EDMONTON (660 NEWS) — As the recovery continues from the COVID-19 pandemic, the provincial government has tabled a series of legislative changes to fill gaps after the state of public health emergency lapsed on June 15.
With amendments to 15 acts across seven ministries, the government said the intent of Bill 24 is to protect the health of Albertans while also supporting the re-opening of the economy.
Some highlighted changes include amendments concerning labour, childcare, and flexibility for municipalities.
“You might ask why we’re bringing this legislation instead of just extending the state of public health emergency,” said Health Minister Tyler Shandro.
“The answer is the state of emergency is a temporary tool and is no longer required. Alberta’s COVID-19 case numbers remain stable and our health care system is able to manage the demand for services.”
Shandro said the virus will be around for a long time, and they can instead make changes such as these that target various points of concern.
For labour, unpaid job-protected leave related to COVID-19 will be extended until August 2021, which will allow employees to get time off work to care for children or a relative without risk of being let go.
But on the other hand, the maximum time for temporary layoffs Is also being extended from 120 days to 180 days.
On questions about what would happen for someone who is sick for an extended period of time, or if there are thoughts about examining paid leave, Shandro referred them to the Ministry of Labour.
More guidance will be provided for childcare centres and programs, including increasing the maximum cohort group from ten to 30 staff and children in the hopes this will help more centres operate effectively.
Signing legal documents will stay streamlined in the meantime as well, with the ability to sign and witness estate and care documents through two-way video conferencing.
Health care workers will remain under the provision that they can only work at one site after early outbreaks of the virus at long-term care facilities were partially linked to staff moving between different centres, and respiratory equipment standards are being extended for another year.
The government also wants to make it easier to share information about how to keep everyone safe, which will be of assistance to police, home care workers and the health care system.
Get used to screenings at the airport and land border crossings, with the methods remaining in place along with travellers requiring an isolation plan if they have been out of the country in order to limit spread.
For municipalities, they will have some more freedom in responding to future COVID-19 outbreaks or other crises by allowing for temporary facilities such as drive-thru testing centres to be opened when required.
And even with the public health emergency now over, the chief medical officer of health will still be able to issue unilateral orders when required, without that emergency being in place.
Shandro was questioned about some other emerging concerns, such as being required to wear masks in public places like transit and how to manage concerns at businesses.
“I think we’ve made it clear that we, as a government, have no interest in mandatory masking,” said Shandro, as he added that it will be up to personal responsibility.
For businesses like restaurants, there will still have to be updated guidance around how customers and staff can stay protected and Shandro said this is still a very emerging situation.
“We’re seeing new research that is being published every day, let alone every week,” he said.
Some other changes include creating a new regulation-making authority to support orders from the chief medical officer of health when required, with a note that all orders made up to this point remain in place.
There is an extension on the release of Alberta’s annual report and financial statements, which will now come at the end of August rather than the end of June.
Finally, Albertans will retain a right to appeal claims related to private career colleges, or for the government to make claims related to student financial assistance, and the grace period for expired apprenticeship and industry training board members from three to five months to ensure a safe and stringent recruiting process for replacements.
