COVID-19

Court Hearings and Legal Proceedings

Alberta

• Courts in Alberta are returning to regular operations, though with some changes. Some processes are being conducted by video conference or by written applications, instead of in-person. Visitors to the courthouse are still being restricted. Visit each court’s website for more information:
  • the Provincial Court
  • the Court of Queen’s Bench plus an FAQ page
  • the Court of Appeal
• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) is conducting hearings by telephone and accepting applications through its on-line e-filing service. Offices are closed to in-person services. More information on RTDRS.
• The Alberta Human Rights Commission remains operational. Offices are closed to in-person services. All scheduled meetings will take place by teleconference or video-conference Visit the website or contact the confidential inquiry line if you need more info.
• For court updates across Canada, visit the National Self-Represented Litigants Project (NSRLP) website.

Employment & Benefits

Alberta

• Temporary changes to employment standards expired on August 14, 2020. Alberta’s Employment Standards Code applies as usual but with some changes:
  • Under Alberta’s Employment Standards (COVID-19 Leave) Regulation, employees governed by Alberta’s Employment Standards Code are entitled to 14 consecutive days of unpaid job leave if they are under quarantine. An employee under quarantine does not need to be employed for 90 days by the same employer or require a medical note to be eligible.
  • Effective June 18th, changes were made to the Employment Standards Code which impacts temporary layoffs due to COVID-19. Now, any layoff due to COVID-19 can be for 180 consecutive days and you do not have to work any days in this period. You can be recalled within this period. If you are not recalled after 180 consecutive days of no work, then you are deemed to be terminated (and regular termination laws apply). This change applies to workers who were already laid off due to COVID-19 as of June 18th and those who are laid off after this date. For more information, see section 3(3) of Bill 24.
  • The terms of Ministerial Order 2020-26 (regarding healthcare workers working for more than one employer or at more than one worksite) continue to have effect for 18 months from August 14, 2020. For more information, see section 3(2) of Bill 24.
• For more information about job-protected leave and changes to employment standards, see the Government of Alberta’s Biz Connect page.
• The Alberta Human Rights Commission posted a reminder about human rights amid COVID-19.
• The Alberta Government has posted several occupational health and safety resources:
  • OHS publications
  • Biz Connect (resources for employers)

Federal

Benefits & Programs

• Canada announced three new benefits program, that start September 27 for one year:
  • Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) – $400 per week for up to 26 weeks for self-employed workers
  • Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) – $500 per week for up to two weeks for workers who are sick or must self-isolate because of COVID
  • Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) – $500 per week for up to 26 weeks per household for workers unable to work due to child or other dependent care responsibilities
  • For more information on each program, including eligibility, see Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.
• If you cannot work due to COVID-19 or are facing unemployment and you do not qualify for EI, you may be eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). See online for more information and eligibility criteria. You can apply through CRA MyAccount or My Service Canada Account. CERB is available for a total of 28 weeks between March 15, 2020 and October 3, 2020. You must apply by December 2, 2020 for retroactive payments for within that period. See Government of Canada CERB Q&A page for more info.
• If you are a student and cannot work due to COVID-19, you may be eligible for the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB). The CESB will provide eligible students with $1250 per month from May to August. The amount can go up to $1750 if the student is caring for a dependent or has a disability. Benefit is available from May 2020 to August 2020. You must apply by September 30, 2020. See online for more information and to apply.
• The Work-Sharing program is introducing temporary measures to support employees and employers. These measures are in place from March 15, 2020 to March 14, 2021. The Work-Sharing Program allows workers to agree to work reduced hours and receive income support. More information about Work-Sharing and COVID-19.
• Temporary foreign workers can still travel to Canada. See the Government of Canada’s notice for more information. See also the letter from Minsters to employers regarding the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, dated April 1, 2020.
• For more information about Canada’s support for individuals, see the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.

Federally-regulated Employees

• The following temporary changes apply for employees governed by Part III of the Canada Labour Code:
  • Employees are entitled to an unpaid job-protected leave of up to 24 weeks for any reason related to COVID-19 (effective March 25, 2020). Employees must give notice and may have access to CERB during this time.
  • Lay-off periods have been extended for some employees.
  • Employers are not required to provide a medical certificate to take a medical leave, compassionate care leave or a leave related to critical illness.
• These changes expire on September 30, 2020.
• See the Government of Canada’s labour and employment notice for more information.

Other Resources

• If you have been laid-off or your employment has been terminated, see these CPLEA resources for more information:
  • FAQs on termination and temporary lay-offs
  • Your Rights at Work – a collection of resources
  • You’ve Lost Your Job … Now What? booklet

Family Issues

• The Court of Queen’s Bench announced a Family Docket Court – a new starting point for all new family law issues in the Court of Queen’s Bench. See the Court’s website for more information.
• If you do not have a lawyer AND you are starting or wanting to have an ongoing matter brought into Provincial Court, you must contact a Family Court Counsellor first. For more information, including contact information for Family Court Counsellors across the province, see the Notice from the Provincial Court.
• Failing to comply with a court order regarding parenting time and contact could have negative consequences. If you cannot comply because of restrictions you are under due to COVID-19, having and documenting clear communication with the other parent is more important than ever. If you have concerns, you can talk to the other parent, your lawyer, or a mediator or arbitrator.

Government Service Updates

Alberta

• The City of Edmonton’s Tenant Support Services is closed to in-person services. Select services are still available over the phone. Visit their website for more information.
• Alberta Land Titles Offices in Edmonton and Calgary are closed to in-person counter services. For more information, call the Calgary Office at 403.297.6511 or the Edmonton office at 780.427.2742.
• Some motor vehicle registry services are available by phone, fax, mail or email. Contact your nearest registry for more information.

Housing & Real Estate (Rentals, Utilities, Etc.)

Alberta

• Protections in place for tenants (under the Residential Tenancies Act and Mobile Home Sites Tenancies Act) have now ended. See CPLEA’s COVID-19: Information for Alberta Landlords and Tenants for more information.

Federal

• For commercial tenants, Canada has partnered with each province, including Alberta, to create the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA). Eligible commercial property owners can reduce or forgive rent for small business tenants impacted by COVID-19. Extensions will be available for September 2020. For more information and to apply, see Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

Other resources 

• CPLEA resource, COVID-19: Information for Alberta Landlords and Tenants
• CPLEA resource, COVID-19: Tips for Condominiums
• For more information/tips on COVID-19 and real estate in Alberta (e.g., dealing with landlord, tenant, buyer and seller concerns with property showings and management), go to:
  • Real Estate Council of Alberta’s (RECA) COVID-19 and Real Estate
  • Alberta Real Estate Association COVID-19 Updates

Legal Services

• Many lawyers are working remotely right now and not seeing clients in person unless it is absolutely necessary.
• Many community and legal clinics are not seeing clients in person but are providing services by telephone:
  • Edmonton Community Legal Centre: Fill out their online Intake Form or call 780.702.1725. Lawyers and staff are still providing legal support by phone. Offices are closed to in-person services.
  • Student Legal Services (at the University of Alberta): Call their office for support. Offices are closed to in-person services.
  • Calgary Legal Guidance: Phone legal advice clinics are still running. Call 403.234.9266 for help. Offices are closed to in-person services.
  • Student Legal Assistance (University of Calgary): SLA is now accepting a limited number of new client appointments (remotely via Zoom, not in-person). If you are an existing client, call 403.220.6637 to leave a message or send an email to [email protected]. Offices are closed to in-person services.
  • Central Alberta Community Legal Clinic (Red Deer, Fort McMurray, Lloydminster, Medicine Hat): Services are available by telephone. Visit the website for clinics’ contact info. Offices are closed to in-person services.
  • Grande Prairie Legal Guidance: Services are available by telephone. Call 780.882.0036. Offices are closed to in-person services.
  • Lethbridge Legal Guidance: Services are available by telephone. Call 403.380.6338. Offices are closed to in-person services.
  • Legal Aid Alberta: Intake services are being completed by telephone for eligible criminal, family and immigration matters. Call 1.866.845.3425 to apply.
  • Resolution and Court Administration Services: Provides information about courts and resolution services in Alberta. Call 1.855.738.4747 or fill out the contact form for more information.
  • Pro Bono Law Alberta: Court-based programs (Civil Claims Duty Counsel and Queen’s Bench Court Assistance) are currently closed. Check out PBLA’s COVID-19 Resource Centre for more info.
• If you don’t qualify for a legal clinic but you need a lawyer and don’t know one, Lawyer Referral Service provides the names of three lawyers. Each lawyer should provide a half-hour consultation free of charge. Note that lawyers are not expected to give free legal advice during the free half-hour consultation. Call 1.800.661.1095 or fill out an online request form.

Money Issues (Taxes, Mortgages, Loans & Student Loans)

Alberta

• Repayment of Alberta student loans starts again on October 1, 2020. Interest did not accrue between March 30 and September 30, 2020. For more information, see Alberta Student Aid’s website.
• To learn more about what the Government of Alberta is doing, visit: COVID-19 Supports for Albertans.

Federal

• The deadline to pay any income tax amounts due between March 18, 2020 and August 31, 2020 is delayed until September 30, 2020. Penalties and interest will not be charged if payments are made by September 30, 2020.
• Repayment of Canada student loans starts again on October 1, 2020. Interest did not accrue between March 30 and September 30, 2020.
• For more information on what the Government of Canada is doing, visit:
  • Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
  • Employment and Social Development Canada

Public Health Orders

Alberta 

• Some cities and towns across the province are making bylaws requiring people to wear masks in certain places. Check your local government’s website for more information.
  • Calgary‘s Face Coverings Bylaw came into effect on August 1, 2020. People are required to wear masks on public transit, in public vehicles for hire (such as taxis, ride-sharing and Uber), in public indoor spaces (such as grocery stores, shopping malls and churches) and at City of Calgary facilities (such as City Hall and recreation centres).
  • Edmonton‘s Temporary Mandatory Face Coverings Bylaw also came into effect on August 1, 2020. People are required to wear face coverings in indoor public places (any place where the public can access) and public vehicles (such as ETS buses and LRT, Uber and taxis). See sections 5 and 6 of the bylaw for exceptions.
• Physical distancing measures and gathering restrictions remain in effect even as Alberta’s economy continues to open. See the Government of Alberta’s website for more information.
• Albertans can be fined at least $1000 for not obeying public health orders (including on gathering sizes, self-isolation when returning to Canada, self-isolation if diagnosed with COVID-19 or exhibiting symptoms, access to recreation and entertainment facilities, and access to long-term care and continuing care facilities). See the Government of Alberta webpage for more information.

Federal 

• Travellers returning to Canada must enter a mandatory 14-day quarantine. These travellers cannot use public transport to get places of isolation. Border officials will be collecting contact info to allow them to follow-up with travellers. This is a legal obligation. Failing to quarantine can result in fines or arrests. See the Government of Canada website for more info.

Schools

• Schools in Alberta are open under near normal operations with health measures (scenario 1).
• The government updates daily its webpage on COVID-19 cases in Alberta K-12 schools.
• School boards and schools may make additional guidelines for their schools. Check with your local school board or school for more information.
• Students in grades 4 to 12 and all staff must wear masks when physical distancing is not possible. This includes on school buses. Masks for students in kindergarten to grade 3 are optional. All staff and students will get 2 reusable masks.
• Staff members, parents, children or students should not enter a school (or ride a school bus) if they have symptoms of COVID-19.
• For more information, see:
  • Government of Alberta’s Guidance for School Re-entry – Scenario 1 document for all guidelines for returning to school
  • Government of Alberta’s K to 12 school re-entry webpage
  • Dr. Hinshaw’s Order (dated August 29, 2020)

Small Businesses, Entrepreneurs & Non-Profits

Alberta

• Small and medium-sized businesses (with less than 500 employees) affected by the pandemic will be eligible for a one-time relaunch payment of up to $5000 to help reopen their doors. The payment is meant for covering inventory, supplies, wages, rent and putting in protective measures. Application intake opens on June 29th and will remain open until August 31st or for 4 weeks following the start of Phase 3 of Alberta’s Relaunch Strategy (whichever is later). For more information and to apply, visit Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant
• The government has created Alberta Biz Connect to provide guidance and supports to businesses and non-profits as they start to re-open. The government has created guidelines for all workplaces and some specific to certain sectors. See Alberta Biz Connect webpage for more information.
• For commercial tenants, Canada has partnered with each province, including Alberta, to create the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA). Eligible commercial property owners can reduce or forgive rent for small business tenants impacted by COVID-19. Extensions will be available for September 2020. For more information and to apply, see Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
• Some employment laws have changed and other temporary measures are still in effect. See the Employment and Benefits section above for more information.

Federal

• Canada has several support programs available for businesses, including the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, the Canada Emergency Business Account, and the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance. There are also supports for self-employed individuals. For more information, go to the Government of Canada’s website.
• Canada has increased the amount of financing available, such as small business loans, working capital loans and purchase order financing. For more information, visit the BDC website.

See Charity Central for more COVID-19 updates for non-profits.

States of Emergency

• More information on Alberta’s State of Public Emergency (which ended on June 15th)
• More information on municipal states of local emergency
• More information on Canada’s Emergencies Act

Why is each city and province responding differently to COVID-19?

Canada is a federal state. This means Canada has two levels of government: provincial and federal. Under our constitution, each level of government has power to make laws about certain areas. Section 91 of the Constitution Act, 1867 sets out a list of areas (called heads of power) over which the federal government has jurisdiction to make laws. This includes regulating trade and commerce, unemployment insurance, taxes, postal services, the military, banking, airlines and shipping, money, borders and immigration, and criminal law.

Section 92 lists heads of power which the provincial governments have jurisdiction to make laws applicable in their own provinces. This includes healthcare, education, municipalities, property and civil rights in the province, courts, provincial taxes, drinking and gambling, natural resources (exploration, development and management), and all other provincially local matters.

When it comes to COVID-19, Canada can make decisions about things it has power over. This includes the borders, unemployment insurance (EI), federal income taxes, federal student loans, etc.

Each province then has authority to make decisions about things it has power over. This includes the health care system, schools (K-12 and post-secondary), provincial taxes, registries (such as vehicle registration and drivers’ licenses), etc.

Each province can also delegate some of its authority to municipalities (towns and cites) within its borders. In Alberta, municipalities have certain powers under the Municipal Government Act. Each municipality can make bylaws, including about where people can smoke and drink in public, property taxes, speed limits, etc.

Travel

• The border between Canada and the US remains closed until at least September 21st. Only essential travel, trade and commerce is allowed, as well as families reuniting. See here for more information on border restrictions.
• All airline passengers must wear a non-medical mask or face covering covering their mouth and nose during travel. Passengers will also go through a health check before boarding. You will not be allowed to board if you are showing any symptoms of COVID-19, have been refused boarding in the past 14 days due to a medical reason related to COVID-19 or are subject to a provincial or local public health order.
• Any travellers entering Canada must quarantine for 14 days if they do not have symptoms or isolate for 14 days if they do have symptoms. Travellers cannot use public transport to get to places of isolation. Border officials will be collecting contact info to allow them to follow-up with travellers. This is a legal obligation. Failing to quarantine can result in fines or arrests. See the Government of Canada website for more info.
• Canadians who are stuck abroad may be eligible for an emergency loan of up to $5,000. This loan is through the COVID-19 Emergency Loan Program for Canadians Abroad. For more information, visit COVID-19 Financial Help for Canadians.
• Canadians who are abroad (either on vacation or living) can register with Registration of Canadians Abroad. This is a free service that allows the Government of Canada to contact you in case of an emergency abroad or a personal emergency at home. Register online.
• See all of Canada’s travel advice.