You're absolutely right about the gender-neutral term, but there's still some sensitivity about its use.
I'm skeptical about government's ability to pass laws on a dime that would immediately be in force. It can be done, I think, and they certainly did it with the CERB and the employment supplements. Yes, it would have to have some teeth in it, I think, particularly in the longer term, but there's no reason the office couldn't be set up immediately just to provide guidance.