COVID-19 Response Update 9
We had a great online meeting with 50 local business owners and elected representatives. Going forward plan to see more of these become available. We are working on providing a recorded version and also the notes from the meeting in the near future.
There is new information below so please take a look through.
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We learned on a call with Federal and Provincial representatives that it is expected (not guaranteed) that supports for businesses and individuals will be rolling out through Canada Revenue Agency.
To apply for these supports you may need to be registered with My Account (for individuals) or My Business Account (for businesses). Sometimes people my experience a delay if a PIN number is required to be sent through the mail. We are suggesting that this may save you time in the future.
To do so you can head to the following websites based on your needs;
My Business Account
My Account for Individuals
Even if you are not sure you will need support it does not hurt to sign up for these accounts for future use.
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The Government of Canada just announced the Canada Emergency Response Benefit. This taxable benefit will provide $2,000 a month for up to four months for workers who lose their income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CERB is a simpler and more accessible combination of the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and Emergency Support Benefit.
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Department of Business Communique
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
OPEN FOR BUSINESS
At this point, government is not declaring any businesses as essential services. All businesses (except those directed to close by Public Health) can remain open if they can follow the Public Health directives. Businesses must maintain a social distance of 2 metres (6 feet) between clients and customers. If that isn’t possible, clients and customers must not exceed five (5). In addition, businesses must maintain regular cleaning and disinfecting of workplaces and high-touch areas at least twice a day.
Some businesses who can maintain the social distancing requirements can be exempt from the five-person rule. These include grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, construction and manufacturing, transportation including trucking, rail and transit, financial institutions, agri-food and fish plants. Canadian blood collection clinics are also exempt.
In addition, there are some exemptions for self isolation and self quarantine for healthy workers that cross NS border as part of their work. These include the trade or transportation sectors, offshore workers, workers in agri-food and the fish industry, and those workers who cross the NS border on a regular, ongoing basis to travel for work. These individuals must still practice social distancing and self isolate should COVID9-19 symptoms appear.
Workplace Safety
If COVID-19 is identified as a potential workplace hazard, parties have the duty to develop internal process to reduce risk to their staff. Employees should raise their concerns with their immediate supervisor / manager or Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee.
Those who have specific questions about safe working conditions, and whether LAE will continue to inspect worksites and schedule technical safety exams, should consult the department’s Safety Branch at:
https://novascotia.ca/lae/healthandsafety/
or 1-800-9Labour.
Labour Standards – Pay and Job Security
The NS Labour Standards Code provides job protection for employees who are unable to perform work due to an emergency as defined under the Code, including the recent Order. For specific questions about pay, job security and layoffs contact LAE’s Labour Standards Division
https://novascotia.ca/lae/employmentrights/
or 1-888-315-0110.
RENT DEFERRAL AGREEMENT
GOVERNMENT PAYMENTS TO SMALL BUSINESS VENDORS
To keep cash in the hands of our small business operators, government has implemented a rapid payment process on invoices it receives from small businesses with which we do business. Invoices will be paid within five days, instead of the standard 30 days.
SUPPORTS FOR BUSINESS ANNOUNCED TO DATE
On Friday, March 20, the provincial government announced several initiatives to address cash flow and access to credit for small and medium sized businesses in Nova Scotia.
Payment deferrals until June 30 on all government loans, including those under the Farm Loan Board, Fisheries and Aquaculture Loan Board, Jobs Fund, Nova Scotia Business Fund, Municipal Finance Corp. and Housing Nova Scotia.
Fees, including business renewal fees and workers compensation premiums, will be deferred. A list of applicable fees will be posted online early next week.
Changes to the Small Business Loan Guarantee Program, administered through 15 provincial Credit Unions, include deferring principal and interest payments until June 30 and enhancing the program to make it easier for businesses to access credit up to $500,000. Other changes to this program will be announced soon.
More supports will be announced in the coming days.
ATLANTIC COMPASSION FUND
Managed by the United Way Halifax in collaboration with 10 United Ways throughout Atlantic Canada, the Atlantic Compassion Fund has been established to support community agencies and the people they serve who are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As public health measures are being made across the region, people who are already vulnerable are facing major disruptions and new risks – and many are in crisis right now. Things like a lack of access to food, medicine and transportation, the closure of public spaces, lost wages, and inability to connect with family, friends or care providers can take already challenging circumstances to unmanageable extremes.
The Fund will help meet basic needs, reduce the impact of further marginalization, and bring people back together when the time is right.
Since launched mid last week, the Fund has distributed $100,000 to agencies in HRM with another $100,000 being readied for approval and distribution this week. The UW is working closely with the province and other partners so this program supports, fills gaps and complements other efforts rather than unintentionally duplicating efforts.
GOVERNMENT BUSINESS NAVIGATORS
USEFUL RESOURCES
Government of Canada toll-free information line 1-833-784-4397
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Information from Atlantic Chamber of Commerce
Atlantic Chamber has created COVID-19 Business Resource & Information page
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Resources from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Initially issued on Saturday, an expanded call for support has resulted in over 60 plus organizations in our business coalition signing onto a joint statement from Canadian business to government reiterating the need to focus all efforts on fighting the fight on COVID-19 on behalf of all Canadians.
Our member, Deloitte, has published a useful guide on the government funding programs available to small- and medium-sized businesses.
Our member, Shopify, has compiled resources, information and tools to support Canadian businesses and help them navigate through the COVID-19 crisis, including $200 million in small business funding.
How We Are Helping Canadian Businesses
We remain in close contact with the federal government throughout this pandemic. We spoke to the Prime Minister prior to the stimulus announcement and our President and CEO, Perrin Beatty, was invited by Finance Minister Morneau to attend his press conference following the stimulus announcement. Additionally, we’ve recently spoken to Ministers Mendicino and Joly and will be speaking with Minister Ng on Friday.
