COVID-19 Updates | Weekly Workplace Recap from March 5 to March 11, 2021

Below are the key announcements from the Ontario, Manitoba, and BC governments that touch on workplace issues from March 5 to March 11, 2021.

Ontario

Transitions Toronto, Peel and North Bay-Parry Sound out of Province-wide Shutdown

Toronto, Peel Region and North Bay Parry Sound District entered the grey zone of Ontario's reopening framework effective Monday, March 8, 2021.

This means the Stay-at-Home order is no longer be in effect for these regions. Employers can review COVID-19 public health measures and advice for updated restrictions based on their location. 

For more information, check out this news release. 

Manitoba

Extends Retail Sale Tax Payment Deadlines to June 30

Small and medium-sized businesses with retail sale tax (RST) remittances of no more than $10,000/month are eligible for an interest and penalty-free payment deferral to June 30, 2021.

The deferral is for the January, February, March, April and May 2021 return periods. Businesses are also eligible for an interest and penalty-free payment deferral until June 30, 2021, for the March quarterly RST return.

For more information, check out this news release. 

Extends State of Emergency for a Period of 30 Days

The Manitoba government has extended the provincewide state of emergency to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The extension came into effect Wednesday, March 3 at 4 p.m. and will remain for a period of 30 days.

For more information, check out this news release. 

British Columbia

Waives Premiums for Employers Receiving the CEWS & Provides Earning Reduction Calculation Worksheet

WorkSafeBC is waiving premiums for employers who receive the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) for wages paid to furloughed workers.

In support of this, a 2021 worksheet is available for employers to calculate the amounts to exclude from assessable payroll for furloughed workers who were eligible for a CEWS subsidy for the 2021 claim periods.  

For more information, visit WorkSafeBC.

Sarah Visca is the Operations Manager at ConnectsUs HR, a company that provides tools & resources to quickly set up a Human Resources department.  
You can contact her here. 

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