March 3, 2021
On November 24, 2020, BC’s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General ordered that all individuals must wear a face mask in all indoor public spaces, including in retail stores and in workplaces (in shared common areas of office buildings).
The order includes exemptions for:
- children under 12 years old;
- anyone who is unable to wear a mask because of a health condition or impairment;
- anyone who is unable to put on or remove a mask without help from another person.
The order’s medical exemption reflects the provisions of the BC Human Rights Code. When a person cannot wear a mask for medical reasons, but still wants to access a service normally available to the public, the service provider has a duty to accommodate that person to the point of undue hardship.
These FAQs have been created to help service providers and people seeking services understand their rights and responsibilities around the requirement to wear a mask. It is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Masks and Human Rights – FAQs for Customers Seeking Accommodation
Masks and Human Rights – FAQs for Business Owners and Staff