As we head in to the fall of 2020, there are a variety of Jurisdiction that are reviewing there Employment Standards and other workplace related legislation for updates to assist with the challenges of re-starting the economy.Here is a snapshot of what is happening across the country.
British Columbia- Worksafe BC is reviewing the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation and will be hosting a public hearing on September 30, 2020 online. These proposed amendments and information regarding the hearing can be found on their website here.
Alberta is also proposing some changes. As part of the Restoring Balance in Alberta's Workplaces Act, they are seeking to provide employees and employers with clearer and more flexible rules about averaging agreements, hours of work, rest periods and temporary layoffs. You can find more details on the Act at alberta.ca.
Don't forget that Saskatchewan has already implemented changes in 2020 to the ESA in May, including the Public Health Emergency Leave provisions.
Manitoba has added temporary amendments including a public health emergency leave and changes to termination of employment provisions. Links to both these amendments can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/labour/standards/index.html
In Ontario, be sure that any local provisions are being adhered to in additional to the provincial regulations. To ensure that you are complying with all 2020 provincial requirements, be sure to review the new regulation.
CNESST Quebec has new flexibility measures for income replacement benefits and insurance premium payments for employers receiving CEWS. For the details on these flexible arrangements and other 2020 changes please visit CNESST.
Newfoundland has extended the layoff period to 33 weeks instead of the prevision 26 week limit. As well, do not forget to check if your operations and essential workers qualify for the Essential Worker Support Program as the deadline is fast approaching (August 20, 2020) .
In Nova Scotia the minimum wage was increased on April 1, 2020, so don't forget that if you have employees returning that are paid minimum wage, you will need to ensure that their pay rate is current. The current minimum wage rate is $12.55.
New Brunswick has also changed their minimum wage back in April, so if you are now recalling staff that were not given the increase at that time, be sure that you are paying the minimum rate of $11.70. New Brunswick's emergency leave may also impact any previously scheduled annual vacations for the summer season.
PEI has now reached Phase 4 of their Renew PEI together plan. This means that with the re-opening of daycares, you may have additional staff returning to the workplace. Be sure that you have your operational plan in place and available for inspection by a government official upon request. If you have not yet completed your plan, you can access the template here.
Yukon is scheduled to potentially move to Phase 3 in August, the province is still in emergency status ans so the 14 day leave provisions are still currently in effect.