Daily Update: June 23, 2020

Federal Government Extends Time Periods Given To Employers To Recall Employees Laid Off Due To COVID-19 

The government announced today an extension on a temporary layoff. Prior to these changes, employers could temporarily layoff their employees for up to three months if no notice with a recall date was provided or for a period of up to six months if they provided a notice with an expected recall date before the layoff became a termination. The amendments, which are set out in the Canada Labour Standards Regulations, temporarily extend these time periods by up to six months:  

• For employees laid off prior to March 31, 2020, the time period is extended by six months or to December 30, 2020, whichever occurs first. 
• For employees laid off between March 31, 2020 and September 30, 2020, the time period is extended until December 30, 2020 unless a later recall date was provided in a written notice at the time of the layoff. 

These changes, which came into effect on June 22, 2020, do not apply to employees who are covered by a collective agreement that contains recall rights. 

Environmental reporting reinstated

Environmental reporting temporarily paused by government during the provincial public health emergency will resume on July 15, four weeks earlier than planned. Alberta Environment and Parks also authorized a three-month extension to industry to submit regulatory reports for emissions reduction achievements and renewable fuel operator compliance. These reports are due June 30. All documentation related to Water Act approvals and licences, reports for public land rentals, and reports related to Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act authorizations that were collected since the ministerial order was put in place must now be submitted. Drinking water facilities were not affected by the order and were still required to submit reports during the pandemic.

Ministerial orders put in place by the Ministry of Energy are also being rescinded on July 15, earlier than anticipated.

Canada Grain Act amendments implemented for 2020-21 crop year as CUSMA comes into effect

The Canadian Grain Commission is implementing amendments to the Canada Grain Act and Canada Grain Regulations as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) comes into effect.

As a result of the agreement, the following changes take effect on July 1, 2020:

• Grain grown in the United States will be able to receive an official Canadian grade if it’s a variety that is registered in Canada
• The requirement of a country of origin statement on inspection certificates for grain grown in the United States will be removed
• It will be mandatory for people, including licensed grain companies, who sell grain to a Canadian Grain Commission licensee to complete a declaration of eligibility

Strengthening Democracy in Alberta

Bill 26, the Constitutional Referendum Amendment Act, would allow the government to seek Albertans’ guidance on initiatives beyond constitutional matters. Referendums could be held on a number of government-led initiatives or matters of public interest before they are implemented, including the recommendations of the Fair Deal Panel. Referendums could be held alongside a provincial or municipal election, or be held separately or by mail-in ballot.

Government also introduced Bill 27, the Alberta Senate Election Amendment Act. If passed, this bill would make minor wording and housekeeping changes, as well as give the Minister of Municipal Affairs the same directive-making powers they have in municipal elections when a Senate election is held in conjunction with a municipal election. Read the press release

Celebrate Canada Day virtually with online National Film Board films and activities. With Canadians looking to celebrate Canada Day in a way that’s fun and safe for themselves, their family and their community, the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) is ready for July 1 with a great selection of online films and interactive activities for people of all ages.

NFB in the Canada Day Celebration Kit

Three NFB interactive works are being featured as part of the Government of Canada’s online Canada Day Celebration Kit, with entertaining and creative activities for the whole family: