April 2 | 2020 COVID-19 INFORMATION BULLETIN #5

ON THE LOCAL FRONT

We're In This Together This is likely the biggest challenge any of us will face in our lifetime but we will get through this. Our health professionals and first responders are doing their part, now it is up to the rest of us to say “Okay, we got this”. We are in this together and cooperation, collaboration, and innovation will see us through to better days. Let's follow the direction of our Health Authorities but not lose sight of how we can play a role in ensuring we keep our economy going as much as is possible given these uncertain times. Quick Hits If you have an idea or concern you would like government to address please send us a note via the Chamber's ONLINE PORTAL  If you are aware of a colleague, customer or business going above and beyond during these challenging times, let us know via EMAIL as we’d love to share the news.

A Message from Chamber President Jeffrey Robinson

On behalf of the Board of Directors, the staff and our many volunteers, I want to thank all those members who continue to join us and invest in the work we do to ensure your voice is heard in Victoria, Ottawa, and at City Hall.   If you are facing challenges, and we know many of you are, please know you are not alone. Even though we are a federal not for profit corporation, we too are facing challenges and are adjusting to the new reality. Rest assured your volunteer Board of Directors along with our dedicated staff and volunteers are here to support you where we can.   Together, as part of a country-wide business network, we have the power of the crowd. Let’s help each other come through this together.   Regards Jeffrey Robinson

City of Kelowna COVID Response Administration is looking to reduce expenditures and review the provisional budget presented in December 2019. Final budget will be presented to Council on April 27. The City is also working on an approach to coordinate efforts of the Central Okanagan business community, both public and private, to overcome the immediate economic challenges of COVID-19 while supporting and re-energize the impacted sectors of our economy.  Temporary no charge on-street parking - To help support local businesses any vehicle parking in an on-street pay parking stall within the Downtown or South Pandosy Urban Centre may do so without being required to make payment. Existing time restrictions remain in effect. Learn more of the City’s efforts at LEARN MORE

Webinars of Value from a couple of Members

One of our President’s Circle members, BDO Canada is offering a webinar on Cash Flow Strategies and Government Incentives in the time of COVID-19 The second in a series is on Friday April 3 @ 9:30am. You can register for this session online through BDO by CLICKING HERE. This is the second part of this discussion and if you missed the first overview you can review the recording online by CLICKING HERE

CMHA Kelowna is also hosting webinars on mental health in the workplace during COVID-19 . These free webinars are specifically designed to help you cope with the stress and anxiety associated with COVID-19. The webinars are only an hour long and available on various days and times. To review and register for one of the upcoming sessions CLICK HERE

IMPORTANT REMINDER: COVID-19 Fraudsters in full force As the world gears up to curb the spread of COVID-19, some people have taken to using the pandemic as a new way to scam vulnerable individuals . Anyone who has lost money or divulged personal information to a scammer, either online or in person, is asked to contact the non-emergency line of the Kelowna RCMP.

ON THE FEDERAL FRONT

Feds Provide Details on Wage Subsidy Program 75% wage subsidy - to those businesses and organizations that have seen a 30% drop in revenues. The Government says applications for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) will be able to be made April 6th though it may take up to ten days for payments to flow once applications are approved. READ MORE Just a Reminder To learn more about Canada’s support efforts for small business CLICK HERE To learn more about Canada's situation and its general actions CLICK HERE The Federal Government has created a COVID-19 resource page for Canadian businesses. To access small business loans, working capital loans, purchase order financing, COVID-19 guidance and more you can Download Canada Business App

ON THE PROVINCIAL FRONT

Premier Announces Measures by BC Hydro A universal one per cent reduction in rates for all customers. Residential customers who have lost jobs or had wages reduced as a result of COVID-19 will receive a credit worth three times their average monthly bill over the past year. It will not have to be repaid. Small businesses forced to close as a result of COVID-19 will have their April to June 2020 bills forgiven. BC Hydro will also give the option of a three-month deferment to large businesses. Major industry partners, including pulp mills and mines, will be able to defer 50 per cent of their bill for three months. More details to follow from the Province and BC Hydro/Fortis READ MORE The Province Creates COVID-19 Supply Hub This is an online platform to co-ordinate, source and expedite medical supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) for provincial health authorities to support front-line health workers fighting COVID-19. Developed by a B.C. tech company, the Hub will: Make the types and specifications of critical supplies needed publicly available.   Provide a single point of entry to review and prioritize the many offers and donations for essential supplies from business and organizations. LEARN MORE In Case You Missed It Some provincial taxes have been deferred, delayed or reduced. See the full list on the Provincial website. Businesses with payroll over $500,000 can defer their employer health tax until Sept. 30, 2020. Businesses with payroll under this threshold are already exempt from the tax. Extended tax filing is available on the following until Sept. 30th: Health tax, PST, Municipal and regional district tax on short-term accommodation, Tobacco tax, Motor fuel tax, & Carbon tax The BC Chamber has a resource page for business. LEARN MORE

And finally, we thought we'd share...  For useful background information on action being taken by Interior Health in responding to COVID-19, you can check out their website CLICK HERE

Need to add someone else in your organization to our mailing list? Drop us a line! Email: communications@kelownachamber.org .

KELOWNA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | kelownachamber.org

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