July, August, September 2021 COVID-19 Updates



Some topics included in our articles/ newsletters are not posted below if they don't directly relate to employers/ees. Click here to access all articles.  


COVID-19 is a fast-changing situation with numerous updates and announcements happening very quickly. To help you stay organized, we've created this updates page to summarize COVID-19 announcements. 

Covers the 3 provinces we support (Ontario, Alberta, and BC), as well as any federal changes that affect all employers.

All Updates

  Jul/Aug/Sep 2021 Updates

September 30, 2021 - ALL - Mandatory Vaccinations News Summary

September 30, 2021 - CANADA
Statement from the Minister of National Defence on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 28, 2021 - BC
New health restrictions announced for eastern Fraser Valley amid low vaccination rates

September 27, 2021 - ONTARIO
Ontario is investing $100 million to help the tourism sector rebound from COVID-19

September 26, 2021 - ONTARIO
Ontario Government posted several regulations made under Reopening Ontario 

September 23, 2021 - ALL - Mandatory Vaccinations News Summary

September 23, 2021 - BC
Options for B.C.’s permanent paid sick leave is available for comment

September 22, 2021 - ONTARIO
OHRC policy statement on COVID-19 vaccine mandates and proof of vaccine certificates

September 20, 2021 - ALBERTA
Public health and business restrictions effective September 20 

September 18, 2021 - ONTARIO
COVID-19 infectious disease emergency leave extended until January 1, 2022

September 16, 2021 - BC
B.C. expanding vaccine mandate to all health-care facilities next month

September 15, 2021 - ONTARIO
Ontario provides FAQ's for using your vaccination receipt

September 15, 2021 - ONTARIO
Ontario releases new guidance for businesses to support them in implementing proof of vaccination requirements which begin Sept. 22

September 14, 2021 - ALBERTA
Alberta announces mandatory work-from-home measures & proof of vaccination

September 14, 2021 - ALBERTA
Alberta vaccine status card printable as of Thursday, QR code in 'coming weeks'

September 9, 2021 - ALL - Mandatory Vaccinations News Summary

September 7, 2021 - ONTARIO
Restrictions coming for Windsor-Essex, Ontario weddings, bars and restaurants

September 7, 2021 - BC
BC launches vaccine card to enhance confidence and increase safety at public events

September 4, 2021 - ALBERTA
New restrictions, including masking, now in effect province-wide

September 2, 2021 - BC
Provincial Health Officer posts new orders

August 31, 2021 - ONTARIO
Ontario extends paid infectious disease emergency leave period until December 31, 2021

August 27, 2021 - ALL - Mandatory Vaccinations News Summary

August 25, 2021 - BC
Releases COVID-19 Vaccination status Information and Preventive Measures Order

August 24, 2021 - BC
Reinstates mask mandate in public spaces.

The Ontario Government has posted several regulations made under Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020, S.O. 2020, c. 17 as follows:

August 24, 2021 - ONTARIO
Posted several regulations made under Reopening Ontario 

The Ontario Government has posted several regulations made under Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020, S.O. 2020, c. 17 as follows:

August 23, 2021 - ONTARIO
Extending Temporary Wage Increase for Personal Support Workers

August 23, 2021 - BC
Launches new proof of vaccination order. 

August 23, 2021 - ALBERTA
Calgary businesses look at vaccine passports in lieu of a provincial system.

August 23, 2021 - BC
Releases Updated BC Public Service Employer FAQ

August 23, 2021 - BC
Notice of Repeal of the Travelers and Employers Order

August 20, 2021 - ONTARIO
Toronto Medical Officer of Health strongly recommending Toronto employers institute vaccination policy

August 19, 2021 - BC
B.C. Human Rights Tribunal dismisses complaint from woman denied service for not wearing a mask

August 13, 2021 - FEDERAL
Requires Vaccination for Federal Workforce & Federally Regulated Transportation Sector

August 17, 2021 - ONTARIO
Makes COVID-19 Vaccination Policies Mandatory for High-risk Settings

August 05, 2021 - SASKATCHEWAN
Reinstates Layoff Obligations for Employers

August 03, 2021 - BC
Releases Order on Mandatory Face Coverings for Employers in Central Okanagan 

July 30, 2021 - ONTARIO
Extends the CEWS, CERS, Lockdown Support and more COVID-19 Benefits

July 29, 2021 - ALBERTA
Provides Information on Job-Protected Leaves, Temporary Layoffs and Variances

July 29, 2021 - ALBERTA
Extends Critical Worker Benefit Applications to August 31

July 29, 2021 - ONTARIO
Provides COVID-19 Featured Updates for Ontario Employers

July 20, 2021 - ALBERTA
Updates COVID-19 Workplace Guidance Documents

July 19, 2021 - ONTARIO
Invests $10 Million to Help Small Businesses Establish Online Presence

The Ontario government is investing $10 million towards the Digital Main Street program to help over 13,000 small businesses expand their digital presence and market their services online.

July 17, 2021 - BRITISH COLUMBIA
Releases "Proof of Vaccination" Guidance for Employers

In recently released policy guidance, BC’s Human Rights Commissioner outlines its view that vaccination policies need to strike a balance between upholding individual rights and protecting collective rights to health and safety. 

July 16, 2021 - ONTARIO
Moves to Step 3 of Roadmap to Reopen on July 16

Tomorrow, Friday, July 16, Ontario moves to Step Three of Roadmap to Reopen, which focuses on the resumption of additional indoor services with larger numbers of people and restrictions in place. This includes, but is not limited to

July 16, 2021 - ALBERTA

Updates OHS Guidance Documents for Businesses

In the event businesses would like to continue additional precautions, updated general guidance is available that offers optional mitigations that reduce the transmission risk of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses.

July 12, 2021 - CANADA
Calls on Employers: Apply Now to $700 Million Jobs and Growth Fund

The federal government is calling on employers to apply for funding under the Jobs and Growth Fund. The new fund is providing $700 million to support a regional response and stimulate economic recovery following the COVID-19 crisis by investing in projects that will help to create jobs over the next three years and beyond.

July 12, 2021 - CANADA
Launches $500 Million Tourism Relief Fund

The federal government has launched $500 million in funding for the new Tourism Relief Fund to help tourism businesses and organizations recover and grow.

July 6, 2021 - BRITISH COLUMBIA
Revises Employer Guidance for Developing a Communicable Disease Plan

As BC enters Step 3 of the provinces Restart Plan it triggers a new transition period in how COVID-19 is managed in workplaces. 

July 1, 2021 - CANADA
Launches Online Calculator to Help Businesses Apply for CPHR

The government of Canada has launched an online calculator to help eligible employers prepare their Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP) applications.

July 1, 2021 - CANADA
Provides Guidance on COVID-19 Workplace Risk Assessments & Safety Plans

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has developed a free online course to help Canadian businesses conduct a COVID-19 workplace risk assessment and safety plan.

The COVID-19 Workplace Risk Assessment and Safety Plan course outlines the steps needed to plan and conduct a COVID-19 workplace risk assessment, and to plan and evaluate a workplace safety plan.

July 1, 2021 - ALBERTA
Enters Final Stage of Reopening on July 1

Alberta has reached the 70% threshold for Stage 3 of the Open for Summer Plan, which is slated to begin on July 1. 

The following relaxed restrictions come into effect on July 1: