As Ontario becomes the latest province in Canada to announce plans to gradually reopen its economy amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many Canadians are wondering which provinces will be next to follow suit. With each province facing unique challenges and circumstances, it remains to be seen how quickly and effectively they will be able to safely lift restrictions and restart their economies.
In British Columbia, officials have been cautiously optimistic about the province’s progress in flattening the curve of COVID-19 cases. Premier John Horgan has stated that BC is not yet ready to fully reopen, but that the province is actively preparing for a gradual easing of restrictions in the coming weeks. British Columbia’s success in managing the outbreak may make it one of the first provinces to follow Ontario’s lead in reopening select businesses and services.
In Quebec, which has been the hardest hit province in Canada by the pandemic, Premier François Legault has been vocal about the need to restart the economy as soon as it is safe to do so. Quebec has already begun a phased reopening of retail stores and businesses outside of the Greater Montreal area, with plans to expand the loosening of restrictions in the coming weeks. If Quebec is successful in managing the outbreak in the densely populated Montreal region, it could provide a roadmap for other provinces looking to lift restrictions in urban centers.
Alberta has also shown signs of progress in controlling the spread of COVID-19, with Premier Jason Kenney stating that the province is on track to start reopening businesses and services in May. Alberta’s strong healthcare system and relatively low population density may make it well-positioned to start easing restrictions sooner rather than later, especially in regions outside of the major cities of Calgary and Edmonton.
Saskatchewan and Manitoba have both seen relatively low numbers of COVID-19 cases compared to other provinces, and both have already begun to relax some restrictions on businesses and gatherings. Premier Scott Moe of Saskatchewan has hinted at a further loosening of restrictions in the coming weeks, while Premier Brian Pallister of Manitoba has expressed optimism about the province’s ability to restart its economy in a measured way.
In Atlantic Canada, the smaller populations and more isolated geography of the East Coast provinces have allowed for relatively low numbers of COVID-19 cases. Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick have all seen success in containing the spread of the virus, leading to discussions about how and when to begin reopening businesses and services.
As each province navigates the delicate balance between protecting public health and restarting the economy, Canadians can expect to see a varied approach to lifting restrictions in the coming weeks and months. While some provinces may move quickly to reopen certain sectors, others may opt for a more cautious approach to ensure that a second wave of infections does not occur. Regardless of the timeline, the collective efforts of Canadians to flatten the curve and prevent the spread of COVID-19 will continue to be crucial in shaping the future of the country’s economy.
