CAEM Update – March 10, 2022

FEDERAL UPDATE

  • With the Federal government's hardest hit support programs (i.e. Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program  – THRP) set to wind down this month and end on May 7th, coupled with the fact our sector is just beginning the slow road to recovery, it is imperative that we let government know that just because there is progress, we are a long way from recovery and still need support.   

With the Federal Budget currently being drafted and set to be tabled in April, the next 10 days are critical to make sure government truly understands that reopening does not mean recovery.

  • The Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses is leading the charge in this important effort and have expanded their key asks to include not only the extension to the THRP, but are also advocating for a clear and predicable open border, as well as a dedicated labour strategy to further assist hardest hit businesses in their recovery.  You will find a one page overview of the asks here.
  • How can you help? Send a letter to your MP TODAY!  It will take less than a minute and we know these letters have a major impact when MPs receive them en masse.
    • Click to send your letter English Letter   French Letter
    • Tweet your support! Twitter is the platform most used by MPs and decision makers.  Use the hashtags #onthebrink and #staywithus – click here for pre-populated templates that will take you directly to your Twitter account. 

Thank you in advance taking action on this important initiative today.  Your action will make a difference!

PROVINCIAL UPDATE

With the ongoing lifting of public health measures across the country we wanted to provide a recap of the situation in each province.  To stay up-to-date on the reopening plans in each province, visit CAEM's website

Alberta


    • On February 8th, Premier Jason Kenney announced a 3-step plan to gradually lift public health measures.  With the move to Step 1, which was implemented February 8th the Restrictions Exemption Program was ended.  This means proof of vaccination is no longer required to access most public spaces, including trade and consumer shows.

       

       

    • Step 2 of Alberta’s reopening plan came into effect on March 1st and included the following:

 

      • Capacity limits lifted for all venues
      • Limits on social gatherings removed
      • The provincial mask mandate lifted in most settings, However masking will still be required in high-risk settings such as public transit, Alberta Health Services operated facilities and all continuous care settings.

 

 

Please visit the Alberta government website for more information.

British Columbia

  • Premier John Horgan announced  that effective February 16th capacity limits would be lifted for personal gatherings, organized gatherings and events, nightclubs, bars and restaurants, exercise and fitness, and adult sports tournaments.  This means that trade and consumer shows can operate at 100% capacity.
  • The restrictions currently in place include:
    • Proof of vaccination is required
    • Masks required in all indoor spaces
    • COVID-19 Safety Plans must be in place
  • Provincial Health Officer Bonnie Henry is expected to make an announcement today (March 10) detailing the timeline to lift proof of vaccination requirements and the mask mandate. 

Please visit the BC government website for more information. 

Ontario

  • Chief Medical Officer Kieran Moore announced on March 9th that with the peak of Omicron now passed, Ontario will remove the mandatory masking requirement for most settings on March 21stwith the exception of select settings such as public transit, health care settings, long-term care homes and congregate care settings. It is anticipated that mask requirements will be lifted in these remaining settings on April 27.
  • In addition to the removal of the mask mandate on March 21st, remaining regulatory requirements for businesses including passive screening and safety plans will also be removed.  For more information, you will find the deck from the Ministry of Health technical briefing here.  
  • A reminder that on March 1st, Ontario lifted all capacity limits and the proof of vaccination program was ended. 

Please visit the Ontario government website for more information. 

Quebec

  • Trade and consumer shows continue to be subject to the same rules as commercial establishments and as a result can operate at full capacity.   Restaurant measures are in place for food and beverage areas.   Details available here.
  • On February 16th, the vaccine passport requirement was lifted in retail businesses over 1500m2,  including trade and consumer shows.
  • The mask mandate remains in place at this time but is anticipated to be lifted by mid-April. 

An overview of the measures currently in place in Quebec and the timeline for lifting them can be found here.

Manitoba

  • Effective March 1st, the proof of vaccination requirement is no longer in place and capacity limits for events have been lifted.
  • The mask mandate for indoor spaces is scheduled to be lifted on March 15th.

Please visit the Manitoba government website for more information.

Saskatchewan

  • The proof of vaccination requirement for certain public facilities was lifted on February 14th with mandatory masking in indoor public spaces lifted on February 28th.
  • There are no capacity limits in place in Saskatchewan for public venues.

Please visit the Saskatchewan government website for more information.

New Brunswick

  • As of February 28th, proof of vaccination is no longer required.  Venues are at full capacity.
  • All remaining restrictions will be lifted on March 14th including the mandatory wearing of masks.

Please visit the New Brunswick government website for more information.

Nova Scotia

  • A 3-phase plan was enacted  on February 14th and the Province is currently in Phase 2 of reopening which came into effect on March 7th.
  • Under Phase 2, large event venues with 100,000 square feet or more (like Scotiabank Centre and Centre 200, Halifax Exhibition Centre) can operate at 75% of the venue’s capacity up to 5,000 people (indoor and outdoor) while maintaining a physical distance of 2 metres (6 feet) as much as possible between groups of spectators. Wearing a mask is required (except when you’re eating or drinking). You don’t need to go to a designated area for eating and drinking (you can lower your mask to eat or drink when seated). Organizers must also have a COVID-19 Prevention Plan.
  • Phase 3 is expected to be implemented on March 21st and it is anticipated that all remaining restrictions will be lifted.

Please visit the Nova Scotia government website for more information.

Prince Edward Island

  • A 3-phase approach is in place with the province currently in Step 1. This means a 50% capacity limit is in place for events, with organizers required to maximize the use of space to allow for as much physical distancing as possible.  The PEI Vax pass was discontinued on February 28th.
  • Step 2 is expected to begin on March 17th with capacity limits increasing to 75%.  Step 3 is expected to come into effect on April 7th with the plan being to remove all capacity limits and remove masking requirements. 

Please visit the PEI government website for more information.

Newfoundland & Labrador

  • The province has developed a three-stage plan to remove all restrictions including proof of vaccination, mandatory mask wearing, and lifting of capacity limits by March 14th.
  • The Province is currently in Phase 2 of reopening, which means venues can operate at 75% capacity, proof of vaccination is required and the mask mandate is in place.

Please visit the Newfoundland & Labrador government website for more information.

2022 CAEM WEBINAR SERIES

FINDING WORK-LIFE BALANCE AS THE EXPOSTION INDUSTRY REOPENS

Tuesday, March 22  1:00PM – 2:00PM ET 

The challenges we have faced in the last 2 years have exacted a significant toll on our personal and professional lives.  Further, the way we do business and operate within our organizations has changed significantly.  As wonderful as it is that our industry is now reopening, and we can finally get back to doing what we love and do best – the reality is many of us are dealing with compressed planning cycles, smaller teams and increased workloads and responsibilities.  Add this to the return to the office and show site after 2 years, plus the myriad of other stressors in our professional and personal lives and it is easy to feel that work-life balance is out of reach.  

In this webinar you will be walked through a simple and effective process that will help you pinpoint exactly where your life is out of balance, the steps you can take to bring it back to alignment, and how you can enlist the support you need in a way that is respectful and effective. 

A great session for all team members in all organizations to help reset, find balance, focus, and achieve great results as our industry reopens and rebuilds.   

About the Speaker | Michelle Johnston

Michelle Johnston is a Workplace Wellness Specialist and the Founder of WorkingWell; an organization dedicated to elevating and transforming the employee-employer relationship through the delivery of Workplace Wellness services. As a pioneer in her industry, with over two decades of experience helping Top Employers across the country to create cultures of trust, respect, and well-being. 

Michelle is a dynamic speaker who engages her audiences through the sharing of frameworks, strategies and information that have been proven to work.

REGISTRATION:

CAEM Members: FREE OF CHARGE

Employees from a Member Company:  $15 plus tax
(A special rate is available for employees who are not CAEM members, but the organization they work for is a member of CAEM. Please email [email protected] for a registration code.)

Non-members: $65 plus tax

REGISTER TODAY