The Provincial Health Officer declared a public health emergency on March 17, 2020. The Declaration is authorized under Part 5 – Emergency Powers of the Public Health Act.
Local governments should be aware that during an emergency Part 5 of the Public Health Act applies despite any provision of the Public Health Act or any other enactment to the extent that there is any inconsistency or conflict with that provision or another enactment. This includes in relation to the collection, use or disclosure of personal information, the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Personal Information Protection Act. Further, this also applies to a provision that would impose a specific duty, limit or procedural requirement in respect of a specific person or thing.
