Government of Canada provides guidance on services and functions deemed essential to Canada's critical infrastructure during COVID-19

OTTAWA, April 2, 2020 /CNW/ - Governments at all levels and the private sector need clear advice when it comes to determining the services and functions that are essential in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, has released the "Guidance on Essential Services and Functions in Canada During the COVID-19 Pandemic" to assist various jurisdictions and businesses in their decision-making around the types of employees considered essential to maintain the health, safety, security and economic well-being of Canadians throughout this health crisis.

The guidance document provides a list of services and functions across Canada's 10 critical infrastructure sectors: Energy and Utilities, Information and Communication Technologies, Finance, Health, Food, Water, Transportation, Safety, Government and Manufacturing.

The guidance will support critical infrastructure employers in identifying and managing their workforce, while fostering alignment and harmonization across sectors.

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

Quotes

"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."

– Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Quick Facts

• The guidance is based on the Canada's 10 critical infrastructure sectors identified in the National Strategy for Critical Infrastructure.
• The list of essential services and functions was developed in consultation with industry and labour representatives and provinces and territories.
• Public Safety Canada will continually consult on and amend the list as events unfold.

Quick Facts

• Canada.ca/Coronavirus

SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada

Mary-Liz Power, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, [email protected]; Media Relations, Public Safety Canada, 613-991-0657, [email protected]