More Provinces include plumbing and HVAC/R on Essential Services lists

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In the ongoing effort to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 across the nation, more provincial governments are following the steps taken by  Ontario and Quebec and distributing lists of services deemed essential while also enforcing the temporary shut down of non-essential workplaces.

In all cases the work carried out by plumbers and HVAC/R workers appears on the essential services lists, as naturally the services are critical to the maintenance of existing residential and ICI (industrial, commercial and institutional) infrastructure as well the construction/renovation activities ongoing in the built environment.

The province of British Columbia released its list of essential and non-essential services Thursday, March 26. Relevant sections of the list include:

• plumbers, electricians, elevator maintenance providers, exterminators, property management services, custodial/janitorial workers, cleaning services, fire safety and sprinkler systems, building systems maintenance and repair technicians, engineers, mechanics, smelters and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation and daily essential operation of residences and commercial buildings;
• construction work, in accordance with [provincial health officer [PHO] direction, construction firms, skilled trades and professionals, and construction and light industrial machinery and equipment rental;

The provincial government in Saskatchewan released a list of critical public services and allowable business services that can continue to operate, effective March 26. Relevant sections of that list include:

Construction Including Maintenance and Repair

Services include:

And Newfoundland and Labrador is also limiting the retail operations that can remain open, and among those deemed essential are: Repair services (construction, electrical, plumbing, appliances and heating).