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As COVID-19 cases continue to decline or hit zero in some provinces and localities throughout Canada, food businesses are continuing to see the easing of restrictions that have hindered business since the early days of the pandemic. While not all provinces and territories are lifting restrictions on food businesses, those that have done so are seeing a ‘new normal’ emerge. Food businesses that have reopened will be operating within provincial regulations to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The following is a list of where all provinces and territories stand with regards to food business restrictions as of June 8:
Alberta
Alberta is currently in Phase 1 of reopening. In this phase, food businesses such as restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars can reopen for dine-in service. However, food businesses that have reopened are required to operate at 50% capacity.
Read the entire Alberta Relaunch Strategy here.
British Columbia
British Columbia is currently in Phase 2 of reopening which has allowed restaurants, cafes and pubs to reopen. Sufficient distancing measures must be maintained as a condition of reopening.
Read the entire BC Restart Plan here.
Manitoba
Manitoba is currently in Phase 2 of its reopening plan. Under this phase, restaurants, bars and other food businesses are permitted to operate patio and dine-in services. The conditions for reopening dine-in service are maintaining occupancy limits of 50% of normal business levels, and rearranging seating and tables to maintain a two-metre distance between groups of diners. These same restrictions are applied to the reopening of patios.
Read the entire Restoring Safe Services Plan here.
New Brunswick
New Brunswick is currently in the “Yellow level” of reopening. In the previous reopening level — the “Orange level” — food businesses such as restaurants and bars were permitted to reopen as long as physical distancing measures are respected (except for brief exchanges when they cannot be avoided). Food businesses are also subject to the COVID-19 general guidance.
Read the entire Recovery Plan here.
Newfoundland and Labrador
As of June 8, Newfoundland and Labrador has moved into Alert Level 3 of its reopening plan. In this alert level, restaurants are permitted to reopen at reduced capacity and must maintain a minimum of two-metre physical distance for both staff and customers. Buffets are prohibited, and bars and lounges remain closed in this phase.
Read the entire Alert Level System here.
Northwest Territories
The Northwest Territories is currently in Phase 1 of its reopening plan. In this phase, the dine-in areas of restaurants and bars remain closed. Food businesses are permitted to conduct take-out and delivery services.
Read the entire Emerging Wisely Plan here.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is one of the few provinces not taking a phased approach to reopening. Instead, the province will be opening up with strict guidelines that must be adhered to. Currently, dine-in restaurants and bars are permitted to be open as long as they can ensure physical distancing measures are met.
Read the entire Preparing to Reopen Plan here.
Nunavut
Nunavut is following a plan that considers low, medium and high-risk measures as it eases restrictions. Different activities, events and businesses are categorized as either low, medium or high-risk and that will determine when they can reopen. Food businesses are categorized as medium-risk and high-risk, and thus they remain closed to the public at this time.
Read the entire Reopening Plan here.
Ontario
Ontario is taking a regional phased approach to its reopening. Currently, the entire province is in Phase 1 of reopening, which prohibits food businesses from conducting dine-in services (take-out and delivery services are permitted). As of Friday, June 12, areas that are outside of the 'Golden Horseshoe' and are not border communities with the US will move into Phase 2 of reopening. Phase 2 permits restaurants, bars, and other food businesses to open for outdoor dining on patios and other outside spaces. The province has announced that licensed establishments will be permitted to set up or expand outdoor dining spaces without an application fee to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. Indoor shopping malls will also be permitted to reopen under Phase 2, with food services reopening for take-out and outdoor dining only.
Read the entire Reopening Framework here.
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island is currently in Phase 3 of its reopening plan. In this phase, food businesses are permitted to reopen for dine-in services however only 50 customers are permitted within the premises (additional customers are permitted on patios).
Read the entire Renew PEI Plan here.
Quebec
The province of Quebec is not using a phased approach to reopening. Reopening is conducted by sector, and under the current restrictions, food businesses are not permitted to conduct dine-in services (take-out and delivery services are permitted).
Read the entire Reopening Plan here.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan has officially moved into Phase 3 as of June 8. In this phase, restaurants and food services have been given the green light to reopen. Food businesses must maintain a 50% capacity limit as a condition of reopening to the public. A two-metre distance must be maintained between dining parties along with other restrictions.
Read the entire Reopen Saskatchewan Plan here.
Yukon
Yukon is currently in Phase 1 of its reopening plan. Within this phase, food businesses such as restaurants are permitted to conduct dine-in services at 50% capacity. Bars are currently not permitted to reopen to the public at this time.
Read the entire Reopening Plan here.
