Navigating the Legal Implications of COVID-19

Labour and Employment COVID-19 Updates

Last updated: March 12, 2021

Federal

• On March 7, 2021, the CPHO released a publication on the new COVID-19 vaccines (AstraZeneca and Janssen), and addressed questions of whether they are safe and how they were approved.
• Bill C-24, An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act (additional regular benefits), the Canada Recovery Benefits Act (restriction on eligibility) and another Act in response to COVID-19, passed third reading today and is now before the Senate.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

• On March 11, 2021, the BC PHO announced that she has amended the gatherings and events order to allow for outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people.  There are no changes to the restrictions on indoor gatherings.
• On March 11, 2021, the government announced that it is extending its successful quarantine program for TFW.
• On March 12, 2021, the government announced that the temporary authorization allowing liquor-primary and food-primary licensees to sell and deliver sealed, packaged liquor products alongside the purchase of a meal for off-site consumption is now permanent.

ALBERTA

• On March 8, 2021, the government announced that it is fully moving into Step 2 of “Path Forward”.  Indoor masking and distancing requirements will remain in place throughout this stepped approach, and some degree of restrictions will still apply to all activities within each step.  See the news release for information on how this impacts: banquet halls, community halls, conference centres and hotels; retail; performance activities; youth sports and recreation.  Any decisions on Step 3 will be made on March 22, at the earliest.
• On March 12, 2021, the government announced that Phase 2A of the vaccination plan will start on March 15.  All Albertans born between 1947 and 1956 will soon be able to book appointments throughout the province. Also eligible to book vaccinations starting Monday are First Nations, Métis and Inuit people born in 1971 or earlier.

SASKATCHEWAN

• As of March 11, 2021, residents ages 85 and over from across the province are now able to book their COVID-19 vaccine appointment online or over the phone.

MANITOBA

• On March 12, 2021, the province announced minor changes to current public health orders.

ONTARIO

• On March 10, 2021, the government announced that it is expanding the delivery channels available to administer COVID-19 vaccines to include pharmacies and primary care settings. As of March 12, over 325 pharmacies will be offering the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine to eligible Ontarians aged 60-64, by appointment only, as part of the vaccine delivery pilot program in specific regions.
• On March 11, 2021, the government announced that it is activating an "emergency brake" in the Public Health Sudbury and Districts region, and moving it to the Grey-Lockdown level in the Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework.
• On March 12, 2021, the government announced that it is moving three public health regions to new levels in the revised and strengthened Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework, including moving Lambton Public Health into Grey-Lockdown.  This will be effective 12:01 am on March 15.

QUEBEC

• On March 10, 2021, Quebec extended the state of public health emergency until March 19, 2021.
• As of March 26, 2021, the Quebec government is allowing certain entities to reopen such as gyms.  It is also loosening restrictions for places of worship in red zones.  Spas and indoor pools in hotels can also reopen as of March 26.
• People who are 65 and older in Montreal can now reserve their spot for a COVID-19 vaccine.  Elsewhere in Quebec, you must be 70+.

TERRITORIES

• Yukon: 
  • On March 10, 2021, the government provided its weekly COVID-19 update.  No major updates.
  • On March 10, 2021, the government released its economic resilience plan.
  • On March 11, 2021, the government reminded residents that all non-essential travel out of territory is not recommended.
• Northwest Territories:
  • On March 11, 2021, the government extended the state of emergency in the City of Yellowknife until March 25, 2021.
• Nunavut:
  • On March 9, 2021, the government announced the easing of restrictions in Arviat starting on March 10.

Maritimes

• Newfoundland:
  • No major updates this week.
• New Brunswick:
  • On March 12, 2021, the government announced an updated COVID-19 vaccination plan. 
• Nova Scotia:
  • On March 9, 2021, the government announced that the AstraZeneca vaccine will roll out March 20.  Nova Scotians ages 63 and 64 will be the first group eligible to access the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine .
  • On March 12, 2021, the government announced an expansion of the vaccination program effective March 15.
  • On March 12, 2021, the government announced commercial property tax relief for owners of hotels, motels and inns.
• PEI:
  • On March 9, 2021, the government gave a COVID-19 vaccine rollout
  • On March 12, 2021, the government announced eased public health measures for PEI.  New measures will be in place effective March 13 at 8:00 am, until mid-April 2021.

Table of Regulatory/Legal Service Updates in the Territories

Northwest Territories

Minister of Health and Social Services, Public Health Act

August 31, 2021

• Territory-wide Public Health Emergency has been extended through September 14, 2021.

September 8, 2021

• The majority of GNWT employees in Yellowknife, Behchokǫ̀, Ndilǫ and Dettah have been asked to work from home for at least fourteen days (until September 22, 2021).
• As of the end of business day, September 8, 2021, all GNWT buildings in Yellowknife, Behchokǫ̀, Ndilǫ and Dettah are closed, with exceptions for GNWT services that are open to public.

June 29, 2021

• The “June 25, 2020 Public Health Order Directed at Mineral and Petroleum Industry” is replaced with a new order made by the Minister.
• Workers employed to work at a work camp in the mineral or petroleum resources industry must complete a health screening prior to travelling to the workplace.
• Complete WSCC Workplace Risk Assessment prior to the worker being permitted to travel to the workplace.
• Implement social distancing measures, conduct health screenings and workplace disinfecting protocols.
• Required to use the minimum number of workers necessary to maintain operations.

April 21, 2021

• Any person operating a remote lodge or operating tourism activities from a remote location may allow residents, new residents, and non-residents of the NWT to stay at their location, provided they submit a Remote Tourism Operator COVID-19 Operations Plan and comply with any conditions upon which it is approved.
• Any person requesting to stay at a remote location for tourism purposes must submit a self-isolation plan, must travel directly to the remote location without a stop in smaller NWT communities, and cannot enter any community or populated area for 14 days after their entry (residents and new residents may enter larger communities to self-isolate; see order for list of communities).

August 25, 2021

• Self-isolation requirements have changed for those who are fully vaccinated.
  • Fully vaccinated people travelling within the NWT from another part of Canada are not required to self-isolate for 14 days. The person must still submit a self-isolation plan and cannot have travelled outside Canada in the 14 days prior to their entry into the NWT (see order for full list of conditions).
  • Partially vaccinated people, and fully vaccinated people who are sharing accommodations with a partially vaccinated person that has travelled outside the NWT within the last 14 days, may end their self-isolation early under certain conditions (see order for full list of conditions).
  • Unvaccinated people, and fully vaccinated people who are sharing accommodations with an unvaccinated person that has travelled outside the NWT within the last 14 days, may end their self-isolation early if they obtain a negative COVID-19 test on the 10^th day of their self-isolation.

August 17, 2021

• Nunavut has suspended its Common Travel Area with the NWT. Anyone who is not fully vaccinated must isolate at the designated isolation hub in Yellowknife for 14 days before travelling to Nunavut.
• Travelers may apply for an exemption to out-of-territory isolation on the GN website.

December 1, 2020

• All persons are prohibited from travel within the NWT that originated from across any inter-jurisdictional border with the following exceptions: (non-exhaustive list)
  • NWT residents;
  • Persons providing services in the course of import/export of goods and other supply chain transportation workers;
  • Flight crews and airline employees arriving in the NWT;
  • Persons providing essential services in the NWT and persons providing child and dependent care to these persons;
  • Persons travelling directly from Nunavut to the NWT where travel originates in Nunavut;
  • Transient workers employed at a work camp where work is being done in relation to the mineral and petroleum resources industry in the NWT;
  • Persons engaged in work on the construction of public and Indigenous infrastructure projects;
  • Persons traveling within the NWT to pursue the gaining of a livelihood.
  • All persons sharing accommodations with someone who is required to self-isolate under the Order must also self-isolate for 14 days.

March 18, 2020

• The Board’s office is closed effective March 19, 2020. The Board continues to operate as staff work remotely. Individuals with questions regarding interruptions are encouraged to reach out to Mark Cliffe-Phillips at mcliffephillips@reviewboard.ca or by phone at (867) 766-7055.

Advisory

• The Board’s office is closed effective March 19, 2020. The Board continues to operate as staff work remotely. All requests, submissions, and applications will continue to be received; however, timelines for public reviews and proceedings may be affected.

December 7, 2020

• All WSCC offices are open with new health and safety measures in place. Clients are encouraged to book an appointment before visiting.

May 25, 2021

• Mineral claim holders impacted by COVID-19 can now use the GNWT’s Work Credit Program to reduce cash-in-lieu deposit requirements on extension applications.
• Initiative applies to claim holders with anniversary dates that fall between April 1, 2021 and March 31, 2022.

Altered Service Notice (Undated)

• The office is continuing to process all payments by phone (credit card), cheque and electronic funds transfer.
• Work reports and simplified reports are being accepted but do not need to be submitted during this period.
• Lease payments are being accepted but are not required during this period. Prospector’s licence applications will continue to be processed.

Until further notice, client visits to the Mining Recorder’s Office will only be accommodated based on need and by pre-arranged appointment. Call 867-767-9210 ext. 63464.

 Supreme Court Directive (May 27, 2021)

• Court registry will be open for all services during regular posted hours as of Monday, July 20, 2020.  However, remote services will continue to be offered until further notice.
• Regular civil matters will continue to proceed by teleconference.
• Special Chambers hearings may proceed by teleconference, videoconference or in person if witnesses are not required.  Special Chambers hearings requiring witnesses will proceed as in-person hearings.
• Civil trials will proceed as in-person hearings.
• Jury trials will be held as normal with sanitary measures similar to the ones in effect at the courthouses. For social distancing purposes, jury trials cannot be held at the courthouses and will be held in facilities in Yellowknife, Inuvik, and Hay River.
• Pre-trial conferences with counsel will continue to take place by teleconference. Pre-trial conferences with self-represented accused will take place in a courtroom, on the record, and in person.

Territorial Court Directive (August 18, 2021)

• All matters in Civil and Family Court may be scheduled in the ordinary course.
• All matters in Criminal and Youth Court may be scheduled in the ordinary course, however upcoming court sittings in Deline, Tulita, Fort Good Hope, and Norman Wells are cancelled.
• All matters before a Justice of the Peace may be scheduled in the ordinary course, however the Sept 22 sitting in Norman Wells is cancelled.
• Court registry will be open for all services during regular posted hours as of Monday, July 20, 2020.  However, remote services will continue to be offered until further notice.
• Counsel may appear in person, through an agent or remotely.  However, in cases where proceedings are to occur in Yellowknife at a location other than the Courthouse, counsel shall appear in person or by agent (cannot appear remotely).
• All in chambers meetings with judges scheduled are to be dealt with by teleconference.
• A Territorial Court judge may direct that the foregoing measures be departed from as the circumstances require on a case-by-case basis.

September 9, 2021

• Starting September 9, 2021 and lasting for fourteen days, the following offices will be closed to the public and available by appointment only:
  • Corporate Registries;
  • Land Titles Office;
  • Office of the Superintendent of Securities;
  • Personal Property Registry; and
  • Administrator of Commissioners for Oaths and Notaries Public.
• The public may still submit documents to the Corporate Registries without an appointment by using the drop box located in the lobby of the Stuart Hodgsons Building.

September 8, 2021

• The Department of Lands offices in Yellowknife and the North Slave region are closed to the public until September 22, 2021. They remain available by phone and email during this time.

December 11, 2020

• North Slave regional office (Yellowknife) is open to the public. All other ENR offices remain closed to the public. ENR officers are available by appointment only.

January 27, 2021

• The GNWT has announced new regulations to replace those put in place on April 9, 2020 to help tenants impacted by COVID-19. The new regulations will allow for the establishment of repayment plans to ensure tenants have a reasonable timeframe to pay back rent or utilities that has accumulated from March 18, 2020 to January 31, 2021 as a result of the pandemic.
  • Beginning Feb 1, 2021, landlords and tenants will have one year to enter into a repayment plan. This will allow tenants to maintain their housing and provide them with at least 12 months to repay their arears.
  • Either the landlord or tenant may initiate a repayment plan, and tenants will not have to make their first payment until at least 30 days after the date of the plan is given.
  • The plan must set out the date the repayment period starts, the total amount of arrears still owed, the amount the tenant must pay each month (the total divided into equal instalments), and the due date of each instalment.

Nunavut

Minister of Health, Public Health Act

September 2, 2021

• State of public health emergency for all of Nunavut is extended until the end of September 14, 2021.

• Effective July 30, 2021, the Order Respecting Social Distancing and Gatherings #17 maintains the below exemptions and includes further exemptions.
• All persons who are exempt from mandatory isolation requirements or any subsequent travel restriction must wear a mask for 14 days commencing upon their arrival in Nunavut. This mask must be worn in public places where social distancing is not possible, at work, at indoor and outdoor gatherings, and other situations.
• All persons in Nunavut must maintain social distancing wherever it is safe and practical to do so, except inside dwellings and between immediate family members. All businesses and organizations must either implement social distancing or limit the amount of customers allowed on its premises.
• Reduces the existing restrictions on activities by further including exemptions for activities like swimming pools, fitness centres and other health providers. Also exempt are construction sites, certain Government of Nunavut public agencies, public representatives conducting constituency business and select others, from the order’s social distancing requirements, subject to guidelines and directions issued by the Workers Safety and Compensation Commission, as relevant.

Nunavut Court of Justice and Court Registry

July 27, 2020

The following health and safety protocols are in place at the Nunavut Justice Centre:

• Persons entering the courthouse may be subject to a verbal screening process that includes answering specific questions regarding health and travel. Access to the courthouse may be delayed or restricted based on health and safety considerations.
• All persons are to maintain social distancing when possible, including limiting the amount of people using the elevator or washroom.
• Masks are only required in situations where social distancing cannot be maintained and there are no protective barriers between persons.

Travel Restrictions and Self Isolation Protocols

August 17, 2021

• Nunavut has suspended its Common Travel Area with the NWT. Anyone who is not fully vaccinated must isolate at the designated isolation hub in Yellowknife for 14 days before travelling to Nunavut.
• Travelers may apply for an exemption to out-of-territory isolation on the GN website.

July 29, 2021

• As of July 29, 2021, there is a Common Travel Area with Nunavik. Travelers from a COVID-free community who have been in either jurisdiction for at least 14 days will be able to travel between the two areas after completing a Common Area Traveler’s Declaration.

August 4, 2020

• Travel Restriction Order #9, effective August 4, 2020, in effect for the duration if the Public Health Emergency, unless otherwise rescinded. The order maintains previous exemptions and includes an exemption for medical escorts traveling from Churchill, Manitoba.

• The order creates a common travel area with the Northwest Territories wherein individuals who have been in the common travel area for 14 days, complied with any self-isolation protocol in the relevant territory and stay within the boundaries of the common travel area for the duration of the travel.
• The order further opens up travel restrictions in Nunavut to include non-residents entering Nunavut for the purposes of commencing a contract of employment; temporary foreign workers; and others as contained in the Order.
• Transient workers in operating mines who enter Nunavut on private flights operating directly to and from the mine site are an exception – they must remain at the mine site and not enter any community or populated area of Nunavut. Exempted persons must comply with all recommendations and directions of Medical Health Officers.

Nunavut Impact Review Board, Nunavut Planning and Project Assessment Act

March 16, 2020

• The Board’s office will be closed to the public, but staff members will be responding to emails from home and the toll-free number (1-866-233-3033) and general email account (info@nirb.ca) will continue to be monitored.

Nunavut Water Board, Nunavut Waters and Nunavut Surface Rights Tribunal Act

March 24, 2020

• The Board’s office will be closed to the public; but staff will be maintaining the public registry at ftp://ftp.nwb-oen.ca and will continue addressing the Board’s various responsibilities and duties throughout this period. Staff are reachable by their emails, but not office phones.

Mining Recorder’s Office (within Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada), Nunavut Mining Regulations (Canada)

August 13, 2020, Order

• Upon request in writing to CIRNAC, parties may ask for a waiver of one year of the payment of annual rent on mineral leases due in the one-year period from March 13, 2020 to March 12, 2021. Any rent that was paid before the amendment to the Regulations came into force is waived in the following year.

May 1, 2020

• Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the MRO recognizes that exploration programs will not be able to proceed this upcoming field season and would like to extend the offer of applying for relief of the reporting requirements contained within the Nunavut Mining Regulations.
• Permit and claim holders do not have to wait until the anniversary date of your tenure to submit a request for relief pursuant to either Section 16 (prospecting permits) or Section 51 (mineral claims). For more information, proponents are asked to contact Karen Dunphy at karen.dunphy@canada.ca or phone at 867-222-3051.

April 2, 2020

• The Mining Recorder’s Office is continuing to provide essential services, prioritizing:
  • Filing recorded documents (including liens, assignments etc.)
  • Assessment reports and grouping requests
  • Annual rental payments for mineral leases
  • Applications for mineral leases
  • Requests for mineral lease renewals
• Requests for licences to prospect (or renewals thereof) may take longer than usual or be processed at a later date, depending on the circumstances;

Nunavut Legal Registries

December 2, 2020

• The Legal Registries Office has reopened to the public.

March 23, 2020

• Legal Registries office will be closed to the public. Individuals can still access services by contacting 867 975-6590 or emailing Corporate.Registries@gov.nu.ca.
• The Nunavut POLAR land titles system will remain operational and submissions will continue to be reviewed and signed.

Labour Standards Act

September 28, 2020

• Bill 49, An Act to Amend the Labour Standards Act, passed its third reading and is awaiting assent.

Yukon

Civil Emergency Measures Act

August 25, 2021

• The State of Emergency has ended, effective August 25, 2021 at 11:59PM.
• All remaining COVID-19 restrictions have ended.

June 3, 2020

• The Leave (COVID-19) Regulation is made, under the new regulation, an employee is entitled to a leave without pay for a period of up to 14 days if they require it.

Travel Restrictions and Social Distancing

August 25, 2021

• All remaining COVID-19 restrictions have ended.
• Travellers from within Canada are no longer required to self-isolate or submit a declaration form upon entry to the Territory.
• All travelers from outside of Canada must continue to follow federal rules for international travel, which may include completing a mandatory 14-day self-isolation.

Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board

March 18, 2020

• The office is open but YESAB asks parties to call ahead before visiting the office.
• YESAB has asked that employees who are able to work from home do so. Public engagements and business meetings will be either postponed or conducted by teleconference or videoconference.
• Participants in the assessment process will be notified via the YESAB Online Registry of extensions to project assessment timelines.

Yukon Court and Court Registries

August 25, 2021

• Effective August 25, 2021 at 11:59PM, the Civil Emergency Measures Limitation Periods and Legislated Time Periods (COVID-19) Order which suspended certain statutory limitation periods and time periods during the state of emergency has ended.
• Any limitation date which would have expired during the state of emergency or during the 30 day period immediately following the end of the state of emergency is extended and expires on the day that is 90 days after the end of the state of emergency. This date is Tuesday, November 23, 2021.

August 4, 2021

• Mask-wearing will be required by anyone attending certain places in the Law Courts Building. These places include the stairs and elevators, all courtrooms, the public side of the Court Registry, and other spaces inside the Building (full list in the Notice).

Supreme Court Notice (January 13, 2021)

• The Supreme Court has resumed hearing matters in-person as long as they are able to take place safely and in accordance with existing safety protocols (outlined in the Notice).
• All documents are required to be served or delivered in accordance with the Rules of Court of the Supreme Court.  No email service is permitted unless done according to the Rules.
• The Order allowing for affidavits to be sworn or affirmed remotely has been repealed. All affidavits shall be sworn or affirmed in accordance with the Yukon Evidence Act and the Rules.
• The Order allowing for wills to be signed remotely has been repealed. Therefore, the requirements for execution, revocation, alteration and revival of a will must be signed in accordance with the Wills Act.

Regulator response to COVID-19

British Columbia

Entity

Description

Government of British Columbia – Ministerial Orders

April 8, 2020

• Ministerial Order No. M098 is issued, replacing Ministerial Order No. M086
• The power given to persons, tribunals and other bodies with statutory powers of decision to waive, suspend or extend mandatory time periods relating to the exercise of that power under Ministerial Order No. M086 is continued under Ministerial Order No. M098

March 26, 2020

• Ministerial Order No. M086 is issued
• A person, tribunal or other body that has a statutory power of decision may waive, suspend or extend a mandatory time period relating to the exercise of that power.

March 26, 2020

• Ministerial Order No. M085 issued, permitting public bodies to disclose personal information through the use of third party tools and applications (such as software) for reasons related to COVID-19 (for example, disclosure via software is necessary to facilitate social distancing and working remotely)
  

April 8, 2020

• The Office of the Ombudsperson person writes to tribunal chairs concerning Ministerial Order No. M098, suggesting that tribunals ensure that all waivers, suspensions, or modifications of mandatory time periods are carefully considered with rationale set out in a formal record of the tribunal

British Columbia Utilities Commission

April 29, 2020

• BCUC approves Corix Multi-Utility Services Inc. Application for Tariff Changes due to COVID-19

April 9, 2020

• BCUC issues statement encouraging utility customers to be respectful of essential utility service workers

April 7, 2020

• BCUC approves COVID-19 Customer Relief Programs for BC Hydro, Fortis Energy, and FortisBC after a web-based Streamlined Review Process on April 6, 2020

April 2, 2020

• Order in Council 159/2020 issuing Direction to the BCUC Respecting COVID-19 Relief, requiring BCUC to issue order amending BC Hydro’s electric tariff re: COVID Relief Fund

March 31, 2020

• BCUC issues order granting regulated utilities relief from meter reading

March 27, 2020

• Letter to regulated utilities re: working to determine path forward

March 23, 2020

• BCUC directs public utilities to stop disconnections

March 19, 2020

• BCUC advises regulated entities that the BCUC will consider the impact of COVID-19 on certain mandatory reliability standard requirements

March 15, 2020

• Commissioners/staff working remotely

March 13, 2020

• All public events (oral hearings, workshops, stream lined review processes) cancelled

Ongoing

• Various proceedings adjourned, postponed, or cancelled
• Regulatory timetables for ongoing proceedings being adjusted (ex: BCH RRA)
• BCUC requests information about impact of COVID-19 on projects under BCUC jurisdiction (ex: Site C Clean Energy Project)

British Columbia Oil and Gas Commission

April 16, 2020

• OGC announces adjustments to its business practices in response to COVI9-19, including postponing invoicing of the Orphan Liability Levy and exercising discretion under Ministerial Order 98/2020 to suspend the application timeline to extend a permit or authorization, which postpones expiry of a permit while the suspension is in effect

April 15, 2020

• OGC issues order suspending the period in which a permit holder may apply for an extension of a permit pursuant to the Oil and Gas Activities Act

April 8, 2020

• OGC extends deadline for payments of annual levies for pipelines from 30 days to 90 days

April 2, 2020

• FAQs for industry issued
• Commission continuing to review and make decision on applications
• Commission continues to conduce proactive site inspections with modified protocols for physical distancing

March 19, 2020

• Remaining OGC offices closed
• Operations and emergency services continue to operate

March 17, 2020

• Terrace, Kelowna, and Prince George OGC offices closed
• All non-essential travel suspended
• Inquiries and meetings to be held by phone
• Staff and commissioners working remotely

Workers Compensation Appeal Tribunal

May 5, 2020

• WCAT announces that it will use email rather than regular mail for sending correspondence

March 25, 2020

• All in person hearings through May 31, 2020 postponed – WCAT’s goal is to have hearings proceed by teleconference or in writing but not required (can wait for in-person hearing)
• Regular timelines for filing notice of appeal remain but can file notice by phone
• Notify WCAT if having difficulty meeting submission deadline due to COVID-19

March 17, 2020

• All in-person hearings postponed through April 10, 2020 – parties with hearings scheduled in this time frame will be contacted by WCAT with option to proceed virtually or reschedule
• Encourage email correspondence with staff, who are working remotely
• Documents can be served on WCAT via email

Workers Compensation Board - Review Decision

March 26, 2020

• Effective immediately, all oral hearings are cancelled – parties with scheduled oral hearings scheduled will be contacted re: next steps
• Review Division will extend their own statutory time limits for making decisions and will be flexible in granting time extensions to parties seeking reviews
  

March 22, 2020

• WorkSafeBC offices closed to visitors, staff and officers continuing to work

Mineral Titles Branch, Mineral Tenure Act, Coal Act

March 27, 2020

• The time limit for registering: a statement of exploration and development, payment in lieu of work, a revised expiry date or a rental payment, is extended until December 31, 2020 for all mineral and placer mineral titles (where the expiry date or rental date is prior to December 31, 2021);
• The time limit for applying to extend the term of a coal licence, and for making a rental payment on a coal lease, is extended until December 31, 2021.

March 25, 2020

• To apply for or renew a Free Miner Certificate, please see the updated process.

March 20, 2020

• The Vancouver Mineral Titles Branch office is temporarily closed to all in-person service. Service is still provided by email (Mineral.Titles@gov.bc.ca) and voice-mail (1-866-616-4999 - must leave a message)

Alberta

Entity

Description

Government of Alberta

May 12, 2020

• The Utility Payment Deferral Act, which allows Albertans experiencing financial hardship directly related to COVID-19 pandemic to work with their utility company to defect electricity and natural gas bills until June 18, 2020, came into effect

April 9, 2020

• Alberta Energy defers all public offerings (i.e. land sales) and direct purchase of PNG and oil sands mineral rights for a minimum of 90 days

April 6, 2020

• Ministerial Order 219/2020 issued, suspending certain reporting requirements under the Coal Conservation Act, the Oil and Gas Conservation Act, Oil Sands Conservation Act on the basis that they are not in the public interest during the COVID-19 public health emergency

March 30 and 31, 2020

• Ministerial Orders 15/2020, 16/2020, 17/2020 issued
• Certain reporting requirements under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, Water Act, Public Lands Act, Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction Regulation, and Renewable Fuels Standard Regulation are suspended on the basis that these reporting obligations are not in the public interest during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
  

March 23, 2020

• Alberta energy offers one year extensions for PNG agreements, oil sands agreements and metallic and industrial mineral permits expiring from March 20, 2020 to December 31, 2020

Alberta Energy Regulator

April 16, 2020

• AER announces that extensions to complete exploration programs under the Mines and Minerals Act can be requested and will be granted on a case-by-case basis

April 15, 2020

• AER releases webpage providing clarification on application of Ministerial Orders 219/2020 and 17/2020

April 14, 2020

• AER announces that timing for collection of the 2020/2021 orphan fund levy is under review (update expected in June)
• AER announces it is working with the Government of Alberta to determine implications of the government’s $113 million in relief to the industry on the industry levy

April 9, 2020

• AER issues bulletin notifying industry of Ministerial Order 219/2020 (see above) and Ministerial Order 17/2020 (see above)

March 31, 2020

• AER announces delay in disclosure of AER expenses

March 20, 2020

• AER’s emergency response line having technical difficulties – new local phone number provided

March 17, 2020

• AER offices open but staff working remotely
• Meetings with stakeholders will be held virtually, instead of in-person
• Oral portions of AER hearings will not be held - AER is reviewing current and future adjudicative functions to determine future process

Ongoing

• Various hearings, preheating conferences cancelled
• AER announces limited hours including for Core Research Centre and Calgary mailroom

Alberta Utilities Commission

May 13, 2020

• AUC announces that it is accepting applications from service providers under the Utility Payment Deferral Program, announced by the provincial government in March 2020

May 12, 2020

• Commission requests comments on the Consumers’ Coalition of Alberta’s request that the Commission direct regulated utilities to record and report on decisions, positions and actions due to the impact of COVID-19

May 8, 2020

• AUC announces changes to industry impact assessment in relation to regulatory burden and lag, including changes to composition of the next roundtable

May 6, 2020

• In light of impact that COVID-19 may have on participant’s ability to appear before another for the purpose of having a document sworn or witnessed, AUC suspends requirement to have affidavit of fees and disbursements and confidentiality undertaking witnessed or sworn before a commissioner for oaths

April 27, 2020

• AUC approves deferral of payments for Alberta Electric System operator tariff transmission charges

April 17, 2020

• AUC issues general update on COVID-19, emphasizing a flexible approach to regulation including a pragmatic approach to compliance and delay of the AUC’s operational plan while they revisit the plan in light of COVID-19

April 14, 2020

• AUC announces intention to focus ongoing review of AUC Rule 027: Specified Penalties for Contravention of Reliability Standards on placement of new and revised reliability standards in the penalty table as a result of the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic

April 7, 2020

• AUC announces interim changes to AUC participation involvement program for electric and gas facility applications, including requiring applicants and project proponents to give stakeholder increased time to respond to project notifications and discouraging face to face consultations, open houses, and town halls

March 31, 2020

• AUC announces support for Market Surveillance Administrator’s relaxation of certain reliability standards

March 27, 2020

• AUC announces suspension of specified penalties program for self-reported contraventions

March 18, 2020

• AUC announces support for implementation of 90-day utility bill payment deferral option

March 17, 2020

• AUC offices closed but staff continue to work remotely
• AUC to lead industry consultation to coordinate customer relief efforts

March 12, 2020

• AUC defers live proceedings (public hearings, consultations, or information sessions)
• AUC will explore remote options if there is an economic requirement to proceed with hearing or public proceeding

Ongoing

• Various regulatory proceedings deferred

Market Surveillance Administrator

March 30, 2020

• MSA announces that COVID-19 is acceptable reason (case-by-case) for non-compliance with reliability standards (limited to self-reports between March 1/20 to July 31/20)

March 17, 2020

• MSA offices close, staff working remotely

Ontario

Entity

Description

Mining Lands Administration System, Mining Act

April 17, 2020

• Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines announces that Ontario claim holders with claim anniversary dates on or before December 31, 2020 may receive exclusion orders for their claims due to COVID-19

March 31, 2020

• Mineral claim holders who are having difficulty meeting assessment work obligations during the COVID-19 crisis may be able to take advantage of the Extension of Time Policy and the Exclusion of Time Policy

Federal

Entity

Description

Canadian Energy Regulator

May 12, 2020

• CER issues update to adjudicative processes during COVID-19, including a summary of recent procedural guidance issued for specific active hearing processes, and states that it expects to meet all of its time limits in its review of the applications before it

April 29, 2020

• CER announces that it is supporting administrative flexibility during COVID-19, including continuation of inspection and compliance verification activities, postponement of some financial audits and management system audits, and deferring external engagement for regulatory framework improvement initiatives

April 24, 2020

• CER publishes two news releases (here and here) highlighting how it is continuing to fulfill its mandate to protect people and the environment during COVID-19 as well as keeping energy moving safely during COVID-19
• CER summarizes regulatory oversight of Trans Mountain Expansion Project during COVID-19

April 21, 2020

• CER announced procedural changes to remaining detailed route hearings for the Trans Mountain Expansion Project – oral portions of all detailed route hearings replaced with alternate formats not requiring in-person attendance and oral cross examination replaced by written information requests
• CER exploring alternate ways for sharing of Indigenous knowledge

April 15, 2020

• CER extends time limit for planning phase for proposed Gazoduq Project at the request of the province of Quebec in light of the impact of COVID-19

March 17, 2020

• Regulatory filings adjusted - continue to file electronically but requirement to file hard copies postponed

March 16, 2020

• Oral portions of hearings will not be held as planned. All current adjudication processes are being looked at to determine future processes.
• Meetings between CER staff and company representatives to be conducted virtually
• Compliance verification will continue but will be modified to reduce in-person interactions
• Information sessions, technical conferences, working groups, and committee meetings to be conducted virtually or postponed
• CER workforce working remotely
• All international travel suspended; domestic travel limited to critical activities

Ongoing

• Deadlines for written components of hearings being extended
• Elements of regulatory hearings being postponed