Here's Your Latest Advocacy in Action Newsletter
This newsletter will inform you of how the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce is actively working to advocate for your business. 
Federal Government Updates

There have been some major moves on the hill with the Hon. Chrystia Freeland MP taking on the portfolio of Finance Minister from the Hon. Bill Morneau. 

Canadian Parliament has been prorogued until September 23rd. A new speech from the throne will then be made, outlining Canada’s political and economic direction.
CERB Extension and Updates

The Federal Government has announced that the Canada Emergency Response Benefit has been extended from 24 to 28 weeks. CERB will now split into several different streams including:
  • Moving eligible CERB recipients to EI to receive a minimum benefit of $400 a week for up to 26 weeks.
  • Setting up the Canada Recovery Benefit, which will provide $400 for self-employed workers and those ineligible for EI.
  • The Canada Sickness Recovery Benefit, which will provide those who are either ill or must self isolate with $500 for up to 2 weeks.
  • The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit will provide $500 for 26 weeks for caregivers of children, relatives or dependents.
CEBA Loan Extended

The Federal Government has extended the Canada Emergency Business Account to October 31st, 2020. This $55 billion program provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits.

CEBA is part of the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, which is helping Canadians and businesses deal with the economic impact of the ongoing pandemic.
COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program

The Government of Ontario is making $8 million available to support small businesses and registered charities who are struggling to pay their energy bills as a result of COVID-19.

The COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program for Small Business (CEAP-SB) provides a one time, on-bill credit to eligible small business and registered charity customers to help them catch up on their energy bills and resume regular payments. Applications for this program opened on August 31st.
Canada United Small Business Relief Fund

The Canada United Small Business Relief Fund has been launched by our friends at the Ontario Chamber to help small Canadian businesses with their recovery efforts as a result of COVID-19. If awarded, a relief grant can be used for any of the following activities:
  • Purchasing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as masks, face shields, and latex gloves.
  • Renovating physical space to adhere to local, Provincial or Federal reopening guidelines.
  • Developing or improving e-commerce capabilities for your business.

Successful applicants will receive a relief grant of up to $5,000. We intend to support local businesses of all kinds from across the country (from retailers to barbershops to farmers). Before applying, be sure to check your eligibility here.
Digital Boost:
Fall Cohort Opens

The City of Vaughan, in partnership with the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce, has launched a Fall cohort of the Digital Boost: Vaughan Small Business Resiliency Program. This program helps small business owners in finding new opportunities during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. Registrations close on September 21st.