COVID-19: Cross Country Update (June 19, 2020)

• Published date: 22 June 2020
• Author: Miller Thomson LLP
• Subject Matter: Coronavirus (COVID-19), Government Measures, Employment and Workforce Wellbeing
• Law Firm: Miller Thomson LLP

FEDERAL

The Government of Canada announced the following measures:

Investing in Green Jobs for Youth

Today, the Minister of Natural Resources, Seamus O'Regan, announced $15.8 million for the creation of green jobs and training opportunities for Canadian youth in the energy, forestry, mining, earth sciences and clean technology sectors. This initiative is expected to create 500 "green job" internships, ranging from six to 12 months in length. To apply, visit the Green Jobs Program webpage.

New Hazard Allowance for Armed Forces Members

Approximately 4,500 Canadian Armed Forces members will receive hazard pay for time deployed in Ontario and Quebec long-term care facilities. The Exceptional Hazard Allowance is $78 per day, retroactive to the beginning of their deployment and extending until September 30, 2020.

British Columbia

The Government of British Columbia announced the following measures:

Supports for Renters Extended

The temporary rental supplement (TRS) will be extended until the end of August 2020. The moratorium on rent increases and evictions for non-payment of rent will also be extended. However, the ban on evictions for reasons other than unpaid rent will be lifted later this month.

The TRS program provides $500 per month for eligible households with dependents and $300 per month for eligible households with no dependents. Those who have already been approved for the TRS do not need to reapply. New applications will be accepted until August 31 and can be made by visiting BC Housing's website.

COVID-19 Border Screening Transitioning to Federal Government

In early April, the British Columbia Government introduced COVID-19 border screening measures to ensure British Columbians returning home from international destinations had self-isolation plans. These provincially led border check points will end on June 20, 2020, but Federal screening measures will continue. The Federal measures require anyone arriving in Canada to self-isolate for 14 days pursuant to the Quarantine Act.

Provincial screening will continue for temporary foreign workers arriving in B.C. for seasonal farm work. These workers must self-isolate in government-funded accommodations near the airport for 14 days prior to being transported to farms throughout B.C.

ALBERTA

The Government of Alberta announced the following measures:

Infrastructure Grants

To support economic recovery, the Alberta Government has awarded $200 million in grants to municipalities across the province to upgrade...