Act. The program will allow eligible residential, farm, and small commercial customers to defer their utility bills until June 18 Meanwhile, utility providers can apply for loans from the government to ensure they have cash flow support while bill payments are deferred. Bill 14 also prohibits electricity and gas service providers from disconnecting customers during this time. In other news, the province is also bringing in phased grants to support the child care sector as the province begins the re-opening phase.
Saskatchewan – Premier Scott Moe announced a $7.5 billion, two-year capital plan to stimulate the economy through infrastructure investments as a COVID-19 recovery measure. The number represents a $2 billion increase over the province’s previous capital plan. Earlier this week, the Saskatchewan Health Authority released its resumption plan, a phased approach that begins on May 19 with the resumption of some routine health services and an expansion of surgeries and diagnostic imaging.
Manitoba – Premier Brian Pallister announced a $500 million infrastructure plan to boost Manitoba’s COVID-19 economic recovery. The government has also announced direct financial support to Manitoba seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic through the new Seniors Economic Recovery Credit. The program provides a $200 tax credit to each recipient, at a cost of $45 million to the province.
Ontario – Premier Doug Ford announced the easing of some restrictions for Ontario retail stores. In a phased approach between May 8 and 11, retail stores with a street entrance can provide curbside pickup and delivery, while hardware stores, safety supply stores, garden centres, and nurseries will be able to open for in-store purchases. The province is also easing restrictions on essential construction, and released a framework for hospitals to resume scheduled surgeries and procedures in hospitals, with timelines varying from hospital to hospital.
Québec – Announced a $31 million mental health plan to enhance services across the province in response to COVID-19. The province has made another adjustment to its recovery plan, announcing today that schools and daycares in the Montréal area will only open on May 25.
New Brunswick – Announced $860,000 for iPads, laptops, and other technology to support students in need who are learning at home as the result of COVID-19 related closures.
Nova Scotia – Confirmed again this week that a phased re-opening plan is in the works, but has not yet been released.
Prince Edward Island – Launched the Agriculture Labour Support Initiative to connect Islanders interested in farm work with agricultural businesses. The move follows similar recent initiatives by other provinces.
Newfoundland and Labrador – In the latest move to offset the impact of COVID-19 on businesses, the province this week announced that the current deferral of loan payments under the Innovation and Business Investment Corporation’s Business Investment Fund will be increased to six months.
Yukon – Yukon currently has no known active cases of COVID-19 according to the latest update from the Chief Medical Officer of Health.
Northwest Territories – The NWT government this week indicated that they are finalizing their plan to begin lifting restrictions.
Nunavut – The government is reversing its previous decision to begin charging $2,100 per individual (and $1,050 for each additional family member) for mandatory isolation stays for those returning from outside of the territory. The Nunavut government will continue to cover the costs.
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