COVID-19 & Legislation Updates | Weekly Workplace Recap from September 24 to September 30, 2021
Below are the key COVID-19 & legislation topics that touch on the workplace from September 24 to September 30, 2021.
Federal
Statement from the Minister of National Defence on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement on the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:
“Today marks the inaugural National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is a time for every Canadian to learn more about the painful history and legacy of Residential Schools and their impacts on First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Today gives us an opportunity to renew our commitment to strengthening relationships with Indigenous Peoples and to learn how to be better partners in reconciliation.
Ontario
Ontario is investing $100 million to help the tourism sector rebound from COVID-19
The Ontario government is investing $100 million through the new Tourism Recovery Program to help stabilize the province’s tourism industry as it recovers from the impacts of COVID-19.
The program will help for-profit tourism businesses in the attraction, accommodation and leisure travel sectors protect critical jobs in communities across the province and help them prepare to reopen and safely welcome back visitors.
Ontario Government posted several regulations made under Reopening Ontario
The Ontario government posted a number of regulations made under Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020, S.O. 2020, c. 17 today. All in force September 22, 2021:
-
O. Reg. 662/21: CONGREGATE CARE SETTINGS amending O. Reg. 177/20. In regards to the definition of a fully vaccinated person.
-
O. Reg. 661/21: LIMITING WORK TO A SINGLE RETIREMENT HOME amending O. Reg. 158/20. Several subsections are amended with the phrase “fully vaccinated”.
-
O. Reg. 660/21: LIMITING WORK TO A SINGLE LONG-TERM CARE HOME amending O. Reg. 146/20. Several subsections are amended with the phrase “fully vaccinated”.
-
O. Reg. 659/21: RULES FOR AREAS AT STEP 3 AND AT THE ROADMAP EXIT STEP amending O. Reg. 364/20. In regards to quick service restaurant or other establishment at which food or drink is sold requires all dine-in patrons to order or select their food or drink at a counter, food bar or cafeteria line and pay before receiving their
British Columbia
New health restrictions announced for eastern Fraser Valley amid low vaccination rates
The B.C. government enacted additional restrictions in the eastern Fraser Valley on Tuesday, amid high COVID-19 cases and low vaccination rates.
Municipalities affected are Chilliwack, Hope, Mission, Agassiz/Harrison, and Abbotsford.
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.
B.C. vaccine card: Pass with QR code now required to access many non-essential businesses
Starting September 27, the only acceptable proof of vaccination in British Columbia to dine at restaurants and attend indoor recreational events is the B.C. Vaccine Card. The government says the transition period allowing people to present their vaccine records from their immunization appointments has now expired.
No grace period for vaccine certificates for Ontario businesses, no enforcement either
It's unclear how or when the new rules will be enforced by the province. The province's vaccine certificate program, launched on September 22, comes with hefty fines between $1,000 to $10 million for businesses that choose to ignore the new laws.
Vaccine enforcement begins in Calgary as doctors renew calls for targeted measures
The City of Calgary has ticketed two businesses for failing to comply with new vaccine passport regulations. Peace officers have handed out one $200 ticket for failing to display signage around proof of vaccination requirements, and another $500 ticket for failing to check customers' proof of immunization.
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.
You can contact her here.
Categories:
