Daily Update: June 30, 2020

Online Birth Registrations

Alberta parents can now go online to register their newborn’s birth information and to order birth certificates. Alberta’s online birth registry is easily accessible from any location via computer, tablet, smartphone, or any device connected to the internet. 

A further benefit of the online service is the ability for parents to apply for both the Canada Child Benefit and their child’s social insurance number from the Government of Canada at the same time they register birth information with the province of Alberta.

Travel restrictions at Canada-US border remain in place for July holidays

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is reminding all travellers, ahead of the July 1 (Canada) and July 4 (United States) holidays, that travel restrictions are still in place at all Canadian international border crossings.

These measures remain in place until at least July 21.

All travel of an optional or discretionary nature, including tourism, recreation and entertainment, is covered by these measures across all ports of entry in all modes of transportation: land, marine, air and rail.

With the travel restrictions still in place, foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, will not be allowed to enter Canada if they attempt to come for any of the following examples of discretionary travel:

• opening or checking on a cottage or seasonal home
• sightseeing
• boating across the border
• fishing or hunting
• visiting friends or a girlfriend, boyfriend or fiancé(e)
• attending a party or celebration
• driving in transit for the purpose of taking a shortcut through Canada to get to a United States (U.S.) destination faster
• picking up a pet

Asymptomatic immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who meet the immediate family member definition and are coming to Canada for a minimum of 15 days will be exempt from the prohibition from entering Canada for a discretionary purpose. Read more information about Foreign nationals who are immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Unless exempt, boaters cannot currently enter Canadian waters (territorial sea and internal waters) or boundary waters for discretionary reasons. These reasons include: touring, sightseeing and pleasure fishing. Read more Information for foreign boaters.

The CBSA has temporarily suspended or reduced service at certain small vessel reporting sites, small airports of entry, ferry terminals and to the Remote Area Border Crossing program. Travellers should review the list of CBSA locations that remain open during this temporary service suspension.

One-time tax-free payment for seniors

The one-time payment for seniors is available to individuals who are eligible to receive the Old Age Security pension or the Guaranteed Income Supplement in June 2020. You do not have to apply. All individuals who are eligible to receive the Old Age Security pension or the Guaranteed Income Supplement in June 2020 will receive the one-time payment for seniors.

A one-time separate payment will be issued during the week of July 6, 2020. The one-time payment for seniors will be paid to your bank account if you are enrolled for Direct Deposit. If you are not enrolled for Direct Deposit, you will receive a cheque. More information.

Outdoor events increased attendance capacity

More Albertans can attend outdoor community events. The increase applies to attendees at community outdoor events such as festivals, fireworks displays, rodeos and sporting events, and outdoor performances.

All public health measures, including physical distancing, remain in place. Seated outdoor events will still require the necessary space between families and cohorts within stadium-style seating.

Any large gathering increases the risk of transmission. Evidence suggests that outdoor events have a lower risk of transmission, provided other public health guidance is followed. Alberta Health will continue to monitor case numbers and adjust as necessary.

For more information on outdoor and indoor gathering restrictions, visit alberta.ca/restrictions-on-gatherings.

General relaunch guidance, including sector-specific recommendations, can be found at alberta.ca/guidance-documents.

City Council Meetings are Now Open to the Public with COVID-19 Practices in Place

Medicine Hat City Council will meet as scheduled on Monday, July 6, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. This meeting will be open to the public and is being held at the Esplanade Studio Theatre, 401 First Street SE.  Adjustments are in place to ensure alignment with current Alberta Health requirements related to COVID-19.  Please note that seating for the public will be limited.

Members of the public can view City Council meetings online at the City’s YouTube account at:  https://www.youtube.com/user/CityMedicineHat

Options for input to a Public Hearing:

• Attend in person at the Esplanade Studio Theatre, 401 First Street SE by 6:30 p.m.
• Call in to the Public Hearing via teleconference at 1-833-353-8610 (participant code 2848289) by 6:30 p.m.
• Email to clerk@medicinehat.ca between 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on the day of the hearing. 
• Written submissions concerning proposed bylaws placed before City Council must be submitted by 12:00 noon, Tuesday, June 30, 2020 to:
  • City Clerk Department, 580 First Street SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 8E6

All submissions are treated as public documents.