An Update from us on COVID-19 - March 24, 2020
Kensington and Area Members:

We continue to work hard every day to advocate your concerns, needs and innovative ideas.

This is an unprecedented time with lots of new information being shared daily. We will do our best to keep you updated.

Please follow the recommendations of self isolation and stay home. Take the time now so it takes less time and lives later!!!

Stay positive and support local! Many local businesses have set up deliveries or curb side pick up options!

Remember to keep your physical distance but stay social!
Call your neighbors, call your friends, call your family!

When you take care of yourself - you take care of others!!
This evening, the provincial government offered the following information for Island businesses:


  • The announcement of the temporary Employee Gift Card Program which offers a $100 Sobeys gift card to employees who have received a lay-off notice as a direct result of the impacts associated with COVID-19. Employers can apply to this program on behalf of employees beginning Wednesday, March 25th. 
 Click HERE  for further information and program criteria.
 
  • Emergency Relief Worker Assistance Program applications are now open. Employers must apply for this program on behalf of their employees. 

  • A new toll-free number to help Islanders in self-isolation and have no one that can deliver necessary supplies like food, medication and pet supplies. The number is 1-833-533-9333. Islanders that call the toll-free number can also be connected to health information and business support line, if needed.


In response to questions regarding federal government initiatives and supports, please note the following: 
  • Yesterday, the Federal Government announced that Farm Credit Canada (FCC) has received an enhancement to its capital base that will allow for an additional $5 billion in lending capacity.


  • Federal Temporary Wage Subsidy FAQ


The Chamber network continues to be here for you across the country. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce  has called for further government supports for businesses , noting that the 10% federal temporary wage subsidy is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done. They highlighted that other countries have recognized this need and are offering to cover as much as 80 per cent of the incomes of workers who are laid off as a result of the health emergency.

  • As your local Chamber, we continue to express your concerns and feedback with government officials daily and are sharing relevant information as soon as it is made available, including: Chamber resources page that is updated daily.

As always, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us HERE .
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce shares the TOP 5 things SME's need to know about COVID-19 and more! Check it out HERE

Canada’s Leading Business Organizations Call on Government to Protect Jobs and Postpone Non-Essential New Measures Read all about it HERE.
For more information, please check out our website at: