A provincial or territorial or public health agency declaration of a state of emergency is normally issued in response to a dangerous situation of “major proportions,” which could result in serious harm to a person or substantial damage to property. It means that the federal government can use every power possible, not contrary to the law, in order to protect the property, health, safety and welfare of its residents.
By declaring an emergency, the government or public health can enforce emergency orders, such as regulating or prohibiting travel, establishing emergency shelters and hospitals, or closing any place whether public or private. It also means the government can fix prices for necessary goods, services and resources and prohibit charging excessive prices.
Asking for the immediate closure of all indoor recreational programs, all public libraries, all public and private schools, all licensed child care centres, all bars and restaurants (except to the extent that such facilities provide takeout food and delivery), all theatres and cinemas and all concert venues. All organized events with more than 50 people (numbers can vary depending on the province) are also prohibited, including parades, events and services within places of worship.
- On March 13, 2020, Quebec declared a state of emergency,
- On March 16, 2020, Prince Edward Island declared a state of emergency
- On March 17, 2020, Ontario declared a state of emergency,
- On March 17, 2020, Alberta declared a state of emergency. The state of emergency ended on June 15, 2020,
- On March 17, 2020, British Columbia declared a state of emergency
- On March 18, 2020, Saskatchewan declared a state of emergency
- On March 18, 2020, Newfoundland and Labrador declared a state of emergency
- On March 18, 2020, Yukon declared a state of emergency
- On March 18, 2020, the Northwest Territories declared a state of emergency
- On March 19, 2020, New Brunswick declared a state of emergency
- On March 20, 2020, Nunavut declared a state of emergency
- On March 20, 2020, Manitoba declared a state of emergency
- On March 22, 2020, Nova Scotia declared a state of emergency
as their respective province or territory tries to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Certain regions and municipalities under emergency legislation also have the power to declare states of emergencies. For example, the City of Red Deer in Alberta has declared a state of local emergency as the province continues its efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19. On March 21, 2020, the mayor of Burlington, Ontario, declared a state of emergency in the city due to the COVID-19 outbreak. On March 23, 2020, the City of Toronto declared a state of emergency as well. Other cities have followed since.
