Today, the governments of Ontario and Quebec ordered the mandatory closure of all non-essential workplaces to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. In so doing, they have not yet defined what constitutes an essential activity, company or sector. This has caused much confusion and uncertainty.

CADSI has been on the phones with these provinces and the federal government to clarify what businesses are considered essential and to communicate the critical role the defence and security industry plays in Canada’s national security and defence, particularly in times of crisis.

The Government of Quebec has just confirmed that defence manufacturing and maintenance is an essential service. Government of Quebec — List of Essential Services here.  

Link: quebec.ca/sante/problemes-de-sante/a-z/coronavirus-2019/fermeture-endroits-publics-commerces-services-covid19

We expect to receive clarification from the Government of Ontario tomorrow. We will relay this information to you as soon as we receive it. Government of Ontario—News Release:

Link: news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/ontario-orders-the-mandatory-closure-of-all-non-essential-workplaces-to-fight-spread-of-covid-19.html

Both provinces encourage businesses, where possible, to convert to remote operations. This means that all, or part of your business may remain open as long as your employees can work from home.

We encourage all members to thoroughly review the communiques made by the provinces to see how your business may be impacted. We will continue to work at the federal level to ensure they can continue to operate across the country in support of our national defence and that of our close allies and security partners. We are also working with other national business organizations to ensure the government receives a consistent message from Canadian industry.

As soon as more details are available, we will be sure to inform you. In the meantime, if you have any concerns or if CADSI can assist you in anyway, please email Mindy Pearce at mindy@defenceandsecurity.ca.

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