Good morning,

Please see the updates and statements below from the Canadian and Ontario Chambers of Commerce on the most recent changes in government support programs for business.

Additionally, I would encourage everyone to participate in the StatsCan Survey of Business Conditions noted below, as this data will go into future support and economic recovery programs. You can submit until April 22, 2020.

Also, attached here is t he most comprehensive list of programs that I have come across - last updated April 16, 2020.

Wishing you all the best.

Jennifer M. Locke
Executive Director
Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce
CEBA Expanded, Rent Support Coming Soon

Yesterday the Government of Canada announced that upper and lower payroll limits for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) have been expanded to include more businesses. The new CEBA 2019 payroll limits are:
  • A lower limit of $20,000
  • An upper limit of $1.5 million

The government also announced its intention to establish the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program. It will provide loans (including forgivable loans) to property owners who will in turn lower or forgo the rent of small businesses for April, May and June. Details will be announced by the government soon.


Participate In The Canadian Survey On Business Conditions
The deadline for participation has been further extended to Wednesday, April 22. Just a few minutes of your time will help shape the policies of Canada’s COVID-19 recovery efforts.


Update!
Expanded Canada Emergency Business Account & New Canada Emergency Rental Assistance Program
 
  • An expansion of the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) for businesses that paid between $20,000 - $1.5 million in total payroll in 2019. This new range replaces the previous one of $50,000 and $1 million.

  • Intent to introduce the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses. The program will seek to provide loans, including forgivable loans, to commercial property owners who in turn will lower or forgo the rent of small businesses for the months of April (retroactive), May, and June. Implementation of the program will require a partnership between the federal government and provincial and territorial governments, which are responsible for property owner-tenant relationships. More details to come. 


In Case You Missed It

EXPANSION OF CANADA EMERGENCY WAGE BENEFIT
  • The federal government expanded the Canada Emergency Wage Benefit and proposed a new wage boost for essential workers, read our response here. 

ADDITIONS TO LIST OF ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES
  • The list of essential businesses has now been expanded to construction projects that are due to be completed before October 4, 2020 and that would provide additional capacity in the production, processing, manufacturing or distribution of food, beverages or agricultural products.