Good afternoon,

Today, we are encouraged by the good news stories as well as the myriad of resources we are able to share with our members and business community. This email includes:

  • Tap into MP Schmale as a resource - Virtual Town Hall TONIGHT;

  • Off-peak pricing of 10.1 cents per kWh now applies around the clock;

  • COVID-19 Update on Temporary Wage Subsidy Program from the CCC and M.P. Schmale;

  • Announcement of Resources and Funding Plans from the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries; and

  • Additional resources: updated listing of personal and government supports, funding for artists and freelancers, minimize damage to your credit score, webinars, and more...


Wishing you all the best.

Look for more resources like this along with our member advertisements in tomorrow's e-mail blast. Keep in touch - 705 854 0593.

Jennifer M. Locke
Executive Director
Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce
As mentioned on the virtual town hall last night, with the ever changing information. Jamie wanted to re-extend an invitation to businesses who would like an update to attend our town hall this evening at 7pm should they find that beneficial.
Details for the webinar are here:
Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device:

Password: 311450

Or join by phone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
Canada:
+1 778 907 2071 or
+1 438 809 7799 or
+1 587 328 1099 or
+1 647 374 4685 or
+1 647 558 0588

Webinar ID: 774 524 116
International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/abmBGjD3GK
On March 30, we learned more details about the Temporary Wage Subsidy Program, including: 

  • Businesses and non-profits of all size are eligible for the subsidy if they have experienced a drop in revenue of at least 30%.
  • The measure will cover 75% of annual earnings up to $58,700 or $847 per week. 
  • The measure is retroactive to March 15, 2020.

This inclusive framework is just what we have been calling for. It will help protect and preserve otherwise healthy Canadian for-profit and non- profit organizations. 

***Chamber ED Note***

This is still a good FAQ, the process will be the SAME as noted here , but the subsidy will be 75 instead of 10%, the upper limits will also change, and organizations will need to show their 30% losses later on

From the M.P.'s Office:
" There is no application required for the wage subsidy. The program runs from March 15 to mid-June. Hold on to your government remittances because you will need to be able to show your losses later."

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STATEMENTS
FROM MINISTER LISA MACLEOD

Yesterday, Minister Lisa MacLeod announced a series of initiatives to industry stakeholders on a tele-townhall conference call.

1.    I’ve re-purposed the Tourism Development Fund to the Tourism Development and Recovery Fund and increased the fund from $500,000 to $1.5 Million.

2.    I’m working with industry partners on an online marketplace and town centre for all Ontarians to access concerts, art, digital gallery and museum tours and attraction prepurchases. I’ve made an initial investment of $150,000 to match community contributions to give musicians a platform to do concerts from the safety of their homes. 

3.    Destination Ontario is actively working on a marketing program that will let the world know that when they are ready to travel and when we are a safe environment to accept them back, we will be ready. 

4.    Our government will be allowing all licensed restaurants, bars and pubs to sell and deliver unopened alcohol at their establishments.

5.    We have provided lists of Hotels to MOH, MOLTC and MCCSS to be used in the event hospitals, LTC's, VAW Centres need capacity due to social distancing. Yesterday’s economic statement earmarked $341 Million if this is required. 

6.    For our film and tv industry we are revising regulations so we can allow contract and freelance workers to receive Ontario’s three refundable film and TV tax credits while at the same time working to streamline the time it takes to complete them. 

7.    For our emerging artists, we are retooling our $7 Million Ontario Music Fund to get more money into your hands immediately during this crisis.

8.    As we know the Olympics have been postponed and many of our sport hosting events have been cancelled. Each year we invest $10 Million into our athletes through Quest for Gold and Sport Hosting events. Despite these postponements and cancellations this money will still be available. 

9.   Celebrate, OAC, OCAF or Trillium Grant will flow even if events are forced to cancel. We will invest almost $200 Million in 2020.

10. Local libraries, community museums and our governments agencies and attractions will see their money flow very quickly so when it is safe to do so, they can open their doors again to the public!
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

March 30 updated comprehensive list of business and personal supports from the government from the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade.

Here's where Canadian artists and freelancers can find help.
This list is constantly being updated.


This list is constantly being updated.


Watch for more resources and advertisements in our e-blast tomorrow.