This article provides a concise summary of selected Canadian economic events, as well as international and financial market developments by calendar month. It is intended to provide contextual information only to support users of the economic data published by Statistics Canada. To read the full version of this report, please click here. 

COVID-19 timeline

  • The Government of Nunavut extended the territory’s public health emergency until September 30th.
  • The Government of Nova Scotia renewed the state of emergency until October 3rd.
  • The City of Calgary announced on September 3rd it had declared a State of Local Emergency to support efforts to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
  • The Government of the Northwest Territories extended the territory-wide Public Health Emergency until October 12th.
  • The Government of Alberta on September 15th declared a state of public health emergency.
  • The Government of Manitoba continued the extension of the state of emergency, effective September 22nd, for a period of 30 days.
  • The Government of New Brunswick on September 24th announced it was reinstating a state of emergency.

Selected COVID Responses 

  • On September 1st, the Government of Ontario announced it would require people to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of their vaccination status to access certain businesses and settings, including restaurants and bars, facilities used for sport and fitness activities, sporting events, casinos, concerts, theatres, and cinemas, starting September 22nd.
  • On September 2nd, the Government of Manitoba announced new public health orders that made mask use mandatory at indoor public places.
  • On September 3rd, the Government of Alberta announced temporary measures to reduce transmission and prevent the health-care system from being overwhelmed, and that effective September 4th including mandatory masks for all indoor public spaces and workplaces. As of September 16, mandatory work-from-home measures were put in place. As of September 20th more measures came into effect including: 
    • Attendance will limited to one-third capacity for retail, entertainment, and recreation facilities, including indoor venues, libraries, conferences, rental spaces, concerts, nightclubs, casinos, and similar;
    • Individuals will be required to provide government-issued proof of immunization, or a negative privately paid COVID-19 test, to access a variety of participating social, recreational, and discretionary events and businesses throughout the province, including restaurants, bars, and indoor organized events.
  • On September 7th, the Government of Prince Edward Island announced that Step 5 of the Moving Forward plan would be implemented over time, with border and travel measures, including screening, testing, self-isolation, and the PEI Pass remaining in place until at least mid-October.
  • On September 8th, the Government of Nova Scotia announced it would move into Phase 5 of its reopening plan on September 15th and that wearing masks in indoor public places would no longer be mandatory but remain strongly recommended. 
  • On September 24th, the Government announced a mandatory order would come into effect on September 25th which includes a number of additional measures. Physical distancing is required at businesses, services, or events where proof of vaccination is not required, such as grocery and retail stores, private businesses, and libraries.
  • On September 16th, the Government of Saskatchewan announced new measures to address health care capacity pressures caused by rising case rates, and that effective September 17th, an interim province-wide mandatory masking order will be implemented for all indoor public spaces. 
  • On September 21st, the Government of the United States announced it was extending restrictions on non-essential travel at land and ferry crossings with Canada and Mexico until October 21st.

Other news

  • The Bank of Canada announced it held its target for the overnight rate at the effective lower bound of 0.25%. 
  • The Northwest Territory’s minimum wage increased from $13.46 per hour to $15.20 per hour on September 1st.
  • Amazon.com, Inc., announced that Amazon Canada will hire 15,000 full-and part-time employees throughout the fall. Amazon said full-and part-time employees will also receive an additional $1.60 to $2.20 per hour, starting immediately, regardless of the tenure with the company.

To read the full version of this report, please click here. 

Source: Statistics Canada