COVID-19 Updates Across Canada

Since our last newsletter, here are some of the recent news releases, resources, updates and reminders related to the COVID-19 pandemic across Canada that may be of interest to you. Please note that this list is not exhaustive.

Canada

• The Government of Canada has signed two deals with Pfizer and Moderna to secure doses of COVID-19 vaccines
• A recent announcement was made regarding the end of CERB and its transition to EI
• Persons with disabilities may be eligible for a newly announced one-time payment support
• The government is proposing a few updates to the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, including extending it until December 19, 2020
• $625 million in federal funding to support child care for those returning to work was recently announced
• The CRA has extended the payment deadline for tax debts from September 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020

Alberta

• Masks will be mandatory for students in Grades 4 to 12 and staff. Students and staff will be provided with two reusable masks from the government
• Testing for COVID-19 for asymptomatic people is being expanded to interested and eligible pharmacies
• A $45 million funding was recently announced to help with providing affordable and accessible child care to parents
• A re-entry tool kit has been designed to help parents know what to expect when children return to school
• Due to two positive COVID-19 cases at Red Deer Regional Hospital, visitors will only be allowed in end-of-life situations, for maternity and pediatric patients, or for patients with cognitive or mobility impairments
• Due to ongoing transmission of COVID-19, Misericordia Community Hospital is temporarily closed to new patients
• An emergency funding program for patients of the Grande Prairie Cancer Centre and the Peace River Community Cancer Centre experiencing financial distress was recently announced

British Columbia

• Plans for the 2020/2021 school year were announced
• Workers and employers who are looking to extend temporary layoffs past August 30, 2020 are being reminded to submit an application by August 25, 2020

Manitoba

• Plans for the 2020/2021 school year were announced
• Eligible front-line workers will get a payment of $1,530 through the Risk Recognition Program
• The Guardian Angel Caring Room has reopened, patients can now call to schedule appointments for sized headwear, wigs and stoma covers at no cost

Newfoundland and Labrador

• The government is seeking feedback on its consideration to make amendments to the Pensions Benefits Act so that individuals facing financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic can unlock and access their pension benefits
• The reopening date for K-12 schools has been updated from September 2, 2020 to September 8, 2020
• The government extended the deadline for applications to the COVID-19 Essential Worker Support Program from July 30, 2020 to August 20, 2020
• Changes were made to some COVID-19 testing sites
• MCP coverage can now be renewed online

Northwest Territories

• Expiration dates on driver's licences, general ID cards, and car registrations have been extended
• Northwest Territories' Wage Top-Up program for low-income employees has been extended to October 3, 2020
• All Income Assistance COVID-19 supports have been extended until the end of September 2020

Nova Scotia

• Driver's licenses can now be renewed online
• Individuals can get non-medical, reusable cloth masks at all public libraries and some provincial museums at no cost
• Plans for the 2020/2021 school year were announced
• Some visitor restrictions at long-term care homes were eased
• A $19 billion federal funding to help Nova Scotians and the economy was announced

Ontario

• Ontarians are encouraged to download the COVID alert app
• Child care centres are gradually reopening
• Plans for the 2020/2021 school year were announced

Prince Edward Island

• Islanders who are on a wait list for a primary care provider will have access to Virtual Healthcare from Home
• Child care centres will resume operating at full capacity starting September 1, 2020

Quebec

• Revenu Québec has extended the payment deadline for tax debts from September 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020
• Changes were made to some COVID-19 testing sites

Saskatchewan

• Employees at integrated healthcare facilities may be eligible for the Saskatchewan Temporary Wage Supplement Program
• Plans for the 2020/2021 school year were announced
• Residents can access two COVID-19 maps that show were there are new and active COVID-19 cases

Yukon

• Yukoners are encouraged to complete the Community Wellbeing Survey to help the government better understand the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic
• The reopening of Whitehorse schools has been updated from August 19, 2020 to August 20, 2020

Resources

While Ontario is the first province where individuals can report a COVID-19 diagnosis through the COVID Alert app, all Canadians are being encouraged to download the app. Canadians can also access a list of 'Locations where you may have been exposed to COVID-19' in order to be aware of high-risk places.

With so many financial supports available and constantly being updated, it may be hard to know which ones are best suited for you. This questionnaire can help you figure out which government financial support is right for you. There is also this questionnaire for business owners.