Many employees to be compensated for scheduled shifts
Canadian employers continue to announce they are temporarily closing shop to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Desjardins is closing 523 points of services across Canada, leaving 349 branches open starting Mar. 18.
"It's an unprecedented situation we're all facing together. It's going to mean making decisions that are tough but necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19. Despite the circumstances, we're committed to continuing to serve our members and clients," says Guy Cormier, president and CEO of Desjardins.
Hudson’s Bay is also closing all its stores for the next two weeks. During this closure, store associates will be paid for all scheduled shifts that were planned for the two weeks, says the company.
For customers that have placed a “Buy Online Pick Up in Store” order, the company is arranging curbside pickup. It also anticipates some delay with the delivery of furniture and appliances but said it will continue to deliver. The company has also extended its return policy by 30 days.
DAVIDsTEA has closed all of its stores in North America until further notice. The chain will continue to offer its products directly to consumers through its online store and in more than 2,500 supermarkets and drugstores across Canada.
All 107 Keg locations across Canada and select U.S. have closed for at least two weeks. The company said it will continue to support its 10,000 employees “by providing resources to minimize their financial burden.”
All L'Oréal Canada retail stores – including Kiehl's, NYX Professional Makeup and Atelier Cologne across Canada as well as its Beauty Outlets sales in Toronto – have been closed until further notice to help protect employees and customers from the threat of COVID-19.
Indigo Books & Music announced the temporary closure of all its retail locations until Mar. 27. The company says it will provide full pay to those with scheduled shifts.
"As this situation continues to evolve, we believe that this temporary shut-down is an opportunity to do our part as members of team Canada to control the spread of COVID-19 and keep our employees, customers and broader community safe," says Heather Reisman, Indigo CEO.
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has also announced the closure of all casinos across Ontario while New Brunswick has shut down all non-essential government services.
