Quebec and Ontario put security on essential services list

As a measure against the spread of COVID-19, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has ordered all non-essential businesses to close as of 11:59pm Tuesday, March 24, for at least 14 days. The Government of Quebec has enforced similar measures, which will take place just after midnight Wednesday until April 13. Both provinces have released lists of essential services and businesses that will be allowed to remain open.

In Quebec, public security services on the province’s essential services list include:

• police services, including municipal and Sûreté du Québec emergency call dispatching;
• fire departments;
• correctional services;
• special constables;
• security agencies;
• the Ministère de la Sécurité publique (civil protection and coroners);
• forest firefighters and all professionals who support civil protection operations;
• courthouses (staff needed to maintain minimal operations);
• communications services

In Ontario, the list includes:

• Businesses providing security services including private security guards; monitoring or surveillance equipment and services

Both provinces are allowing businesses that are practicing teleworking and e-commerce to remain operational. Refer to the official announcements from Quebec and Ontario for a complete list of all businesses that have been deemed essential.