Good afternoon,

It has been almost three weeks since the World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic. Since that time, our lives have changed dramatically, and we have all had to adapt to a new reality where school closures, self-isolation, and physical distancing have become the new normal. We know all of you have been doing your part to abide by the advice of our public health officials, and we thank you.

Governments around the world, including the Government of Canada, have mobilized like never before to put in place sweeping measures to help their citizens deal with this unprecedented situation, both from a health and an economic perspective. Against this backdrop, our role, as public service employees, has never been more crucial. The Government needs people to deliver on its commitments to Canadians. Selflessly and tirelessly dedicated people. People like you, the employees of the CRA.

We are so proud and humbled by your level of commitment, and so grateful for the long hours we know many of you have been putting in for weeks to help keep Canadians safe and financially secure in this very difficult time.

As you know, the situation keeps evolving rapidly every day, and Canada is not yet ready to return to normal. We must all keep contributing to efforts being made around the country and the world, to follow public health authorities’ advice and direction, and stay home to slow the spread of COVID-19.

On March 15, 2020 we announced that because of the COVID-19 pandemic, only employees performing critical services would be required to continue to work until April 5, 2020. At that time we indicated that we would communicate with you should there be a requirement to extend or modify this work restriction.

Effective today, March 30, 2020 and until May 1, 2020, employees who perform critical services will be asked to continue working as has been the case since March 15, 2020, but we are changing some of the work restrictions for other employees. To make sure you know what is expected , we have categorized your work into 3 groups:

• Category 1: You perform a critical service

  You are expected to continue to work, preferably from home, to deliver critical services for Canadians as defined in the National COVID-19 Business Continuity Plan. If working from home is not possible, we ask that you continue to report to the office. We are continuing to implement measures to ensure the health and safety of all employees who support critical services in the workplace, including more stringent disinfection protocols and arrangements to enable physical distancing.

• Category 2: Your work, while important, has not been identified as a critical service, but you are equipped to work from home

  You can work from home, but only if you do not create work for others who are performing critical services as defined in the National COVID-19 Business Continuity Plan.

• Category 3: You do not perform a critical service identified in Category 1 and you are not equipped to work from home, OR you are not able to work because you have to care for children during school closures, for individuals who are sick, or for other dependents

  You should stay home and enter your time away using other leave with pay (6990 code) when you return to work. For those who are not equipped to work from home, you may be contacted by your manager to come into the office to pick up equipment at a scheduled time to help ensure physical distancing and health and safety.

For those of you who fall under Category 2 or 3, we would like to remind you of our call-out last week to become a temporary call centre agent. As the new Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) is launched, we are expecting that call centres will be overwhelmed with calls from Canadians seeking financial assistance. If you are interested in lending a hand, please contact your manager or visit InfoZone by noon Tuesday, March 31, 2020.

As the situation continues to evolve, your work may become a critical services or we may be required to further modify these work restrictions. If you have any questions or want to clarify what this means for you, please contact your manager. You can also consult the updated National COVID-19 Business Continuity Plan.

As mentioned in yesterday’s ITB update, all employees can work from home without restrictions. We will continue to monitor the network capacity as usage increases. If issues arise, restrictions may be revisited and we will inform you of any required changes.

You can stay informed by visiting the COVID-19: Information for Canada Revenue Agency employees page or through our social media channels on Facebook, Twitter, and our RSS feed.

Remember to look after yourself and your family, and to reach out to your colleagues and manager to stay connected. If you feel overwhelmed or need to talk, you and your family members can reach out to the Employee Assistance Program.

We have a long road ahead, and we will be continually taking stock and adjusting our approach to ensure we can continue to provide Canadians with the assistance they desperately require during this time. We continue to be tremendously grateful for your on-going dedication, flexibility and cooperation during this difficult time and as needs and expectations change over the coming weeks and months.

Thank you, and stay safe and healthy.