Canada provides guidance on services deemed essential during COVID-19

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​Ottawa, Apr 2 (Canadian-Media):  “Guidance on Essential Services and Functions in Canada During the COVID-19 Pandemic” were released Apr 2 by Bill Blair, Canada's Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, to advice businesses in the determination of the services and functions that are essential in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, media reports said.

Bill Blair. Image credit: Facebook page

“Through this incredibly challenging time, Canadians want the services they rely on every day for their health and safety and economic well-being to continue. We have put together this guidance to help support critical infrastructure employers in identifying and managing their workforce while responding to COVID-19,” said Bill Blair.

These guidelines help employees to consider services which are essential to maintain the health, safety, security and economic well-being of Canadians throughout this health crisis.

A list of services and functions are are provided by this guidance document across Canada’s 10 critical infrastructure sectors, which are: Energy and Utilities, Information and Communication Technologies, Finance, Health, Food, Water, Transportation, Safety, Government and Manufacturing. 

This list of essential services and functions, developed in consultation with industry and labour representatives and provinces and territories, would be amended as the need arises.

The guidance not only support critical infrastructure employers in identifying and managing their workforce but also in fostering alignment and harmonization across sectors.

The guidance which is advisory in nature is non-binding and should not be considered to be a federal directive or standard.