Have you Answered the Survey Yet?
This is a 2 minute survey from Durham Region, the area municipalities, Chambers & Boards, BIAs, and BACD.

Your continued feedback is critical to shaping how we respond to this crisis, how we provide you with help, and how we advocate on your behalf to other levels of government. So we greatly appreciate you taking the time to complete this second survey.
Please note this survey asks about the severity of impacts, expected business recovery time, financial impact, and other questions that may cause high stress. The survey is completely optional, and so, if you are under stress, please know that you can either wait to respond later, or not respond at all.
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Ontario Reveals $17 Billion Response to COVID-19
Finance Minister Rod Phillips released Ontario's Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19 (March 2020 Economic and Fiscal Update). 

The government's action plan is a first step in its response to COVID-19 and includes $7 billion in additional resources for the health care system and direct support for people and jobs. 

Ontario Introduces Toll-Free Number for Businesses with Questions
The province has launched a toll-free line 1-888-444-3659 to provide support to Ontario businesses who have questions about the province's recent emergency order to close at-risk workplaces following recommendations by Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health.

Canada Emergency Response Benefit to Help Workers and Businesses
To support workers and help businesses keep their employees, the government has proposed legislation to establish the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). This taxable benefit would provide $2,000 a month for up to four months for workers who lose their income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Changes to Time-of-Use Rates
The Government of Ontario is providing temporary 45-day emergency relief to support Ontarians impacted by the global COVID-19 outbreak. As of Tuesday, March 24, 2020, households, farms and small businesses who pay time-of-use electricity rates will be charged off-peak rates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Ontario Chamber of Commerce Launches New COVID-19 Website
As the indispensable partner of business, we have revamped our website to give you, your business, your employees, and/or members additional support throughout the COVID-19 crisis. This will be our dedicated one-stop shop resource to you. We will continue to update this page based on member feedback.

Help the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade #supportbusiness
Do you offer gift cards, online services, take-out or delivery options, or are you doing something special to take care of your employees and clients? Would you like to promote your efforts relating to COVID-19? Simply respond to this email with a brief description of your services, offerings, and ways the community can support you and your business in the coming days and weeks. Remember to attach your business logo or a photo of you at work!
Contact information for APBOT Staff:

Nicole Gibson, Executive Director: ngibson@apboardoftrade.com
Iris Nicolaison, Business Development Manager: inicolaison@apboardoftrade.com
Andra Thurton, Event Planner: athurton@apboardoftrade.com
Sam Paterson, Communications & Policy Specialist: spaterson@apboardoftrade.com
Meina Lutfi, Executive & Office Administrator: mlutfi@apboardoftrade.com

Thank you to our Premier Sponsors
Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade| Website