Yesterday, the Premier of Ontario ordered all non-essential workplaces to close, effective 11.59 pm tonight. You can find the details of the announcement here.

 

A listing of workplaces deemed essential was also released late yesterday and can be found here. MPC has confirmed with the Ontario government that companies “in the supply chain providing services to the banks and lending institutions,” are included. This includes mortgage brokers. Additional related industries also deemed essential include (65.) lawyers and accountants, and (67.) land registration services, and real estate agent services and moving services.

 

 

Businesses not included in the essential services list may still conduct business, just not from their usual workplace. The government is imploring Ontarians to work from home wherever possible.

 

The government intends businesses to implement work from home mechanisms as a best practice. While home inspectors and appraisers are not listed as essential, they are not precluded from working, although many will have amended business processes given the COVID-19 outbreak. In short, business is expected to continue, albeit in an amended fashion given appropriate restrictions on physical proximity and contact imposed by businesses for the well-being of their staff.