Lockdown Order Definition Extended to March 12

Summary#

These final regulations change the definition of a “lockdown order” in the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit Act. They let regions with public-health limits on how many people can be in a place (capacity limits) qualify for the benefit for a longer, specific period. The change came into force on February 13, 2022.

What it does#

• Extends the temporary rule that treats public-health orders that cut capacity by 50% or more as “lockdown orders” so it applies from December 19, 2021 through March 12, 2022 (previously the special rule ended February 12, 2022).
• Keeps in the definition the more serious measures that always qualified: full closures of non‑essential premises and stay‑at‑home requirements.
• Removes the requirement that orders from municipalities or local public‑health authorities be formally acknowledged by a province or territory before they can be considered for the benefit. This makes it faster to consider local orders.
• Does not change other rules of the benefit (like who can apply or how long the overall program runs).

Who's affected#

• People who lost work, were unable to work as self‑employed, or had their income cut by at least 50% because of COVID‑19 public‑health measures in a region.
• Employers and small businesses in regions with capacity limits or closures.
• The program administrator, the Canada Revenue Agency, and the department recommending designations, Employment and Social Development Canada.
• Provincial, territorial and municipal public‑health authorities (because their local orders can now be considered more directly).
• It’s unclear from the regulation whether any particular communities or workplaces beyond those above will be treated differently; designation decisions are still made case‑by‑case.

Why it matters#

• The change aims to make the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit easier to use where many places are operating at reduced capacity, not just where there are full lockdowns. That can speed up income support for workers affected by large‑scale capacity limits during the Omicron wave.
• The government estimated weekly program costs under the expanded definition at about $61.5 million (low estimate) to $112.3 million (high estimate), based on early application numbers.
• Removing the provincial acknowledgement step reduces administrative delay when assessing local public‑health orders, so eligible workers may get faster access to benefits.