As you are likely aware, there are significant changes just around the corner in regards to our government’s COVID restrictions and mandates, which WILL impact your business.

Small businesses have been navigating mask mandates and other COVID protocols put into place to curb the spread of the virus for over two years. And now, business owners will need to pivot once again, away from government mandates and implement their own rules and policies. There is no doubt that this will present an array of new challenges!

Below is an updated summary of the upcoming changes to provincial, federal and municipal COVID mandates.

ONTARIO/PROVINCIAL

Effective March 14, 2022
* Mandatory vaccination policies end.
* Organizations can continue to retain their own policies and keep their own requirements in place.
* All other regulatory requirements for businesses removed, including passive screening, safety plans.
* Individuals may continue to choose to wear masks (optional).

March 21, 2022
Most mask mandates will be lifted.

March 28, 2022
The Reopening Ontario Act will expire, meaning Premier Doug Ford can’t use that legislation to issue new pandemic management orders.

Remaining orders under the act will last for another month, but after that the province will be unable renew them again.

April 27, 2022
* Essentially all public health measures against COVID will end.
* Remove masking requirements in all remaining settings (e.g. public transit, long-term care and other health care settings).

CITY OF TORONTO/MUNICIPAL
* Will be following Provincial guidelines.

FEDERALLY REGULATED BUSINESSES

The federal government is still planning to proceed with mandatory vaccination requirements for all federally regulated employees. No date yet as to when this will take effect.

Following are the anticipated employer responsibilities under the Proposed Regulations for Federally Regulated Businesses:
1. Ensure employers obtain an attestation of vaccination or proof of vaccination from all employees.
2. Employers should not ask employees who can’t get vaccinated due to legitimate human rights reasons to swear an attestation or provide proof of vaccination.
3. In consultation with the policy committee, or if there is no policy committee, with the workplace committee or the health and safety representative, conduct a workplace assessment to identify whether any additional measures are necessary to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in the workplace before an exempted employee attends a workplace controlled by the employer.
4. When necessary, take additional measures to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in the workplace before an exempted employee attends a workplace controlled by the employer.
5. In consultation with the policy committee, or if there is no policy committee, with the workplace committee or the health and safety representative, identify the limited circumstances when employees who are not required to attend the workplace are excluded from having to provide an attestation of vaccination or proof of vaccination.
6. Keep a record of:
* The COVID-19 vaccination status of employees, including the attestations of vaccination or proofs of vaccination.
* The completed workplace assessments and any preventive measures taken.

No guidelines yet on steps to be taken if employee refuses to be vaccinated but this is one of the questions being considered during the consultation process.

There will be differing views on how and whether ongoing protocols should still be implemented by businesses, especially as we return to an office setting. The reactions of employees who disagree with the position a business takes on mitigations, can have a profound impact. It will be vital to approach employees with empathy and have regular, open communication to ensure that the business’ return to work/office plan is safely and effectively executed, with minimal frustration or push-back (if possible).

Our consultants can support your organization through this challenging period, we welcome an opportunity to chat with you about your current workplace and any plans you are considering to transition back to a mask-free office environment.

Please contact us for a complimentary consultation at inquiries@peakperformancehr.com inquiries@peakperformancehr.com or call 1-800-674-3471. Please visit our website for more information about our fractional, flexible HR solutions at www.peakperformancehr.com