COVID-19 Chamber Resources & Government Responses
This page is a collection of resources for businesses, to assist businesses to prepare and manage through the COVID-19 pandemic. Please check this page regularly for updates.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT RESPONSES
CANADA EMERGENCY BUSINESS ASSISTANCE (CEBA)
- As of October 26, 2020, eligible Canadian businesses currently operating through a personal bank account will be able to apply for CEBA.
- All applicants now have until December 31, 2020, to apply for CEBA.
- CEBA extends from $40,000 to $60,000.
- If you have already applied for CEBA and have questions, please contact the CEBA Call Centre at 1-888-324-4201. An agent will return your call within 3 business days between Monday and Friday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm EST.
- Affinity Credit Union
- Conexus Credit Union
- Diamond North Credit Union ·
- Bank of Montreal
- CIBC ·
- RBC ·
- Scotiabank
- TD Bank
CANADA EMERGENCY RESPONSE BENEFIT (CERB)
- Applications accepted until December 2, 2020
CANADA EMERGENCY WAGE SUBSIDY FOR EMPLOYEES (CEWS)
- Support for profit, non-profits and charities
- Apply directly through CRA – qualified organizations can apply for the subsidy without the need to claim assistance through their landlords.
- Applicants can claim the subsidy retroactively for the period that began on September 27 and ends October 24, 2020. Applications are open until June 2021
- Provides direct support of up to 65% eligible expenses to tenants and property owners for qualifying organizations. Expenses include commercial rent, property taxes (including school taxes and municipal taxes), property insurance, and interest on commercial mortgages (subject to limits) for a qualifying property, less any subleasing revenues. Any sales tax (e.g., GST/HST) component of these costs would not be an eligible expense.
- Qualifying organizations can apply for the CERS through the CRA’s My Business Account or Represent a Client. Visit CRA login servicesto register.
REGIONAL RELIEF & RECOVERY FUND (RRRF)
- This new fund will help businesses, organizations and communities relieve the economic impact of COVID-19 and help businesses prepare for recovery.
- Specifically, the Fund will help your firm to:
- mitigate financial pressures so that you can continue your operations and keep paying employees
- support business projects to prepare now for a successful recovery
- Through the existing Community Futures Program, the RRRF will provide struggling small businesses with financial support, offer technical aid and resources and support local economic diversification initiatives.
BUSINESS CREDIT AVAILABILITY PROGRAM – Export Development Canada and Business Development Bank of Canada
- Provides $10 billion of additional funding to Canadian businesses facing economic challenges brought on by COVID-19.
- Helps Canadian businesses in all sectors and regions gain access to credit through EDC, BDC and private sector lenders.
- The short-term credit available to farmers and the agri-food sector will also be increased through Farm Credit Canada.
- Note: Businesses must go to their current bank first, then that bank will refer the business to the BCAP only if the bank is not able to help them. Businesses that are already a BDC client, can contact their Account Manager for information on BCAP.
CO-LENDING PROGRAM – Federal Government – Business Development Bank of Canada
- Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) together with financial institutions will offer co-lend term loans to SMEs for their operational cash flow requirements.
- Eligible businesses may obtain incremental credit amounts up to $6.25 million BDC’s portion of this program is up to $5 million maximum per loan.
- Eligible financial institutions will conduct the underwriting and manage the interface with their customers.
- Businesses should contact their financial institution to determine whether this program is a good fit for their needs.
- For workers who agree to reduce their normal working hour as a result of developments beyond the control of their employers. Changes to the program are:
- Program has extended from 38 weeks to 76 weeks.
- Businesses must be in operation for 1 year
- Retroactive to March 15, 2020. For the month of March businesses must demonstrate a 15% loss in revenue. For the months of April & May businesses must demonstrate a 30% loss in revenue.
- For more information on the federal updates to this program provided on April 8, 2020, please click HERE.
- Work Share Program & Forms
SUPPLEMENTAL UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT PROGRAM (SUB) – Federal Government
- Provide supplemental payments to Employment Insurance (EI) benefits during a period of unemployment due to: temporary stoppage of work, training or illness, injury or quarantine.
- Employers use SUB plans to increase the employee’s weekly earnings during periods of unemployment.
- Payments from registered plans are not deducted from the employee’s EI benefits.
- Payments under a registered SUB plan are not considered as insurable earnings; therefore, EI premiums are not deducted.
PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT RESPONSES
Saskatchewan Government Business Response
Health and Safety Posters for Reopening
CROWN UTILITY INTEREST DEFERRAL PROGRAM
- The Government of Saskatchewan is waiving interest on late bill payments for up to six months. Interest on late bill payments will be waived for up to six months.
- This program is available to all crown utility customers.
- Businesses that are unable to file their provincial tax return(s) by the due date may submit a request for relief from penalty and interest charges on the return(s) affected.
RESOURCES FOR BUSINESS
Canadian Chamber of Commerce Resilience Network
COVID-19 Back to business toolkit — Signage for reopening, processes and procedures.