In recent weeks, Alberta's Chief Medical Officer of Health
issued various public health orders in response to the COVID-19
outbreak. These public health orders, along with various ministerial orders and direction from the
Federal Government, are aimed at controlling the spread of
COVID-19. As a result, several businesses and facilities are
mandated to be closed, including non-essential retail, personal
services businesses, schools and daycares. These closures, while
necessary, are significantly and negatively impacting economic
activity in Alberta.
Alberta's economy has been further impacted by the falling
price of oil. In response, on April 6, 2020, Alberta's
government announced temporary changes to the Alberta
Employment Standards Code, which will provide further
flexibility for Alberta employers in their attempts to respond to
the present economic crisis.
