Weekly Update
May 20, 2020
There is a special resource page on the SNLA website where updates will be shared as they happen. Visit   www.snla.ca .
Reopening Saskatchewan: Phase 2
More details on Phase 2 of reopening dated May 19, click here.

The following recommendations should remain in place through all five phases:
  • Protective measures for vulnerable populations.
  • Individuals should continue working from home if they can do so effectively.
  • Physical distancing must be maintained, wherever possible.
  • People must stay at home when they are sick.
  • Vulnerable individuals, such as seniors and those with underlying health conditions, should continue to exercise caution and minimize high-risk exposures, such as public outings.
  • Personal hygiene will continue to be a key prevention measure.
  • Enhanced cleaning and disinfection should take place in workplaces, public spaces and recreational facilities.
  • Although the public health order regarding the size of gatherings does not apply to businesses and workplaces, they are expected to follow the recommended public health measures, including:
  • physical distancing for staff and clients;
  • regular cleaning and disinfection;
  • frequent handwashing and sanitizing;
  • use of PPE where available and appropriate; and
  • keeping staff who demonstrate or report COVID-19 symptoms out of the workplace.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Extended Beyond June, 2020
The government announced that the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) will be extended by an additional 12 weeks to August 29, 2020. They will continue consulting with key business and labour representatives over the next month on potential adjustments to the program, including the 30% revenue decline threshold. They hope you take confidence in this extended measure and keep your employees on payroll. They’re going to continue being there for you every step of the way through this crisis.

Trudeau also announced a new Industry Strategy Council, led by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Navdeep Bains and chaired by Monique Leroux, that has been tasked with studying the effects of COVID-19 on specific sectors in Canada. CNLA has reached out to see if we could participate in this council and have been advised that we have been noted as expressing our interest. This is at the very beginning stages and they will provide more information in the coming weeks.
Canada Emergency Business Account Expansion to include Owner-Operated Small Businesses
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, recently announced an expansion to the eligibility criteria for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) to include many owner-operated small businesses.

The program will now be available to a greater number of businesses that are sole proprietors receiving income directly from their businesses, businesses that rely on contractors, and family-owned corporations that pay employees through dividends rather than payroll.

To qualify under the expanded 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, and to have filed a 2018 or 2019 tax return.
  • eligible non-deferrable expenses between $40,000 and $1.5 million. Eligible non-deferrable expenses could include costs such as rent, property taxes, utilities, and insurance.

Expenses will be subject to verification and audit by the Government of Canada. Funding will be delivered in partnership with financial institutions. More details, including the launch date for applications under the new criteria, will follow in the days to come. The government will continue to work on solutions to help business owners and entrepreneurs who operate through their personal bank account, as opposed to a business account, or have yet to file a tax return, such as newly created businesses.
There is a special resource page on the SNLA website where updates will be shared as they happen. Visit   www.snla.ca .