Dear OCNI Members, Partners, and Customers,

To support our members during this time of uncertainty, we will be collecting important resources and providing guidance to the many SME’s that comprise a significant part of the nuclear supply chain. Check back regularly for updates on programs that have been put in place to support nuclear businesses during COVID-19.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources

OCNI has complied a list of resources to help you stay informed on the materials available during COVID-19. Please share these materials, bookmark this page, and continue to check back for up-to-date information.

OCNI RESOURCES

  • OCNI Temporary Work From Home Guidelines
    Read Now
  • OCNI Retooling/Giving Back Booklet
    Read Now

INDUSTRY UPDATES/RESOURCES

GOVERNMENT RESOURCES

Ontario: Government shutdown of all non-essential services

Following the most recent advice from Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, on December 26, 2020, Ontario updated the list of essential businesses that can remain open during government shutdown. The restrictions aim to further reduce contact between people, preventing hospitals from becoming overwhelmed and stopping the spread of COVID-19.

OCNI and member companies are exempt from closure during this shutdown as we are considered essential to the province’s nuclear energy infrastructure. Businesses can remain open but must follow proper health and safety measures. For any case-specific questions related to the provincial order, please call the Ontario Stop the Spread hotline at 1-888-444-3659.

Ontario: List of Essential Workplaces

For this order, businesses include any-for-profit, non-profit or other entity providing the goods and services described herein. This does not preclude the provision of work and services by entities not on this list either online, by telephone or by mail/delivery. Note that teleworking and online commerce are permitted for all businesses.

Supply Chains

Businesses that supply other essential businesses or essential services within Ontario, or that supply businesses or services that have been declared essential in a jurisdiction outside of Ontario, with the support, products, supplies, systems, or services, including processing, packaging, warehousing, distribution, delivery, and maintenance necessary to operate, are considered essential.

Note: Businesses that are exempt from the shutdown will not require any permits or other formal confirmation of an “Essential Workplace” status. 

via: Ontario Government

Read the full list of shutdown restrictions effective December 26, 2020 here.

New changes to Employment Act

On March 19, the Government of Ontario amended the Employment Standards Act to increase job protection for employees impacted by COVID-19. In Ontario, employers have the option to temporarily lay off employees for up to 13 weeks. After 13 weeks, the layoff becomes permanent and severance pay rules will apply.

New changes extend job-protection measures to employees unable to perform their duties due to COVID-19, including that the employee is under medical investigation, supervision or treatment; that the employee is in quarantine or isolation; that the employee is providing care or support to another individual; or that the employee is affected by travel restrictions.

Full release here.

OHIP Coverage

The Government of Ontario will cover the cost of COVID-19 related services for uninsured individuals who do not meet the criteria for Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) coverage. 3-month waiting period for OHIP coverage is also waived.

More information on OHIP can be found here.

For more useful information, please read the following resources: