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COVID-19 & Legislation Updates | Weekly Workplace Recap from Jan 28 to Feb 03, 2022
Below are the key COVID-19 & legislation topics that touch on the workplace from Jan 28 to Feb 03, 2022.
Federal
New legislation introduced to authorize purchase of up to $2.5 billion worth of rapid tests
The government has introduced a new bill to respond to COVID-19 rapid test needs across the country. Bill C-10, an act respecting certain measures related to COVID-19, would give Health Canada the authority to purchase and distribute up to $2.5 billion worth of rapid tests across the country.
Bill C-10 would:
- Build on the commitments in the December 14, 2021, Economic and Fiscal Update, in which the Government of Canada proposed $1.7 billion to increase access to COVID-19 rapid testing for everyone in Canada;
- Allow Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada to continue supporting provinces and territories by securing the COVID-19 rapid tests they need;
- Continue to partner with the Canadian Red Cross to deliver rapid tests – free of charge – to community organizations; and
- Continue to support small, medium and large businesses and organizations, as well as federal workplace screening programs through direct delivery and through partners such as Chambers of Commerce, and pharmacies.
Government of Canada provides update about Canada’s border measures
The Government of Canada is providing an update on its border measures. It is:
- Removing, effective Jan 28, 2022, the modified pre-departure test requirements for travellers coming to Canada on direct or indirect flights from India or Morocco. Travellers from these countries will no longer be required to obtain a valid negative pre-departure COVID-19 test from a third country. All travellers entering Canada are now subject to the same pre-entry test requirements, regardless of their departure country.
- Ending the temporary exemption from pre-entry, arrival, and Day-8 testing and quarantine requirements for residents and essential workers of BC who have to travel by land to or through the United States for essential food and supplies. This will end on Jan 31, 2022, at 20:59 PST.
Employers boost salary budgets for 2022
Employers have revised their 2022 average salary budget increase with an eye-catching increase as the impact of The Great Resignation is felt.
A tight labour market has caused “the great resignation,” which is forcing organizations to adjust pay levels by the highest percentage in the last five years, said a compensation expert in the fall of 2021.
Having predicted back in the summer of 2021 that the increase for 2022 will be 2.9%, that figure has now risen to 3.4%, according to a more recent survey by Normandin Beaudry, which found 50% of 285 employers modifying their predictions.
Ontario
Ontario designing 'portable benefits' plan for workers who don't have coverage
Ontario intends to develop a ``portable benefits'' system for workers who don't have health, dental or vision coverage, with the package intended to move with the individuals if they change jobs.
The concept was recommended in a recent report from an expert committee tasked by the government with addressing labour disruptions from the pandemic. It's intended to cover workers in the gig economy, retail and hospitality jobs who don't have benefits, and accommodate people who may change careers throughout their lives.
Specifics of how the program will work, such as how it will be funded and who will oversee it, are going to be researched over the coming months.
Alberta
Only fully vaccinated now allowed to serve on Alberta juries
An Alberta Court of Queen's Bench policy requiring anyone asked to serve on a jury to provide proof of two or more vaccinations has been quietly posted online.
"The Court of Queen's Bench is taking precautions to protect your health during the jury selection and trial process to minimize the risk of transmission of COVID-19," the policy states. "You will be required to produce your Alberta-issued COVID-19 vaccine record with the QR code."
A spokesperson for Alberta Justice could not say when the policy was posted.
British Columbia
Federal travel advisories remain as B.C. prepares to ease COVID-19 restrictions
With British Columbia’s top doctor looking at easing COVID-19 restrictions later this month, many may feel we’re moving towards the next phase of the pandemic, but the federal government still has an advisory against all non-essential international travel.
All returning travellers will need to provide a negative result on a PCR test taken within 72 hours of their return to Canada.
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