COVID-19 Government and Private Sector Resources
BELOW ARE HELPFUL LINKS OF INFORMATION ON GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECTOR PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES TO COPE WITH COVID-19
Please check back here regularly for information on the various federal and provincial government programs offering assistance during this unprecedented time. We have also included links to private-sector sources of assistance, including banking and other institutions. We will be constantly adding additional information.
Updated: November 25, 2020 | 9:40 AM PST
Federal Government Announcements
The following is a summary of the Government of Canada’s Emergency Wage Subsidy Program.
This is a summary only. Click HERE for the Federal Government’s applicable website for full details.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS AS PROPOSED AS OF MARCH 2, 2020. NOTE THAT THE PROGRAM IS NOT AS YET PASSED INTO LAW AND THUS IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
THIS IS IN ADDITION TO THE TEMPORARY WAGE SUBSIDY PROGRAM WHICH PROVIDES RELIEF EQUAL TO 10% OF GROSS WAGES PAID IN A PAY PERIOD VIA REDUCTION IN SOURCE DEDUCTIONS REQUIRED TO BE SUBMITTED TO CRA.
NEW PROGRAM – Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS):
- As proposed, would provide a 75% wage subsidy to eligible employers for up to 12 weeks
- Eligible wages will be retroactive to March 15, 2020
- Earliest funds for this program will be available 6 weeks from now (Estimate as of date of writing – March 2, 2020)
- Federal Subsidy to pay up to 75% of employee wages for up to 3 months to a maximum subsidy of $847 per week for each employee
Businesses that Qualify (again, as of current date, follow link or check back for updates as more information is provided):
- Small and medium-sized enterprises, charity or non-profit organizations that have seen at least a 30% drop in gross revenue due to the COVID-19 crisis
- Sole proprietorship and partnerships included
- Available to all types of corporations in Canada (except non-taxable corporations and public sector organizations)
- Canadian subsidiaries of foreign-controlled companies
- Eligibility will be based upon prior period revenue comparisons for the months of March, April, and May of 2020 vs 2019 respectively.
Application Process:
- CRA will develop an online portal over the next 3 weeks to receive applications
- If you don’t have a direct deposit account set up with CRA, it is recommended you set one up immediately at the CRA My Business Account portal
- More details on the application process will be available as all aspects of the program are determined
- Eligible businesses will receive payment through direct deposit
- Businesses will be required to re-apply on a monthly basis to collect the subsidy.
REMINDER: A strict reminder and penalties are in place for any fraudulent claims for individuals, employers or business administrators providing misinformation to access or misuse the program.
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: New Support to Protect Canadian Jobs
Canada Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Response Plan
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
Government of Canada: Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): Outbreak Update:
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: COVID-19 Fraud
PM announces additional support for small businesses
PM announces support for workers and business through Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
PM announces support for small businesses facing impacts of COVID-19
PM announces new partnerships with Canadian industries to fight COVID-19
Essential Freight Transportation Exemption
COVID-19 and Canada’s International Trade
Risk-Informed Decision-Making Guidelines for Workplaces & Businesses During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Guidance on Essential Services & Functions in Canada During the COVID-19 Pandemic
COVID-19 Emergency Response Benefit
Employment and Social Development Canada: Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) – Benefits and Services
Navigating The Canada Emergency Response Benefit & Employment Insurance
Additional Support for Canadian Businesses from COVID-19 Economic Impact
Business Support
As of June 26, the Government expanded the criteria to include sole proprietors receiving income directly from their businesses, businesses that rely on contractors, and family-owned corporations that pay employees through dividends. To qualify under the new eligibility criteria, applicants with payroll lower than $20,000 would need:
- A business operating account at a participating financial institution,
- A Canada Revenue Agency business number,
- To have filed a 2018 or 2019 tax return, and
- Have eligible non-deferrable expenses of $40k-$1.5M.
Eligible non-deferrable expenses could include costs such as rent, property taxes, utilities, and insurance. The expanded CEBA is being made available gradually by more than 230 financial institutions across the country, starting with the larger banks. Other participating financial institutions will start offering the program over the coming weeks.
Click here to learn more about Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
Resources for Canadian Businesses
Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers
Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP)
Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF)
Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)
Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA)
Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
Northern Business Relief Fund (NBRF)
CMHC: COVID-19 Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for Small Business
CMHC Expands Insured Mortgage Purchase Program
Work-Sharing Program – Temporary special measures for the forestry and steel and aluminum sector
Business Credit Availability Program
Small & Medium-Sized Businesses Unable to Access Other Support Measures
FAQ – Temporary wage subsidy for employers: CRA and COVID-19
Canada’s Regional Development Agencies: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Individuals Support
Health Services
Canada COVID-19 App and Self-Assessment Tool
BC COVID-19 Self Assessment for Testing
HealthLinkBC Coronavirus Disease
BC Government MSP Modification in Response to Coronavirus
Managing COVID-19 Stress, Anxiety, and Depression
Coronavirus Disease(COVID-19): Being Prepared
British Columbia
Premier’s Task Force to Support B.C. Economy During, After COVID-19
British Columbia PreparedBC: Emergency Plan for Small Businesses
British Columbia COVID-19 Provincial Support and Information
BC Emergency Benefit for Workers
BC: Supporting Renters, Landlords During COVID-19
BC Temporary Rental Supplement (BC-TRS) Program
BC Economic Development Association: COVID-19 Resources for BC Businesses
BC: COVID-19 Supports for Businesses
BC Economic Development Association: Workplace and Employer Resources and Suggestions
BCEDA The Recovery and Resiliency Roadmap: A Toolkit for Economic Preparedness
Small Business BC: BC Business COVID-19 Support Service
WorkSafe BC: COVID-19 and the workplace
BC Financial Supports in Response to COVID-19
Key Considerations for Small Businesses in B.C.
BC Hydro Bill Help for Customers Affected by COVID-19
Fortis BC: COVID-19 Customer Recovery Fund
Province Supporting People with Relief on Power Bills During COVID-19
COVID-19 Updates: Provincial Tax & Revenue Changes
Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET): Emergency Support on its Way for Regional Businesses
Alberta
Alberta’s Relaunch Strategy: COVID-19 Recovery Plan To Relaunch Economy
Alberta Biz Connect: Guidance for Re-Opening All Workplaces
ABTraceTogether COVID-19 Mobile Contact Tracing App
COVID-19 Support for Employers and Employees
Workers Compensation Board – Alberta News & Announcements
WCB Alberta – Premium Relief for Employers
WCB Alberta – COVID-19 Worker Fact Sheet
COVID-19 Response: Deferral of Tourism Levy Remittances
COVID-19 Guidance for Managers & Operators of Industrial Work Camps
Non-Healthcare Workplace Guidance During COVID-19
Enmax COVID-19 Relief Program for Customers & Communities
Calgary Chamber: Emergency Preparedness (COVID-19)
COVID-19 90-day Utility Deferral
COVID-19 Suspending Eviction Enforcement
Ontario
Reopening Ontario After COVID-19
Frontline and Business Support During COVID-19
Resources to Prevent COVID-19 in the Workplace
Announcement on Additional Workplaces That Can Reopen in Ontario
Ontario Health and Wellness: The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19
Ontario Newsroom: List of Essential Workplaces
Ontario Providing Electricity Relief During COVID-19
Interest and Penalty Relief for Businesses Tax Bulletin
Employer Health Tax Exemption Increase for 2020
Postponing Planned Property Tax Reassessment
Ontario Chamber of Commerce: COVID-19 Pandemic Preparedness Toolkit for Ontario Business
Saskatchewan
COVID-19 Workplace Information
List of Critical Public Services & Allowable Business Services
Saskatchewan Health Authority Expanding Capacity for COVID-19
Saskatchewan Workers Compensation Board: Employer Relief Measures
Self-Isolation Support Program
WorkSafe Saskatchewan: What Employers Should Do
WorkSafe Saskatchewan: Staying Safe at Work
Saskatchewan Workers Compensation Board: Info for Employers on COVID-19
Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce: COVID-19 Resources for Business
Quebec
Re-Opening of Economic Activities
Priority Services: Changes in the Opening Hours and Days
Emergency Financial Support to the Food Banks of Quebec
Health and Safety at Work (french)
COVID-19 Government Assitance Programs
Temporary Aid for Workers Program
Concerted Temporary Action Program for Businesses (PACTE)
Home Support Workers (Direct Allowance Program-Service Employement Cheque)
Hydro-Quebec Acting for the Benefit of its Customers & Employees
Manitoba
Manitoba’s Pandemic & Economic Roadmap for Recovery
Manitoba Gap Protection Program (MGPP) For Business
Manitoba to Postpone Eviction Hearings & Freeze Rent Increase
Connecting Volunteers with Manitobans Needing Assitance
COVID-19 Public Health – Fact Sheet
Informatio for Businesses, Workplace, and Employees
Postponement of Eviction Hearings & Freeze Rent Increases
COVID-19 Information for Tenants
COVID-19 Questions & Answers for Landlords
Prince Edward Island
Renew PEI, Together: Guiding Principles & Phased Approach to Re-Opening
COVID-19 Support for Essential Workers: Earning $3,000/month or less
Workplaces with Offices Guidelines
Additional Supports for Individuals and Families
New Provincial Measures to Protect Islanders
Support Measures for Businesses
COVID-19 Business Adaptation Advice Program
Emergency Relief – Worker Assistance Program
Wastewater Operators Revised Wasterwater Sampling Plan: COVID-19
Emergency Income Relief for Self-Employed
Infection Prevention & Control Guidance for Funeral Homes
Workers Compensation Board of PEI: Deferral of Employer Assessment Due Dates Until June 30th
Maritime Electric: Suspending Disconnection
COVID-19 Supports for Renters and Landlords
Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador COVID-19 Alert Level System
Detailed Table of COVID-19 Alert Level System
Guidance for Worker/Workplace Safety Training
Physical Distancing Guidance for Businesses
Fish Processing and Buyers License Extended Until Aug. 31
Primier Announces Support for Community-based Organizations
COVID-19 and the Construction Industry
Risk-Informed Decision Making Guidance for Construction Sites Operating During COVID-19
Risk-Informed Decision Making Guidance for Employers Operating During COVID-19
COVID-19 Guidance for Funeral Homes Q&A
Northwest Territories
Yukon
Virtual Care Options for Yukoners
Guidelines for Delivery of Critical, Essential, and Other Services
Yukon Government Pandemic Co-ordination Plan
Yukon Workers Compensation Health & Safety Board: COVID-19 & Your Workforce
Guidelines for Work Camps During COVID-19
Government Announces $1 Million Increase to Tourism Cooperative Marketing Fund
Notice to Miner Arriving in Yukon for Work
Temporary Support for Event Funding Program
Cleaning & Disinfecting the Workplace
Impacts of COVID-19 on Yukon Nominees and Employers
Paid Sick Leave Rebate for Employers
Government of Yukon Making Sure Yukoners Have Home Security During COVID-19
Canadian Banks
Bank of Canada: COVID-19 Actions to Support the Economy & Financial System
Bank of Canada: COVID-19 Pandemic Response
RBC COVID-19 Update – Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
RBC How to Obtain Relief on Consumer Loans/Mortgages/Car Payments
RBC Royal Bank Decreases Prime Rate
CIBC: Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
CIBC – Being There for Small Business Clients
CIBC Update on the Canada Emergency Business Account
ATB: Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
ATB COVID-19 Customer Relief Program
Scotiabank: Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
BMO: Canada Business Emergency Account (CEBA)
BMO Financial Relief and COVID-19 FAQs
BMO Financial Relief for Canadian Businesses Affected by COVID-19
BMO Financial Relief and Mortgage FAQs
TD: Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
TD Bank Mortgage Payment Deferral
BDC: COVID-19 Business Planning Tools for Entrepreneurs
BDC: Support for Entrepreneurs Impacted by the Coronavirus COVID-19
BDC: Additional Measures to Provide Relief for Canadian Entrepreneurs
HSBC: Canada Emergency Business Account Program (CEBA)
National Bank of Canada: Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
Vancity: Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
Coast Capital Savings: Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
Other Useful Resources
CFIB: COVID-19 Small Business Help Centre
COVID-19 Quick Sheet: Public Health Orders & Government Announcements
Pandemic Preparedness for Business
COVID-19 Resources from Local Construction Associations
COVID-19 Resources for Retailers
MNP: Federal Tax Response to COVID-19
Management of COVID-19 Guidelines For Public Transport Operators
Trucking HR Canada: COVID-19 Resource Guide for Trucking & Logistics Employers
Food & Consumer Products of Canada: COVID-19 Operations Best Practices for Industry
Restaurants Canada: COVID-19 Updates & Resources for Food Service Operators
BC Restaurants & Food Services COVID-19 Updates
Canadian Franchise Association: COVID-19 Resources
CPA – BC: COVID-19 Tax and Benefits Updates
CPA: Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Feedback (PDF)
COVID-19: Understanding Mortgage Payment Deferral
World Health Organization (WHO): Getting your Workplace Ready for COVID-19
WHO: Mental Health & Psychosocial Considerations During the COVID-19 Outbreak
EDC: Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) Guarantee
EDC Helping Canadians During COVID-19
EDC: What Canadian Exporters Need to Know About COVID-19
EDC: COVID-19: Relief for your Business
EDC Increasing Financial Capacity to Support Canadian Oil and Gas Companies
Industry Intelligence