Toronto, Ontario — On Apr. 3, Ontario’s provincial government refined its list of essential businesses allowed to operate amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collision repair facilities and their correlated supply chains remain essential services in the province.
All businesses not covered by the updated Emergency Order were forced to close their doors as of Sat., Apr. 4 at 11:50 p.m. The closure will be in effect for 14 days, with the possibility of extension as the situation evolves.
“We are facing a critical moment in the fight against COVID-19 and we must do everything in our power to keep everyone safe and healthy and prevent our health care system from being overwhelmed,” said Ontario Premier Doug Ford. “If you are not an essential business, you need to close your doors, work from home if possible and play a role to help contain this outbreak. This is a matter of life and death.”
Click here for the full updated list of essential businesses in Ontario.
Other provinces that have deemed auto repair essential are as follows:
Alberta has listed “Businesses that provide materials and services for the operation, maintenance and safety of transportation systems (road, transit, rail, air and marine) including delivery of maintenance services such as clearing snow, response to collisions, and completing needed repairs to the transportation systems” as essential.
Prince Edward Island listed “auto repair shops” as essential.
Manitoba listed “Businesses that service or repair vehicles,” including “car dealerships, auto supply stores and similar retail businesses” essential on Mar. 30.
Newfoundland and Labrador listed vehicle repair services as essential.
Saskatchewan has listed “Automotive dealers, auto repair and autobody shops” as essential services on Mar. 25.
Quebec defined “Service stations and mechanical repair of cars, tow truck and trucking services and specialized equipment for essential industries and roadside assistance” as essential. The province also extended its closure of non-essential services to May 4. The closure was originally scheduled to last until Apr. 13.
