SPECIAL REPORT — Retail stores in Newfoundland & Labrador are permitted to open without restrictions this week, while most Nova Scotia businesses were given the green light to resume operations last week. In Quebec, shopping malls are reopening outside of the Montreal area. The government has tabled Bill 61, which aims to streamline regulatory approval for infrastructure building projects. The province’s road construction group welcomes the legislation, but opposition parties have expressed concerns it could open the door to corruption, override civil liberties and weaken environmental protections.
Ontario is adopting a regional approach, based on COVID-19 rates in each local public health unit. Most units outside the densely populated Golden Horseshoe will be permitted to enter Stage 2 of reopening at the end of this week. Among the businesses included in this stage are shopping malls and personal care services.
