COVID-19 & Legislation Updates | Weekly Workplace Recap from September 10 to September 16, 2021
Below are the key COVID-19 & legislation topics that touch on the workplace from September 10 to September 16, 2021.
Ontario
Ontario extends paid infectious disease emergency leave period until December 31, 2021
On August 31, 2021, the Government of Ontario extended the period for the province’s paid infectious disease emergency leave (IDEL) entitlement from its original expiration date of September 25, 2021, to December 31, 2021. This extension was not accompanied by any substantive changes to the provisions of the paid IDEL.
Find out more.
Alberta
Alberta announces mandatory work-from-home measures & proof of vaccination
Effective today September 16, mandatory work-from-home measures are in place unless the employer has determined a physical presence is required for operational effectiveness.
Starting September 20, businesses or event organizers who choose to implement a program checking patrons for government-issued proof of vaccination or a recent negative privately purchased COVID-19 test will be able to have an exemption to restrictions. If a business or service chooses not to require proof of vaccination, they will be required to adhere to the new health measures.
British Columbia
Provincial Health Officer posts new orders
The following Orders were posted on September 13:
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Orders in Council 530-2021. Effective December 31, 2021, item 13 in Schedule 2 of the COVID-19 Related Measures Act, S.B.C. 2020, c. 8, s. 3.
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Orders in Council 526-2021. Effective December 31, 2021, item 6 in Schedule 1 of the COVID-19 Related Measures
Act, S.B.C. 2020, c. 8, is repealed. -
Orders in Council 518-2021. Effective December 31, 2021, item 17 in Schedule 2 of the COVID-19 Related Measures
Act, S.B.C. 2020, c. 8, is repealed.
Mandatory Vaccinations
This topic now has its own section as the topic heats up and the list of employers who announce mandatory Covid-19 vaccinations grows.
ConnectsUs HR Toolkit now includes Mandatory Vaccination Policy & Vaccine Passports!
Find out more.
Ontario provides FAQ's for using your vaccination receipt
Effective 12:01 a.m. on September 22, 2021, Ontario will require patrons to provide proof of identification and of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to access certain businesses and settings.
Using your Vaccination Receipt: Frequently Asked Questions was released on Tuesday and provides many helpful answers surrounding the vaccine reciept for both employers and the public.
Ontario releases new guidance for businesses to support them in implementing proof of vaccination requirements which begin Sept. 22
On September 14 the government released the regulations and guidance for businesses and organizations to support them in implementing proof of vaccination requirements, which take effect on September 22, 2021.
Alberta vaccine status card printable as of Thursday, QR code in 'coming weeks'
Albertans will be able to print a card to show their proof of vaccination starting on Thursday. It will also be accessible on mobile devices. Government officials say the QR code it promised at the same time will be available in the "coming weeks".
Find out more.
B.C. expanding vaccine mandate to all health-care facilities next month
Effective October 26, 2021, vaccination against COVID-19 will be a condition of employment for employees at all B.C. healthcare facilities. This will include all workers, students, physicians, residents, contractors and volunteers who work in healthcare facilities, including contracted facilities. It will also include those working in settings such as home and community care facilities, including client homes.
Find out more.
Employers announcing Mandated Vaccination
Alberta universities to mandate vaccinations for students, staff and visitors attending campus
Nine of Alberta's largest post-secondary institutions have jointly announced plans to eliminate rapid testing options and instead require proof of COVID-19 immunization to attend campus.
Find out more.
TDSB unveils new policy requiring all public-school staff to be vaccinated by November 1
Canada's largest school board has unveiled a new policy requiring all public-school staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by November 1 or risk losing their jobs. The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) announced the move on Tuesday, with the mandate set to impact school board employees, trustees, and transportation drivers.
Find out more.
Canadian National Railway mandates vaccines for employees
The Canadian National Railway announced on Wednesday that all of its employees in Canada must be vaccinated against COVID-19 by November 1. The new mandate applies to all the company's employees and new hires across Canada. It will also cover the railway's contractors, consultants, agents and suppliers, as well as individuals who have access to the company's Canadian properties.
Find out more.
Sarah Visca is the Operations Manager at ConnectsUs HR, a company that provides tools & resources to quickly set up a Human Resources department.
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