This email is sponsored by  6P Marketing
 
CLOSES TONIGHT AT 11:59 PM!
 
Last week on Friday, we launched a BRIEF survey to collect information from employers about the myriad challenges you are facing amid COVID-19. Your input will help us consolidate issues, and share information and ideas, but most importantly, to advocate with the provincial government on what Manitoba businesses need to move forward and recover.  
 
Our methodologically-sound survey is designed and conducted by Leger Marketing, and all collected information will be aggregated to ensure respondent anonymity. If you already completed the survey, THANK YOU. If you haven't already done so, please take five minutes to provide us with crucial information.  
 
 


IMPORTANT FEDERAL UPDATES FOR BUSINESS
 
1) As of noon today, the Government of Canada's $82b COVID-19 economic response plan has received royal assent.  
 
2) The Government of Canada has enacted The Quarantine Act, mandating all international travellers returning to Canada to self-isolate for 14 days.
Effective midnight tonight, Wednesday, March 25, CBSA agents will collect address information from all international travellers, and non-compliance with the Act is punishable by law. Mandatory isolation will not apply to those deemed to be doing "essential work." Travellers will be barred from using public transit to get to the place where they will be isolating.

3) Employment and Social Development Canada: Avoiding Layoffs by Extending the Work-Sharing Program
The federal government announced that it is extending the maximum duration of the Work-Sharing program from 38 to 76 weeks. The Work-Sharing program is offered to workers who agree to reduce their normal working hours because of developments beyond the control of their employers. This may be a helpful program for Manitoba employers.
4) Innovation Canada - Plan to Mobilize Industry to Fight COVID-19
The Government of Canada is seeking manufacturers and producers who are able to deliver on some of our healthcare system's most crucial needs at this time. If your business may be able to pivot and shift production to other essential goods, this may be an opportunity to continue delivering value: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/business/maintaingrowimprovebusiness/manufacturers-needed.html

 
We're operating in unprecedented conditions. Through our research, we have compiled an employer pandemic preparedness toolkit to guide you during this challenge. We will continue to update and amend the content as information evolves. Very special thanks to our partners at Taylor McCaffrey for their valuable contributions to the robust Frequently Asked Questions section.  
 
As always, we advise you that the legal information contained within this toolkit is intended to serve as a reputable guide only, and that you should always seek legal counsel in support of your specific situation.
 

UPDATES - PROVINCE OF MANITOBA 
As of this morning, March 25, public health officials advise the number of lab-confirmed positive and presumptive positive cases in Manitoba is now at 35. Click here to view their Bulletin #31 Backgrounder. 
  • Public health officials continue advising all Manitobans, including health-care providers, to cancel or postpone any non-essential travel (international/ within Canada.) There shouldn't be any recreational, tourist, or non-essential personal travel. 
  • Anyone who returns from travel, either international or domestic, should self-isolate and self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days following their return.  (Exceptions are commercial transportation of goods and services; workers who must travel to Manitoba from a neighbouring jurisdiction for work, and
    normal personal travel in border communities including visits to a cottage.)
  • If symptoms develop during 14-day self-isolation or self-monitoring period, Manitobans should contact Health Links-Info Sante to determine if testing for COVID-19 should be considered.
  • Information about flights where a person with a lab-confirmed case of COVID-19 had symptoms at the time of travel is updated as information becomes available at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/flights.html
  • NEW! In recognition of the current challenges, the province will defer any increases to the Manitoba Pharmacare deductible that were scheduled to take effect April 1. The deductible will still come into effect on April 1, but will remain at 2019-20 levels throughout 2020-21.
  • NEW! Pharmacists have been asked to restrict prescription-filling to a 30-day supply. 
  • NEW! Twelve community testing sites are now open throughout the province including a drive-through in Winkler. A referral to these sites is needed and they are not walk-in clinics. Information about sites is available at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/locations.htm
To access all Manitoba Health, Seniors, and Active Living COVID-19 bulletins:  https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html 


 
The following are just a sample of some of the tools available to support your business, and added to our site:
 
 1) Construction Safety Association of Manitoba (CSAM): Click here to access COVID-19 Prevention Best Practices for Construction Sites.   
 
2) Manitoba Health, Seniors & Active Living: MHSAL has released a business continuity planning guide for disease outbreak for organizations - excellent tool.   
 
3) 1Life Workplace Safety Solutions: This site has a wealth of free tools related to
COVID-19 and workplace safety including videos, communication templates, posters, and information. Simply enter your data into a few fields for open access to all their excellent resources. 
 
 





The Manitoba Chambers 
of Commerce
NOTE NEW ADDRESS!
550-201 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB  R3B 3K6
T: 204-948-0100
mbchamber.mb.ca
Chuck Davidson, President & CEO


WORKING TO MAKE MANITOBA THE BEST PLACE TO LIVE AND WORK