As we move further into 2021, there are a few changes and updates to legislation to be aware of- particularly in managing COVID-19 at your dealerships.
Here is a summary of the changes to be aware of in various jurisdictions:
BC - The province has extended it's pandemic restrictions indefinitely. This is a strong reminder that compliance with workplace rules is essential to being able to maintain operations on an on-going basis.
Alberta- Alberta is easing some restrictions, including the opening of additional businesses. All current restrictions regarding capacity, distancing and PPE are still in place.
Saskatchewan- Current restrictions (including masking and mitigation processes) remain in effect until at least February 19th.
Manitoba- A gradual re-opening and reduction in restrictions has started with the province announcing a number of proposals that would take effect on February 12th. No actual changes have been announced but the proposals include allowing a variety of additional businesses and some services, such as libraries to re-open, reduced restrictions on events and access to more public facilities such as restrooms.
Ontario- The province has announced that a gradual loosening of restrictions will begin on a region by region basis. The current state of emergency will end on February 9, 2021. The stay at home order remains in effect. However, the following regions will move back into the color-coded recovery plan on February 10th:
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Public Health
Renfrew County and District Health Unit
The remainder of the province is scheduled to move back into the recovery plan on Febraury16th, with the exceptions of Toronto, Peel and York, which are scheduled for the 22nd, all are dependent on there being no significant increase in case count and related health data. To refresh yourself on the plan and to check on the specifics of your region, please visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-response-framework-keeping-ontario-safe-and-open
Quebec- Effective February 8th, restrictions will be eased, allowing for more businesses to open and Gaspé and Magdalen Islands, North Shore, Lower St-Lawrence, northern Quebec, Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean will all have their curfew extended to 9:30pm.
Newfoundland and Labrador- The province is at Level 2 and remains under the ongoing restrictions associated with Level 2. St. John's has special restrictions regarding recreation and cultural activities.
Nova Scotia- The government has announced an easing of restrictions effective February 8th that primarily apply to social gatherings, food and beverage service, sports and recreation, events and all masking and distancing measures remain in effect for dealerships.
New Brunswick- There will be a loosening of restrictions effective February 9th in Moncton and Edmundston regions. Edmundston will move to RED and Moncton will move to ORANGE.
PEI- Measures remain in place until February 16th.
Yukon and the Territories- There are no recent changes regarding the current measures to fight COVID-19.