Adapted COVID-19 measures in Alberta
- Quarantine for close contacts will shift from mandatory to recommended.
- All positive cases will continue to be notified. Contact tracers will no longer notify close contacts of exposure.
- Outbreak management and identification will focus on high-risk locations.
- Asymptomatic testing is no longer recommended.
- Mandatory masking remains in acute and continuing care facilities, publicly accessible transit, taxis and ride-share.
- Provincial mandatory masking orders will be lifted. Some masking in acute care or continuing care facilities may still be required.
- Isolation following a positive COVID-19 test result will no longer be required, but strongly recommended.
- Isolation hotels and quarantine support will no longer be available.
- Testing will be available for Albertans with symptoms when it is needed to help direct patient care decisions.
Government of Alberta Stabilize Program Phase 2: Adapt and Innovate Stream
The Adapt and Innovate Stream of the Stabilize Program Phase 2 supports projects that enable nonprofit organizations to reimagine their organization’s business model in order to resume in-person, live experience opportunities. Projects will support adaptability, organizational development, and the implementation of new business or event models. They can also focus on strengthening digital infrastructure, accessing the appropriate software, or making content accessible to diverse and underrepresented audiences.
Child care subsidy
The provincial government increased eligibility for child care subsidies and wage funding for early childhood educators. This is one step of many required to move forward on child care programs that create real and lasting benefits for Albertans in support of a strong and inclusive economic recovery
Read more
Alberta Jobs Now update
Since launching in May, the Alberta Jobs Now program has
approved approximately 2,700 applications from employers. This will help nearly 14,000 Albertans get back to work in the coming months.
Critical Worker Benefit application open to Aug. 31
Additional private sector workers eligible for the benefit since June 22 include truck drivers, farm workers, security guards, cleaners, funeral workers, employees at quick service and dine in restaurants, and taxi and limousine drivers.
Alberta 2030: Expanding work-integrated learning
In partnership with industry, employers and post-secondary institutions, Alberta’s government is
investing $3.6 million in new work-integrated learning opportunities in key priority areas through the Work-Integrated Learning Industry Voucher pilot program.
Expanding Indigenous businesses in Alberta
Aboriginal Business Investment Fund (ABIF) grants are
now open for 2021-22 submissions. These grants will provide up to $500,000 to eligible Indigenous-owned businesses for projects that provide social and economic benefits to their communities.
Diversifying Alberta's Agricultural Sector
The governments of Canada and Alberta are
supporting the Alberta Hemp Alliance (AHA) with a one-time grant to establish a provincial industry association for hemp processing with more than $300,000 over two years (2021-2023) through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
Federal Budget Receives Royal Assent
On July 12th, Bill C-30, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on April 19, 2021 and other measures received Royal Assent.
Key measures to support Canadians that will be enacted starting today:
- The extension of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy, and Lockdown Support until September 25, 2021
- The extension of important income support for Canadians through the Canada Recovery Benefit and the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit.
- The new Canada Recovery Hiring Program, which will be available retroactive to June 6, 2021 to help businesses hire workers and increase workers’ hours or wages.
- The enhanced Canada Workers Benefit which will support about 1 million more low-income working Canadians and help lift nearly 100,000 people out of poverty.
- The enhanced Employment Insurance sickness benefits which will increase from 15 to 26 weeks.
- A new $15 federal minimum wage. That will come into effect December 29, 2021.
The Jobs and Growth Fund is now open for applications.
On July 13, 2021, the Government of Canada launched the Fund to help job creators and the organizations that support them to future-proof their businesses, build resiliency, and prepare for long-term growth.
- Support the transition to a green economy;
- Foster an inclusive recovery;
- Preserve Canada’s competitiveness and future-proof SMEs through digital adoption; and,
- Strengthen capacity in sectors critical to Canada’s recovery and growth.
Applications open for the Canada Recovery Hiring Program July 7, 2021
With the
recently announced Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP), hard-hit businesses will be able to hire the workers they need to recover and grow as local economies reopen. The CRHP supports payroll as businesses grow, whether as a result of hiring staff, increasing shifts, or increasing overall pay. Eligible employers will be able to apply for the CRHP as of July 7, 2021, when the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will open applications through
My Business Account and
Represent a Client. The CRA will begin to issue CRHP payments to eligible employers during the week of July 12, 2021.
Government expands Canada Workers Benefit
With the passage of changes contained in the budget, a million more low-income workers are
now eligible for a tax refund of up to almost:
- $1,400 for workers who are single and without children (a group that does not receive many benefits); and
- $2,400 for workers with families.
A total of 3.2 million Canadians will now be eligible for this support.
Putting Poor Crops to Good Use In Alberta
The governments of Canada and Alberta, through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, are
adjusting the crop insurance program.
Government of Canada announces recipients of $100-million Feminist Response and Recovery Fund
The Government of Canada
announced 237 projects to receive funding under the $100 million Feminist Response and Recovery Fund call for proposals.
Backgrounder
The Government of Canada launches online calculator to help businesses apply for the new Canada Recovery Hiring Program
The Government of Canada
launched an online calculator to help eligible employers prepare their CRHP applications. This calculator integrates the new CRHP with the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), automatically showing applicants which subsidy will provide them with more support, based on the information they enter.
Canada Small Business Financing Program
The
Canada Small Business Financing Program makes it easier for small businesses to get loans from financial institutions by sharing the risk with lenders. Up to a maximum of $1,000,000 for any one borrower, of which no more than $350,000 can be used for purchasing leasehold improvements or improving leased property and purchasing or improving new or used equipment. Financial institutions deliver the program and are solely responsible for approving the loan. For more information
download the PDF pamphlet or
find a lender near you.
