On April 2, the Government of Canada released a guidance document with a list of services and functions that are deemed essential to Canada’s critical infrastructure.

According to Public Safety Canada, governments at all levels and the private sector need clear advice when it comes to determining the services and functions that are essential in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness released the “Guidance on Essential Services and Functions in Canada During the COVID-19 Pandemic” to assist various jurisdictions and businesses in their decision-making around the types of employees considered essential to maintain the health, safety, security and economic well-being of Canadians throughout this health crisis.

“Through this incredibly challenging time, Canadians want the services they rely on every day for their health and safety and economic well-being to continue. We have put together this guidance to help support critical infrastructure employers in identifying and managing their workforce while responding to COVID-19,” said Blair.

The document lists services from the country’s 10 critical infrastructure sectors – Energy and Utilities, Information and Communication Technologies, Finance, Health, Food, Water, Transportation, Safety, Government and Manufacturing.

The guidance should not be considered to be a federal directive or standard.