ON - Legislation introduced to ensure measures remain when provincial declaration of emergency ends

The Ontario government introduced proposed legislation that, if passed, would provide the government with the flexibility to ensure select tools remain in place once the provincial declaration of emergency has ended. The latest declaration of emergency is in place until July 24.

Specifically, the legislation would:

• Continue emergency orders in effect under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) under the new legislation for an initial 30 days.
• Allow the Lieutenant Governor in Council to further extend these orders for up to 30 days at a time, as required to keep Ontarians safe.
• Allow the Lieutenant Governor in Council to amend certain emergency orders continued under the EMCPA if the amendment relates to:
  
  • labour redeployment or workplace and management rules;
  • closure of places and spaces or regulation of how businesses and establishments can be open to provide goods or services in a safe manner;
  • compliance with public health advice; or
  • rules related to gatherings and organized public events.
• Not allow new emergency orders to be created.
• Allow emergency orders to be rescinded when it is safe to do so.

The ability to extend and amend orders under the new legislation would be limited to one year, unless extended by the Ontario legislature.